Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that affects the bowels. The cause is not known, though it is presumed to be a type of allergic reaction. Some theories state that it is hereditary or that when the immune system of the bowels is weakened, it causes irritation of the bowels. Let us examine the symptoms before we proceed further.

The most visible symptoms of Ulcerative colitis are pain and cramps in the abdomen. Other symptoms include blood in your stool, diarrhea, loss of appetite but these symptoms are common to other diseases of the bowel region as well. They are inconclusive unless further tests are done to lead towards a proper confirmation. Some other symptoms are fever, mucus in the stool, and ulcers in the large intestine. Nevertheless, a good physician will diagnose by examining a biopsy of tissue swab from the colon during colonoscopy.

A very similar condition known as Crohn's disease also has similar symptoms. Both Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis are jointly called irritable bowel syndrome. Blood tests can offer helpful information leading to the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome by monitoring depletion levels of important electrolytes like sodium and potassium.

The system of treating Ulcerative Colitis is in using two types of drugs. One type is prescribed to stop an occasional spurt of the disease. The other type is to be taken regularly to prevent such spurts in advance. Some of drugs that are usually prescribed are Azulfadine (sulfasalazine), Asacol (mesalamine), Immuno suppressants (Imuran, 6-MP, cyclosporine), Methotrexate, TNF-alpha inhibitors (Remicade and Humira) and Corticosteroids (Entocort and prednisone)

Of all these, the Corticosteroids are taken for a short term and the doses are tapered off and stopped for a while, since Corticosteroids are known to weaken the bones if taken in the long run. Some people resort to surgery, if the affected portion is small and is detected very early. But, this is inconclusive, since irritable bowel syndrome can still prop up in other healthy areas.

Treatment with natural Aloe Vera has been showing promising results. Aloe Vera has an anti-inflammatory action on the inner linings of the intestines. This is not only safe, but it also does not have any negative side effects other than regenerating dead cells in other parts of the body, including the intestines. Aloe Vera heals, and if taken regularly, restores your digestion and absorption. Besides, Aloe Vera can be taken by anyone right from infants to the elderly. With Aloe Vera, you can continue your doctor's prescriptions for Ulcerative Colitis.

Aloe Vera has Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharide molecules which benefit all cells and tissues in your body. As it works to soothe the inflamed inner linings of your intestines, it stops diarrhea as well as constipation. Simultaneously it acts as an intercellular antioxidant. It removes toxic wastes from the human body as it rebuilds and repairs the protective mucus lining. It helps in ensuring proper digestion and better absorption and assimilation of nutrients from food. It then restores the immune system in the intestines by promoting friendly bacteria and eliminating new unrecognized ones. In addition to treating ulcerative colitis it also eliminates the unhealthy side effects of using drugs.

Natural Treatment for Joint Pain

Pain in your joints can be caused by inflammation, arthritis, or degeneration of the cartilage. More and more people today are concerned with the harmful side effects of taking pharmaceutical drugs. There are many products that offer natural joint pain relief and one substance that is very effective is n-acetylglucosamine, or NAG for short.

Benefits of NAG

N-acetylglucosamine is one of the eight essential sugars your body needs. After hearing that, you may think that must be wrong because sugar is not good for us. The essential sugars are called saccharides and are not fructose or sucrose. When your diet includes these eight essential sugars, your body will be better able to ward off disease and infection. Studies have shown that they lower your cholesterol levels, diminish allergy symptoms, and lower body fat while increasing lean muscle. The essential sugars can also help detoxify your body of wastes and can help treat autoimmune conditions such as diabetes and psoriasis.

NAG is found in the shells of shrimp, shark cartilage, shitake mushrooms, and even grasshoppers. Fortunately it is available in supplement form. NAG can reverse cell damage and rebuild cartilage, thus offering natural joint pain relief. Since it can repair certain types of cell damage, it also helps with inflammation and the damage caused by it. Nag is an effective treatment for diseases like interstitial cystitis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Other Supplements That Offer Natural Joint Pain Relief

There are numerous products on the market today that may or may not offer relief from pain and stiffness in your joints. Here is a list of some of the best ones at reducing pain and inflammation.

• Ashwagandha has been used in India for centuries to strengthen the immune system. Joint problems are relieved because it inhibits the 5-Lox enzyme.
• Annatto Bean Powder
• Boswellia
• Curcumin (inhibits the Cox 2 enzyme)
• Eucommia Ulmoides
• Ginger Powder
• MSM (helps to rebuild cartilage)
• Yucca

What About Glucosamine?

