Nutrition and Ulcerative Colitis
19 October 2006 – 9:53 amWhat is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); it causes ulcers (sores) and inflammation of the membrane lining of the large intestine and sometimes the ileum. The ulcers appear in the spots where the inflammation has destroyed the membrane lining; these ulcers bleed and produce pus and mucus which appears in the stools. The inflammation causes the bowel to empty on a regular occurrence causing diarrhoea.*
Nutritional and natural ways to reduce the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
There are many actions you can take to reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. The essential fatty acids in oily fish are very good at reducing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Including oily fish such as:
- Mackerel
- Pilchards
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Trout
- Tuna
in the diet will be beneficial plus supplementing your diet with fish oil extracts will also be helpful.
Keeping your bowel in good health with:
- Aloe vera
- Colloidal silicol gel
- Evening primrose oil supplements
- Probiotic supplement
- Psyllium husk fibre
is a good positive step to take.
Avoiding certain foods may also help with the symptoms of your ulcerative colitis, foods such as:
- Dairy products
- High fibre foods
- Refined sugars
- Spicy foods
- Wheat and gluten products.
- Yeast products
Keep your fluid intake up, by drinking plenty of mineral water, a litre a day should be fine. Other supplements which may also help you are boswellia resin and to protect against colon cancer – folic acid. People who suffer long term from ulcerative colitis have the chances of developing colon cancer increased by the condition. With ulcerative colitis it is vital to stick to a well balanced nutritional diet, as nutrient deficiency is very common with the condition. It may well be worth visiting a nutritional therapist or dietician to help you plan your diet.*
*Taken from ‘Beating ‘that bloated feeling’ naturally’ – Chapter 7, Colitis – Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease.
