What Should Those With Ulcerative Colitis Eat? Supplements and Natural Remedies

What should people with ulcerative colitis eat? What kind of disease is ulcerative colitis? Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory colon disease that can affect people of all ages. This disease occurs when the immune system reacts abnormally while fighting viruses and bad bacteria. It causes long-term inflammation and ulcer symptoms or sores in the digestive tract. It usually starts from the rectum, which is the last part of the intestine in our body, and spreads to the inside. People with ulcerative colitis should consume natural and healthy foods such as omega 3 fatty acids, probiotics, iron and folate-rich foods, and turmeric.

Is ulcerative colitis a serious disease? Ulcerative colitis can seriously affect quality of life. It weakens the body and makes it weak. Sometimes it causes life-threatening complications. As ulcerative colitis creates inflammation in the intestines, it causes the intestines to narrow, thus making it difficult for stool to pass. In some cases, it causes swelling in the intestine, intense diarrhea, joint pain, and scarring of the bile ducts and pancreas .

Ulcerative colitis gets worse over time if left untreated. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary from person to person. In people with this disease, the symptoms can be mild and sometimes severe. In some people, this disease can last for weeks or even years, even if the symptoms are not obvious.

When does ulcerative colitis go away? There is currently no definitive treatment for ulcerative colitis. But there are natural treatments that can greatly reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease. Strengthening the immune system of ulcerative colitis patients plays an active role in defeating this disease.

Scientists continue their studies for ulcerative colitis disease. A 2017 study found that the NLRP12 protein regulates inflammation in the body. Studies have revealed that NLRP12 protein is low in ulcerative colitis patients . Researchers have observed that reducing inflammation and restoring healthy bacteria can generate more friendly bacteria in people with inflammatory bowel diseases with reduced NLRP12 expression to offer treatment to patients with ulcerative colitis. {one*}

What is Ulcerative Colitis? What Are the Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?

What are the Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis Disease?

Does bleeding occur in ulcerative colitis? Symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary depending on the course of the disease. In general, most people experience mild to moderate symptoms. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the inflammation causing the disease. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

• bloody or purulent diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• rectal pain
• rectal bleeding
• Feeling the urgency to evacuate
• Inability to empty stool despite urgency
• weight loss
• Fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fire
• Growth retardation (in children)

Does ulcerative colitis turn into cancer? Ulcerative colitis causes other serious diseases in the body over time. Some diseases and symptoms thought to be the cause include:

• severe bleeding
• puncture in the colon
• severe dehydration
• liver disease
• bone loss
• Skin, joint and eye inflammation
• Sores on the lining of the mouth ( aphtha )
• Increased risk of colon cancer
• rapidly swelling colon
• Increased risk of blood clots in the veins and arteries

What Should Those With Ulcerative Colitis Eat?

People with ulcerative colitis must pay close attention to nutrition in order for the bowel to function and to reduce or even treat the symptoms of the disease. With the right diet, it may be possible to get rid of this disease.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

As a result of research, it has been determined that Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (known as EPA) play an important role in fighting inflammation. It is especially successful in destroying cancer cells in the large intestine and inhibits certain chemicals in the body called leukotrienes. Ulcerative colitis patients may experience excessive weight loss in this process. Fish oil also helps with weight gain in this process.

A 2010 review published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine evaluated a 38-year-old woman with ulcerative colitis who used omega-3 fatty acids as part of her treatment. The patient first presented to the emergency department in 1998 at the age of 27 with complaints of 10 days of bloody diarrhea and cramping pain in the lower abdomen. Over time, the patient lost about six kilograms. She also suffered from dehydration. {2nd*}

The patient has tried many treatment modalities over several weeks. These treatment methods have shown only short-term results. When the patient started omega-3 fatty acid treatment, EPA and DHA doses were well tolerated and no side effects were observed. In addition, the narrowing of the intestine gradually decreased, and all rectal bleeding stopped in a short time like a week. The patient also continued to take one gram of omega-3 and 2.4 grams of mesalazine, an anti-inflammatory drug that did not show the same reactions when given alone. It has been observed that the patient enters a period of remission (stopping the activity of the disease) after adding omega-3 to his diet.