You may be wondering why glucosamine was not included in this list. That is because both glucosamine HCL and glucosamine sulfate can only be utilized by your body if you have a certain enzyme in your gastrointestinal tract. Many people do not have the right enzyme so the glucosamine is prevented from relieving joint pain.

When the enzyme is present in the GI tract, then the glucosamine is transformed into NAG or N-Acetyl-Glucosamine. NAG is then used by the body to reduce inflammation and pain in your joints.

Colon Cleanse Side Effects - The Side Effects Of Detoxing

Medical professionals will tell you that it is not necessary to cleanse your colon. It can cleanse itself. This has been established by researchers who have spent much of their lives looking at other people's colons. But if you feel that there is some truth in the idea that we are building up a load of poisonous fecal matter in our colons, then you need to be aware of the side effects of trying to flush it away.

First let's take a look at the most obvious and most invasive way to cleanse your colon. I'm talking about a good old fashioned enema, the original natural colon cleansing technique. The basic idea is that you syringe some liquid into your anus and it flushes all the rubbish from your colon and surrounding districts. Some people see this as a fast cure for constipation but the enema is not without side effects.

Enemas should not be undertaken by people with large hemorrhoids or who are suffering from ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or diverculitis. Even if you don't suffer from any of these complaints, see your doctor before trying it.

If you take too many enemas you might end up suffering from diarrhea, stomach cramps or a loose sphincter. As if these side effects were not enough, the liquid you use for your enema could actually damage your colon. Even water at the wrong temperature could do serious harm. Enemas should be undertaken under the most rigid hygenic conditions. Cleanliness is the first concern for someone cleaning your colon using this method. Otherwise your enema will not be your friend.

But there are also side effects associated with some of the colon cleansing pills and products. There is a concoction of Cascara Sagrada, turkey rhubarb, bentonite clay, slippery elm, aloes, flax seeds, Senna, wormseed, black seeds, olive leaf extract, thyme oil powder, garlic extract, certified organic clove and peppermint marketed as Bowtrol. Bowtrol consists of a course of capsules taken over a month. Some people have had bloating and cramps after taking it. Bowtrol and similar colon cleansing products have the potential to upset your body's fluid balance leading to dehydration.

Senna is one of the ingredients of Bowtrol, and taken in excessive amounts this can potentially cause drastic weight loss - not the good kind but the kind associated with diarrhea and liver problems. Another ingredient is Cascara Sagrada which can also potentially damage your liver and cause, among other things, rectal bleeding. These are natural ingredients and people usually associate "natural" or "herbal" with health benefits. But some of the ingredients of Bowtrol can be harmful if taken in excess or by people with health problems or who are on medication for chronic illness. Just consult your doctor before you take it.

There are general side effects associated with detoxing regimes such as colon cleansing. Although they vary between individuals, you could experience sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, fatigue or bad breath. If you are taking one of the colon cleansing herbal products you will need to watch how much you eat. If you overindulge you will not be giving the colon cleansing product a fair opportunity to do its work. Also keep up your liquid intake as some colon cleaners do encourage dehydration.

If you experience side effects of colon cleansing, you might find some relief if you add yeast flakes in juices or shakes. Yeast contains vitamins and minerals. Also probiotics will be a good thing to add in your diet. If your cleansing product is flushing out harmful bacteria, it will also be getting rid of some good bacteria as well. Probiotics will help to replace the good bacteria.

Undergo Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment For Ulcerative Colitis And Crohn's Disease

This article looks into the various aspects of Ayurvedic and herbal treatment in ulcerative colitis, crohn's disease etc. You can learn about various ayurvedic medicines used in such treatment.

Patients suffering from Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease have some good news. Now, there is an Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for such diseases. Similar disease like irritable bowel syndrome can also be treated by Ayurvedic and herbal medicines. These three diseases are similar as the intestine is affected in all the three. While in Ulcerative colitis, the colon or the large intestine is affected, in Crohn's disease, it is the small intestine that is affected. Irritable bowel syndrome occurs with mild symptoms when compared with the other two. Usually people between the ages of 20 to 40 are prone to these diseases. They are painful and sometimes may become life threatening.

