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natural ulcerative colitis treatment

Read and learn more about natural ulcerative colitis treatment. For more, visit the Colitis website Colitis.PopularThinking.com

Q: this is embarassing, but i have ulcerative colitis…?
i was diagnosed with it about four years ago. they gave me a sulpha type drug, this made the symtoms disappear up till about three weeks ago. now, the cramping, diarea, blood, mucous, all the great stuff that goes along with uc is back. it has not yet returned full force like before. my question is, does anyone have or have they tried a natural treatment that has worked? i would like to try something before going back on the drugs, which i hate. any advice will help. thanks.

A: I have heard coconut oil can help alot. Try doing a general search online for ulcerative colitis and coconut.
http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/
http://www.ccfaprofessionals.org/atf/cf/%7B9BC60EE0-BE90-4E6E-8FAF-801B99E0F97F%7D/Peds%20Challenges%20NUTRTION%20Final.pdf

http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/4912/1/Home-Remedies-for-Colitis.html

Q: Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis?
I am on Prednisone, Remicade, Asacol, and Imuran and they are not helping my symptoms. I have also tried acupuncture and natural supplements to no avail. I have seen two specialists that have both suggested surgery, but I am not ready to give up. Are there any other treatments that I have missed?

A: What Are the Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?
Symptoms may include:

Blood or pus in diarrhea
Dehydration
Abdominal pain
Fever
Painful, urgent bowel movements
In addition, ulcerative colitis may be associated with weight loss, skin disorders, joint pain or soreness, eye problems, anemia (a deficiency in red blood cells), blood clots and an increased risk for colon cancer.

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?
The cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown, but it is likely caused by an abnormal response of the immune system. Food or bacteria in the intestines, or even the lining of the bowel may cause the uncontrolled inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis.

Who Gets Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis can be inherited. Up to 20% of people with inflammatory bowel disease have a first-degree relative (mother, father, brother, sister) with the disease.

In addition, the disease is most common in the US and northern Europe and people of Jewish descent.

How Is Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosed?
A variety of diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests are used to distinguish ulcerative colitis from other conditions. First, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a complete physical examination. One or more of the following tests may be ordered:

Endoscopy, such as colonoscopy or proctosigmoidoscopy
Blood tests
Stool samples
X-rays
How Is Ulcerative Colitis Treated?
Treatment can include drug therapy, dietary modifications and/or surgery. Though treatments cannot cure ulcerative colitis, they can help most people lead normal lives.

It is important for you to seek treatment as soon as you start having symptoms. If you have severe diarrhea and bleeding, hospitalization may be necessary to prevent or treat dehydration, reduce your symptoms and ensure that you receive proper nutrition.

Medications
Several medications, including sulfa drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents and antibiotics, are used to reduce inflammation of the bowel tissue, allowing it to heal and relieve symptoms.

5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). Mesalamine and sulfasalazine are principal medications in the treatment for ulcerative colitis. Let your doctor know if you are allergic to sulfa before taking this medication. He or she can prescribe a sulfa-free 5-ASA.
Corticosteroids. These anti-inflammatory medications can be used when 5-ASA is ineffective. Corticosteroids are also used to treat people who have more severe disease. The use of corticosteroids is limited by side effects and the potential of long-term complications. In general, corticosteroids are used for short periods of time to cause remission. Remission is maintained with a 5-ASA medication.
Immunosuppressants. If corticosteroids or 5-ASA are not effective, immunosupressants, such as 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), azathioprine (Imuran) or cyclosporine-A may be prescribed.
Nutrition
While foods appear to play no role in causing the disease, certain foods may cause more symptoms when the disease is active. Your doctor may suggest dietary recommendations depending on your symptoms. Vitamins or nutritional supplementation may also be deemed appropriate by your doctor.
Surgery
Surgery, in which the diseased section or entire colon is removed, may be necessary when medications are not effective or if you have significant progression of symptoms or severe complications of the disease.

If the entire colon is removed, the operation most often creates an opening, or stoma, in the abdominal wall, to which a bag is attached (called a permanent ileostomy or Brooke ileostomy). The tip of the lower small intestine is brought through the stoma. Wastes pass through this opening and collect in an external pouch, which is attached to the stoma and must be worn at all times.