How Should Omega 3 Supplements Be? Why Use Omega 3 Supplements?

probiotics

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that activate the digestive system , help the body absorb nutrients and fight infections. Probiotics have an active role in strengthening the immune system. Probiotics also prevent the development of allergies that may occur in the body. It is a supplement that many people need and should consume.

A healthy intestinal flora should contain about 85% good bacteria and 15% bad bacteria. When this ratio is disrupted, a condition called dysbiosis occurs. This causes the formation of a certain type of fungus, yeast or bacteria that adversely affects the body. At this point , it is recommended to try to achieve this balance by using probiotic foods and supplements.

Probiotics work by supporting the gut. By lining the intestinal tract, they fight bad bacteria. They help increase mucus production, which protects the body from invading bacteria. They have the power to stimulate dendritic cells to make them less susceptible and less reactive to bacteria. In this way, probiotics reduce the inflammation that leads to ulcerative colitis symptoms.

According to a review published in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, both were found to be equally effective when probiotic therapy was compared with mesalamine, a drug used to reduce inflammation in ulcerative colitis patients. {3*}

Probiotics are concentrated in kefir , sauerkraut, kimchi, natto, probiotic yogurt, miso, kombucha, and raw cheese. Another important food that ulcerative colitis patients should consume is manuka honey. In studies on Manuka honey, it has been observed that it has anti-ulcer properties with its strong antioxidant properties.

Foods Containing Iron

Ulcerative colitis can cause anemia due to bloody diarrhea and bleeding ulcers. Anemia occurs when the body lacks healthy red blood cells. Therefore, the iron level in the blood should be kept high.

While iron prevents anemia, it also has positive effects on general mental and physical health. Iron intake is very important for a healthy metabolism. Iron supports cellular health. In iron deficiency, red blood cells that carry oxygen to the body decrease, so it becomes difficult to transport oxygen to your brain, tissues, muscles. This makes you feel more tired and low on energy.

What can colitis patients eat? Iron-rich foods; liver, beef, navy beans, black beans, spinach, chard and egg yolks. When these foods are added to the nutrition program, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be reduced.

22 Foods Containing Iron

Foods Containing Folate

Folate is one of the essential vitamins for the body. Particularly, it plays a role in the replication and synthesis of DNA and ensures the formation of new cells. It is recommended that patients with ulcerative colitis consume foods containing folate.

What foods are good for ulcerative colitis? According to a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, folate supplementation has been found to reduce the risk of colorectal dysplasia (colon cancer) and other cancers in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis. {4*} Foods containing folate include chickpeas, lentils, asparagus, avocados, beets and broccoli. These foods are especially effective when steamed and consumed.

turmeric

Turmeric is the food with the most effective anti-inflammatory properties in the world. Turmeric contains a lot of curcumin. Due to this intense effect, turmeric is a food that should definitely be included in the diet list.

Research has shown that curcumin, rather than prescribed drugs, is more effective at curing inflammatory bowel disease. It has also been observed that curcumin supplementation does not have any side effects.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, turmeric helps people with ulcerative colitis stay in remission. In one review, ulcerative colitis patients used curcumin and a placebo in combination with conventional medical therapy for six months . It was observed that patients who took curcumin had a lower rate of relapse than those who took placebo.

What are the herbal teas that are good for ulcerative colitis? Turmeric is a must have product in the diet of ulcerative colitis patients. People who do not want to use turmeric alone can try turmeric tea. Ingredients required for turmeric tea are:

• 1 glass of coconut milk
• 1 glass of water
• 1 tablespoon of butter (pure)
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric

To make turmeric tea, firstly, 1 glass of coconut milk and 1 glass of water are added to a pot. This mixture should be heated for approximately two minutes. Then butter, honey and finally turmeric are added. It is heated for another two minutes and is ready for consumption. The amount of honey can be increased upon request.

