Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that results in chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, usually in the large intestine (colon) and the rectum.

The practitioners at Active Health can help alleviate the symptoms and reduce the amount flare-ups for those with Ulcerative Colitis with a multi-fold holistic approach.

Probiotics

One course of action includes incorporating Probiotics into one’s diet. Probiotics are “good” bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines. These are naturally present in soft cheeses and yogurt, but you can obtain them through specially designed supplements as well.

Food Sensitivities

Sensitivities to foods can often trigger episodes of colitis.  Eliminating common foods from your diet including dairy, wheat and corn for a three week trial can help you determine if there is a food connection to your symptoms.  Once the foods have been eliminated reintroduce suspect foods one at a time every third day.  If you feel a sudden return of your colitis symptoms with certain foods you should consider further testing with your medical provider.

Lactose Intolerance

This is an often overlooked cause of ulcerative colitis symptoms.  Patients of East Asia, Eastern Europe or the Middle Eastern descent have an increased incidence of lactose intolerance.  Symptoms include pain, bloating, bowel gas with varying degrees of diarrhea.  Severity of symptoms are proportional to a patient’s ability to digest lactose.  Eliminating dairy products or consuming enzymes to help your body digest lactose with meals can quickly reduce symptoms.

Digestive Support

There are various types of digestive enzymes available on the market today.  Adding enzymes and supplements to help with digestion and provide relief for the symptoms of colitis.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can help relieve the pain and associated stress to allow your colitis to heal. According to traditional Chinese medicine, pain results from blocked energy along energy pathways of the body, which are unblocked when acupuncture needles are inserted along these invisible pathways. A scientific explanation is that acupuncture releases natural pain-relieving opioids, sends signals that calm the sympathetic nervous system, and releases neurochemicals and hormones.

Stress Management

Stress can often complicate symptoms of ulcerative colitis.  Many patients have achieved relief by simply eliminating stressors.  Massage therapy and stress management training along with moderate exercise, modified diet, behavioral techniques and self-care strategies are available to our patients after an initial consultation with our team at Active Health. Call us today for a healthy you tomorrow, 847-739-3120.

Resouces:

http://www.healthline.com/health/ulcerative-colitis-take-control-natural-remedies

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/digestivedisorders/a/Colitis_Remedy.htm

http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/probiotics-topic-overview