Natural Alternatives for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis can be an unremitting ailment. The large intestine becomes inflamed and ulcerated, this can lead to abdominal cramps, fever, and in some cases bloody diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis usually begins in the rectum or sigmoid colon and spreads through the large intestine. The cause of ulcerative colitis is not clearly known. Some researchers indicate that heredity may be a factor. My personal research gauges me to hypothesize that an imbalance in immune response may be a contributor.

Conventional medical treatment remains within the scope to reduce a patient's inflammation and symptoms, and to replenish any lost fluid or nutrients. Symptoms can be relieved by changes to diet and prescription medication.
The focus of this article is to inform you about nutritional supplements that have effective results without side-effects.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Recent studies indicate that fish-oil supplements, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may reduce the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis. Fish oils reduce inflammation by modulating tissue levels of certain immune factors that promote inflammation. Studies also show that Omega 3 Fatty Acids can reduce the doses of steroid drugs.

Glutamine
Glutamine has been labeled as a "non-essential amino acid." This label may mislead some people into believing that we don't need it. "Non-essential" means only that the body can synthesize this amino acid. It is actually important.
We are fortunate that we do not have to depend entirely on dietary sources. Every cell in the body uses glutamine. Specifically, glutamine is utilized as a source of energy and for nucleotide synthesis by all rapidly dividing cells, such as the cells of the intestinal lining and certain immune cells (thymocytes, lymphocytes and macrophages). Without sufficient glutamine, the intestines atrophy and the immune function breaks down.
Having Colitis can lead to toxins to being absorbed into the blood from the intestines.
Glutamine can be safely supplemented for to maintain the structural health of the intestinal lining. People who take glutamine report to have a healthier liver and healthier intestines, and in conjunction, improved digestion and absorption of nutrients

Please do not confuse Glutamine with L-Glutamine. I do not recommend taking
L- Glutamine if you have colitis. L-Glutamine can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

Peppermint Combined With Caraway Oil.

A combination of peppermint and caraway oil can relax the stomach muscles and aids in improving the flow of bile (digests fats). This helps the food to pass through the stomach more quickly. Enteric-coated peppermint capsules can be used for treatment of pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Enteric-coated peppermint capsules keeps the oil from being released in the stomach . You will want to avoid having peppermint oil released in the stomach, because it can lead to heartburn or indigestion.

Digestive Enzymes

I have written a detailed article on digestive enzymes which can be referenced at:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/109289/digestive_enzymes_why_everyone_should.html

Digestive enzymes can be taken in supplement form to aid in the breakdown of hard to digest foods including but not limited to dairy, meat, and protein. When you lack digestive enzymes, you will tend to experience gas, bloating, and indigestion.
The gut's chief purpose is to digest and absorb nutrients. Colitis is often associated with a reduction in pancreatic enzyme secretion. Supplementing with pancreatic enzymes could make possible a better absorption of many needed nutrients.
Amongst the various digestive enzymes on the market. I want to caution you against taking bromelain.
I personally do not recommend taking bromelain for colits.
Bromelain can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and can cause bleeding from the uterus between menstrual periods (metrorrhagia) and excessive uterine bleeding during menstruation (menorrhagia).

Vitamin Supplementation

Colitis patients often have multiple nutrient deficiencies. Taking a daily multi-vitamin could prevent complications of long-term nutritional deficiencies. Research displays potentially fatal effects caused by colitis-induced nutritional deficiencies. Free radicals have been associated to colitis inflammation. When taking a daily supplement make sure it contains:

Vitamin E and Selenium - effective in suppressing free radicals which can lead to inflammation. ( Please check with your physician if taking Coumadin/ Warfarin)

Folate - may protect against the development of colon cancer caused by ulcerative colitis. A six month study showed the reduction in the risk of colon cancer by 28 percent in 98 patients who had ulcerative colitis for at least eight years. The greater the dose of supplemental folate consumed, the lower the rate of colon cancer. It was concluded that "daily folate supplementation may protect against the development of neoplasia in ulcerative colitis."

It is my hope that this article encourages you to seek out natural alternatives to help alleviate Colitis.