The exact cause of these diseases is unknown. However, studies suggest different factors like allergens, diet, environmental factors, and genetic factors as the cause of these diseases. As Ulcerative colitis is known as an autoimmune disease, the involvement of immune system is also suggested. Even psychological factors are considered as cause of these diseases according to Ayurveda. People suffering from excessive anger and anxiety are more prone to such diseases. The main symptoms of Ulcerative colitis, is of course diarrhea, where stools are mixed with blood. The disease is caused by inflammation of the colon. According to Ayurveda, it is people of pitta type, who are more prone to such diseases. The Ayurvedic system treats diseases based on their symptoms.

The most important way of treating these diseases actually lies in the right diagnosis. It is always better to treat such diseases at an early stage. In fact, some Ayurvedic medicines and herbal medicines have helped many patients suffering from these diseases. The common Ayurvedic herbal medicines used are Ulcerin compound 1 and Ulcerin compound 2.These compounds usually contains a mixture of several herbs.

Now a day, more and more people are turning to Ayurvedic herbal medicines for the treatment of Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, etc. The Ayurvedic and herbal medicines help to stop bleeding. They also help to prevent the leakage of the intestinal wall. Another advantage of these medicines is that they protect the inner lining of the intestinal walls. Castor oil is an important medicine used in Ayurvedic treatment. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Saariva,Patol and Haridra are some other herbs used in high doses to prevent these diseases.

Some other ingredients used to cure ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are Vishva, Ativisha, Bilwa, etc. Ayurvedaa uses Kamdudha-Ras, Chandrakala-Ras and Yashtimadhuk to prevent bleeding of the intestine. So turn to Ayurvedic herbal medicines for treatment of Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ayurveda also is effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome.

Diet For Ulcerative Colitis: What Foods You Should Avoid

While there are many factors that contribute to Ulcerative Colitis, it is a disease that can be managed naturally instead of treated. There are natural treatments for ulcerative colitis out there and one of them is diet. Diet is one of the factors contributing to the severity of this disease and must be managed. While it is not the only thing that needs to be monitored by those suffering from this ailment, it is certainly an important factor to consider. Certain foods can exacerbate the problem, making it important to monitor a proper diet for Ulcerative Colitis sufferers.

One the issues that people suffering from Ulcerative Colitis face is managing their fiber intake. While soluble fiber is good for them, insoluble fiber is bad since it irritates the colon and causes inflammation. This includes all whole grain foods, as well as vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. Other foods to avoid include skins of fruits like grapes and apples since these are entirely insoluble fiber.

Another food group to avoid is anything containing gluten. All breads, grains, and most processed foods include gluten and must be avoided. Most processed foods have thickening agents which contain gluten, so seasonings, sauces and canned goods cannot be eaten by those suffering from Ulcerative Colitis. People suffering from this disease can easily avoid gluten by cooking at home from scratch, using fresh produce, but there are many gluten-free products available in the market as well. Some beverages, like beer and packaged drinks, also contain gluten which is why labels should be read carefully.

Dairy can also cause trouble in the digestive tract, but only in large quantities. Anything over two to three ounces per day will cause inflammation which will lead to lactose in the colon. Therefore, it is not necessary to completely avoid dairy, but its intake must be monitored closely. The amount suitable for each person can vary as well.

Since everyone's body is different and reacts to various foods differently, the best thing to do is monitor food intake and watch how the body reacts. Some foods, like caffeine, are fine for some people but others might find them difficult to digest thus causing them distress. Write down foods that have caused you stomach distress in the past and avoid them in the future. The best way to do this is to keep a food journal so you can write down how various foods make you feel, and after a while you will be able to make educated choices without looking at the diary every time you eat.

While Ulcerative Colitis can be a distressing condition, it is one that can be managed with proper care. It is important to monitor food intake closely, best done with a food journal, and cook from fresh produce at home. More and more, it is becoming easier to eat out since many restaurant and companies offer gluten- free options, including some bakeries. Conduct research on the options available around you and incorporate them into your lifestyle so you can ensure you live the most normal life possible for you.

A Gut Feeling - Sometimes it is Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Ever heard that phrase "it's a gut feeling"? Sure you have. People say it all the time. They think it means that they instinctively know something that other people can't sense. Many people use that phrase a lot. But sometimes a bad feeling in the gut is something much more serious - like a condition called Ulcerative Colitis (UC).

What is UC? It's an inflammatory disease of the colon. It causes ulcers and sores in the colon and the rectum. It's painful. Actually it is very painful.