It is very important for ulcerative colitis patients to take the necessary vitamins and minerals to the body. Nutrient absorption may be difficult due to ulcerative colitis. At this point, you may need to increase the use of vitamins and minerals with the approval of your doctor. Some supplements that may help ulcerative colitis sufferers include:

• Calcium : Improves bone strength and hormone secretion.
• Vitamin D : Fights autoimmune diseases and contributes to bone health.
• Multivitamin: Provides you with the necessary vitamins and minerals.
• Probiotics: Increase good bacteria, reduce inflammation and minimize immune responses.
• Fish oil: Fights inflammation and inhibits chemical reactions.

What Not to Eat in Ulcerative Colitis

Nutrition is a process that needs attention for ulcerative colitis patients. Colitis diets vary from person to person. For this reason, a nutrition program should be made by getting help from a specialist doctor according to the reaction of the body.

What are the harmful foods in ulcerative colitis? Foods that are difficult to digest should be avoided. Nuts, whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and difficult to digest. It is recommended to be removed from the diet lists. Cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli can be consumed to facilitate digestion.

What triggers ulcerative colitis? Foods and beverages that ulcerative colitis patients should not consume are:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• carbonated drinks
• Dairy products (for people with lactose intolerance or sensitivity)
• Raw fruits and vegetables
• seeds
• Dry beans, peas and legumes
• dried fruits
• Foods containing sulfur or sulfate
• high fiber foods
• Red meat
• Hazelnut and crunchy hazelnut paste
• Popcorn
• Products containing sorbitol (such as sugar-free gum and candies)
• refined sugar
• spicy food

What are Ulcerative Colitis Disease Treatment Methods?

The first step in the treatment of ulcerative colitis is generally drug therapy. In the later stages of the disease, surgery can be performed when necessary. Medications recommended for ulcerative colitis patients are commonly anti-inflammatory drugs, aminosalicylates, and corticosteroids. These drugs reduce the symptoms in the treatment of the disease, but they have side effects.

In patients, some aminosalicylates, such as mesalamine, balsalazide, and olanazine, cause kidney and pancreatic problems. Corticosteroids given during the moderate and severe stages of the disease have many side effects such as facial swelling, increased facial hair growth, excessive sweating at night, insomnia and hyperactivity. These drugs sometimes have more serious side effects. These can be high blood pressure , diabetes , osteoporosis, bone fractures, cataracts, glaucoma, and infection. In this process, long-term treatment with traditional medicines is not applied and it is necessary to turn to natural treatment methods.

Antibiotics are also included in the medications given for ulcerative colitis patients. It is useful to pay attention to the use of these antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance may occur in the body when antibiotics are used for a long time.

In severe periods of ulcerative colitis, surgery is needed. This surgery is done by removing the entire colon and rectum. The rationale underlying the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis is to know that the disease is limited to the colon and rectum, and therefore to perform proctocolectomy (removal of the rectum and colon). These surgeries can eliminate the use of the stool bag. In the surgical procedure, a pouch is created at the end of the small intestine and connected to the anus to empty the stool. {5*}

Ulcerative colitis patients should establish a solid diet during this process. Diets can stop the progression of the disease and help reduce symptoms. It is important to consume foods that aid nutrient absorption and reduce inflammation.

Ulcerative colitis patients should exercise during the treatment process . Moderate-intensity exercises help reduce the stress that occurs during the disease process. Exercises stimulate the digestive system. It is mostly recommended to do yoga and swimming exercises.

The more relaxed the body, the easier it is to digest food. It is very important to stay away from stress for ulcerative colitis patients. Apart from exercise, it is recommended to use meditation, stretching and breathing exercises.