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- m - n Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the general name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. Ulcerative colitis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and to another type of IBD called Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease differs from ulcerative colitis because it causes inflammation deeper within the intestinal wall. Crohn's disease usually occurs in the small intestine, but it can also occur in the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, large intestine, appendix, and anus Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine. The inflammation usually occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon, but it may affect the entire colon. Ulcerative colitis rarely affects the small intestine except for the lower section, called the ileum. The inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, causing diarrhoea. Ulcers form in places where the inflammation has killed colon-lining cells; the ulcers bleed and produce mucus. Ulcerative colitis occurs most often in people ages 15 to 40, although children and older people sometimes develop the disease. It affects men and women equally and appears to run in some families. The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. Patients also may experience fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, rectal bleeding, and loss of body fluids and nutrients. Ulcerative colitis may also cause problems such as arthritis, inflammation of the eye, liver disease, osteoporosis, skin rashes, anaemia, and kidney stones. No one knows for sure why problems occur outside the colon. Scientists think these complications may occur when the immune system triggers inflammation in other parts of the body, but these problems are usually mild and go away when the colitis is treated. Complementary Treatment Nutritional Therapy. Eat a diet low in salicylates - which are chemically similar to Aspirin. Aspirin is contra-indicated in people with Ulcerative Colitis. Low salicylate foods include. apples, mangoes, pomegranates, beans, cabbage, celery, peas, lentils, lettuce, soya sauce, almonds, brazil nuts, peanuts, pine nuts, pistachio nuts, sesame seeds, walnuts, wheat, oats, barley, rye, rice, meat, fish, dairy product, and eggs. Eliminate all known food allergens from the diet. Consider taking probiotics such as acidophilous bifidus 2/3 times a day. Increase your intake of essential fatty acids and bromelain. Also, try Aloe Vera juice which has an anti-inflammatory effect on the colon. Herbal Therapy. Liquorice root helps to promote healing of the bowel (do not take if you have high blood pressure). Enteric-coated peppermint oil will help to reduce bowel irritability. The Ayurvedic herb Boswellia serrata has been found to be very effective. * Probiotics * Essential Fatty Acids * Bromelain * Aloe Vera * Liquorice Root * Peppermint Oil * Boswellia * To purchase any of these nutritional and herbal supplements go to the CHC Shop Other suitable therapies include aromatherapy, homeopathy, acupuncture and massage To find out more about common gastro-intestinal conditions go to CHC Ailments Also See:
You are recommended to seek advice of a qualified health practitioner. To find a qualified practitioner in your area look in the Practitioner Directory.
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