No one really knows what causes UC. It is often misdiagnosed as Irritable bowel or Crohn's Disease.

Sometimes it isn't diagnosed at all. That's when it can be the most dangerous. This disease is one that people just don't like to talk about. It is embarrassing to discuss with anyone, including the doctor. Because the sores and ulcers line the colon, they cause the bowel to empty more often than normal. That means running to the bathroom a lot. It means inconvenient trips to the bathroom when you are shopping, eating out, at your child's Christmas play, at a funeral, at a concert, or at work. It basically screws up your life. It can make you depressed. It will make you tired. It will make you crabby. It will cause you more pain that you have ever had in your life.

No one really knows what causes Ulcerative Colitis. Scientists believe it is some sort of autoimmune reaction within the person's body acting against itself. There isn't a cure. There are various treatments and there is pain control. Many of the treatments that can put the body into remission can also exacerbate the symptoms. It is a vicious circle.

Symptoms of UC include the following:

Anemia
Weight loss
Diarrhea
Joint pain
Rectal bleeding
Loss of appetite
Unexplained lesions on the skin

Severe cases have bloody diarrhea, nausea, severe abdominal cramps and eye problems. The pain is a cramping pain that can cause vomiting and dry heaves. The pain is severe and can last several days. Women liken it to labor pains. It seems to worsen with the action of the colon in expelling what is inside.

UC doesn't have anything to do with stress or food allergies. Steroids, 5 ASA drugs such as balsalazide, 6 MP, azathriophrine, are drugs given by physicians to control UC. Pain medication is given to control the pain.

There are times when the patient has to be hospitalized and put on "total GI rest". This means that they don't get to eat. Liquids only. This is to give the gut some time to "regroup". Only about 5% of UC patients get colon cancer.

Next time you say you have a "gut feeling" think about people who have Ulcerative Colitis. And watch out for people who have the symptoms. The information you have learned here could help them identify UC.

What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to conditions wherein the intestines, either the small or large intestines, become red and swollen. Symptoms of IBD include acute or persistent abdominal pain, diarrhea with or without bleeding, sudden weight loss, rectal bleeding, skin problems, fever, and pain in the joints. The two most common forms of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Ulcerative colitis affects the lining of the large intestines exposed to the stool. It is characterized by swelling and tiny open sores on this intestinal lining. If the ulcers worsen, they can lead to the formation of holes on the intestinal wall, which would lead to the leaking of the contents of the large intestine into the abdominal cavity or the blood. This would result to severe infection needing immediate surgery.

On the other hand, Crohn's disease usually affects the last and first parts of the small intestine, although it can appear anywhere on the digestive tract. The swollen portions appear in patches, interspersed among normal tissues. The swelling and the scar tissue produced by the swelling leads to a thickening of the intestinal wall, which then, results in the narrowing of the passageway for the food to be digested. Sometimes ulcers also form, just as in ulcerative colitis, and lead to holes in the intestinal wall.

The exact cause of IBD is not known. Scientists theorize that it may be caused by an overreaction of the immune system to the bacteria in the digestive tract. They have also seen significant genetic correlations among IBC cases.
While certain foods and stress appear to make the symptoms of IBD worse, there is no evidence that these are causative factors.

Complications from IBD can include anemia, arthritis, weak bones, eye problems, inflammation of the liver, skin ulcers, kidney stones, and among children, stunted growth and delayed puberty. These are largely due to the impaired functioning of the intestines in absorbing nutrients from ingested food. Arthritic pain is related to inflammation outside of the digestive tract.

Diagnosis of IBD is performed through varied tests. A blood test is used to determine incidence of anemia and inflammation. Stool samples are analyzed for the presence of blood and indications of infection. Both colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy may be conducted. The former allows the inspection of the lining of the whole large intestine up to the end portions of the small intestines, while the latter focuses on just the lower part of the large intestine.

A physician might also call for x-rays with barium. Barium is taken as a drink or as an enema. It coats the lining of the digestive tract, making it visible on the x-ray film. Another imaging technology used is computerized tomography scan, or CT scan.

Treatment of IBD usually focuses on the management of its symptoms through medications. The drugs used for controlling inflammation include aminosalicylates, corticosteroids and immunomodulators. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to patients with Crohn's disease, but not to those with ulcerative colitis. If the symptoms do not respond to medications, then surgery may be performed to mend or remove damaged portions of the intestine.