The pelvic pouch, or ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA), is a newer procedure that does not require a permanent stoma. In this procedure, the colon and rectum are removed, and the small intestine is used to form an internal pouch or reservoir that will serve as a new rectum. This pouch is connected to the anus. The reservoir is called a J-pouch. This procedure is frequently done in two operations and requires a temporary ileostomy in between.

The continent ileostomy (Kock pouch) is an option for people who would like their old-style ileostomy converted to an internal pouch and for people who don’t qualify for the IPAA procedures. In this procedure, there is a stoma but no bag. The colon and rectum are removed, and an internal reservoir is created from the small intestine. An opening is made in the abdominal wall, and the reservoir is then joined to the skin with a nipple valve. To drain the pouch, you insert a catheter through the valve into the internal reservoir.

There are also other techniques that are available. All surgeries carry some degree of operative risk and post-operative complications. If you have been told you need surgery to treat ulcerative colitis, you may want to seek a second opinion to ensure the treatment prescribed is the most appropriate option. Make sure your diagnosis is confirmed by experts at an institution experienced in identifying and treating digestive disorders.

When Should I Call My Doctor?
Call your doctor immediately if:

You are having heavy, persistent diarrhea.
You have rectal bleeding, with clots of blood in your stool.
You have constant pain and a high fever.

Q: How does sulfasalazine measure up to other 5-ASA drugs such as Asacol and Colazal for Ulcerative Colitis?
I am a 23 year old male who was diagnosed with UC 8 years ago and have gone through a variety of treatments. Originally I was prescribed Asacol as well as a large dose of prednisone. I eventually went into remission and came off the steroid, but continued to take Asacol as my maintenance drug. Remission lasted for 3 or 4 years.

My symptoms started reoccurring and progressively worsened for a while, and I found that while on Asacol they were actually worse. I also know that some common side effects of Asacol are similar to the actually symptoms of UC. I had more frequent stools, increased urgency and increased bleeding.

I tried Colazal as well, but I experienced nausea and again, increased urgency. At this point I was frequently having embarrasing accidents. When I was not on medication, but kept to some natural remedies that I also take, I did not experience this as badly.

My GI doc, however, wants me to try sulfasalazine rather than stay off everything… any advice / input?

A: hi jacob, I have crohn’s disease, a type of IBD like UC. I have had it since the age of 12.

Ask your GI about the newer treatments for UC b/c the 5ASA meds don’t seem to last long on some patients plus they tend to cause nausea as well.

If he doesn’t listen to you, then get another opinion. You the ability to hire/fire your doctors at any time so don’t feel guilty. A pt. should feel comfortable discussing their concerns during their appt. and be able to work as a team w/his physician to get the UC in remission.

Remicade has been approved for colitis as well as a few others. Can’t remember the names but if you go to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America website, they have all the latest treatments listed. You can call their hotline or chat online w/a medical professional M-F 9 am – 5pm (EST) 1-888-my-gut-pain.

I hope this helps. I can totally relate to what you are going through. I went through symptoms when I was in my 20s so I talked w/my GI and he worked w/me to find a treatment that agreed w/me, thus, fewer side effects & I was able to be on it for a long time until my white cell count dropped. Then he found another medication and I haven’t had any trouble since.

Happy New Year.

Q: Cure Colitis naturally?
I’ve had Ulcerative Colitis for years and am trying a natural approach that includes diet (no dairy except goat products, nothing processed, only fish as far as meat, lots of veggies, some fruits, good fats (extra virgin olive oil, avocado) ect.)

I’ve also heard some particular foods: coconut water, papaya, flax oil, prim rose oil, peppermint tea, ect, are especially helpful.

I want to use Meditation to control stress, visualization to stimulate healing, hypnosis to help with dealing with colitis attacks, and regular exercise. (Three times a week, wraps, strength training, and kick boxing, with some biking in between days.)

Has anyone else tried this with positive results?

I’ve had UC for ten years now so I know all the basic info. I’ve heard and read countless approaches and tried them as well.
I’m not knocking anyone else’s ideas of treatments; I’m just looking for people who are trying an all natural approach right now.

Thanks!

A: An excellent reference on this subject: “Digestive Wellness” by Elizabeth LIpski. See also: Prescription For Natural Cures – Balch and Stengler.

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