This is an inflammatory bowel disease which is causing inflammation of the rectum and colon. Ulcerative colitis is considered an autoimmune condition in which the immune system of the body attacks its own healthy tissues, which causes them to become inflamed.
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is still not known. It is believed that a combination of environmental factors and genetics can lead to this problem. Stress can make the symptoms of ulcerative colitis worse. Ulcerative colitis can increase some symptoms, such as abdominal pain or discomfort, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and the production of pus due to the sores or ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine. The symptoms of this condition can come and go, but 5 – 10% of people who suffer from ulcerative colitis have symptoms all the time.
There is no known cure for ulcerative colitis, but you can try some of the below-mentioned home remedies, which can give you relief from the symptoms. You need to talk with your doctor about your condition because he or she will tell you which the best natural treatment for you is. [1,2]
13 Home remedies for ulcerative colitis
Contents
Psyllium seeds
This home remedy is rich in soluble fiber, which works as a bulk-forming agent, and it can improve gut mobility, and this can help to get relief from mild to moderate diarrhea that is caused by ulcerative colitis [3,4].
You should add ½ – 2 teaspoons of ground psyllium seeds to one cup of warm water, and you should drink it before it becomes too thick. You should do this natural treatment once per day until your condition improves. People, who have never used this home remedy, should begin with ½ teaspoon and gradually increase the dosage.
When you are using this home remedy, you need to drink a lot of water throughout the day because this can help to prevent constipation. Before you start using this home remedy, you need to talk with your doctor because this home remedy can worsen the symptoms in some cases. If you have bowel obstructions or spasms, then you should not take this home remedy.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is also known as methi. It can help to reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis by forming a protective coating along the digestive tract. Also, it can increase inflammation, and it can provide nutrition because it is rich in protein, calcium, iron, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. You should add one teaspoon of crushed fenugreek seeds to one cup of hot water. You should let it steep for 3 – 5 minutes. You should strain it and drink this tea once per day until you see improvements in your condition.
Supplements for ulcerative colitis
It is a known fact that ulcerative colitis can interfere with your ability to absorb nutrients, and this is a reason why you should use supplements to ensure your body that is getting the minerals and vitamins needed for its function.
You should use some of the next supplements: Fish oil (it can fight against inflammation and block chemical reactions), Probiotics (they provide good bacteria, minimize immune response and reduce inflammation), multivitamins (it can ensure that you are getting the necessary minerals and vitamins), Vitamin D (fights autoimmune diseases and contributes to bone health) and Calcium (it improves the bone strength and hormone secretion). You need to talk with your doctor before you start using some of the mentioned supplements.
Slippery elm
This home remedy can give relief from the inflammation which is caused by ulcerative colitis as it forms a gel coating on the bowel lining due to its mucilage content. Also, this home remedy adds bulk to the stool, and it can reduce diarrhea. You should add one tablespoon of powdered slippery elm bark to one cup of hot water, and you should let it steep for a few minutes. You need to drink this type of natural cure two times per day. Also, you can mix one teaspoon of slippery elm and one teaspoon of sugar in 2 cups of hot water to make gruel. You should consume this home remedy 2 times per day. [4]
Ginger
There was one study in 2008 which was published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in which is said that ginger can be a very effective home remedy for managing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis because it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [5].
Also, this is a very effective home remedy for the digestive tract. But you should not take it in excess. In one cup of water, you should put 2 tablespoons of grated ginger. You should boil this home remedy and then let it simmer for about ten minutes. You should strain it and then drink ginger tea. If you want, you can add honey and lemon juice to it. You should do this natural treatment a few times per week until you see improvements in your condition. Also, you can take ginger supplements after you have talked with your doctor.
Calendula
This home remedy has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help to manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis [4]. Also, this home remedy can facilitate tissue healing and it can improve digestion. You should put 1 or 2 teaspoons of calendula flowers in one cup of hot water. You should allow it to steep for ten to fifteen minutes. You should strain it and drink this home remedy 2 or 3 times per day.
Chamomile
This home remedy can be very effective for the treatment of ulcerative colitis because it can soothe the digestive tract and it poses anti-inflammatory properties. In one cup of hot water, you should add 3 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers. You should allow it to steep for ten minutes and then strain it. You should drink this tea 3 times per day during the flare-ups.
Fish oil
Fish oil has Omega – 3 fatty acid content and anti-inflammatory properties, which can give you relief from the symptoms of active ulcerative colitis. It is a known fact that Omega – 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that can help to reduce inflammation. There was one study in which is said that people who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders tend to have abnormal essential fatty acid profiles [6]. If you suffer from ulcerative colitis, then you should start using this home remedy by taking one gram of fish oil supplement per day, and you should gradually increase this amount to 2 – 4 grams.
Wheatgrass juice
There are some studies in which are said that this home remedy is effective for people who suffer from ulcerative colitis because it has antioxidant properties. It can reduce the rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and abdominal pain that are caused by ulcerative colitis. You can start by drinking about 4 teaspoons of wheatgrass juice on a daily basis, and you should gradually increase this amount to up to 3.5 ounces per day. [4]
Aloe Vera
There are some studies which are found that Aloe Vera is a very effective home remedy for ulcerative colitis because it has anti-inflammatory properties. You should consume 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of Aloe Vera gel 6 – 8 times per day when you experience flare-ups. Also, you can drink 2 tablespoons of fresh Aloe Vera juice, followed by one glass of water, 2 or 3 times per day for a period of several weeks. Also, you can add a little turmeric powder to the Aloe Vera juice or gel. Turmeric has a compound known as curcumin which works as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. [4]
Olive oil
This natural cure is one of the most effective home remedies which you can use as your natural treatment for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. This natural cure is rich in monounsaturated fats, and it has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. There are some in which are said that olive oil can protect against ulcerative colitis. You should simply consume 2 or 3 tablespoons of extra–virgin olive oil on daily basis.
Probiotics
Probiotics are very effective in managing ulcerative colitis and other chronic digestive disorders. They are friendly bacterial agents which are often able to control more harmful bacteria while at the same time it will reduce inflammation and it will improve the protective mucus lining of the gut. Also, probiotics are considered safe food without significant side effects. [7]
Foods that you should avoid
There are some foods that can make ulcerative colitis worse, such as spicy foods, refined sugar, products that have sorbitol, nuts, and crunchy nut butter, meat, high fiber foods, foods that have sulfur or sulfate, dried fruits, dried beans, peas and legumes, seeds, raw fruits and vegetables, dairy products (for people who are lactose intolerant or sensitive), popcorn, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. This is a reason why you need to talk with your doctor before you start using some kind of food in your diet.
References
[1] Sninsky CA. New research in ulcerative colitis: Optimizing 5-ASA administration for efficacy and adherence. Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2010;6(1 Suppl1):4-16.
[2] Schoffel N, Bendels MHK, Groneberg DA. Ulcerative colitis: A scientometric approach to the global research output and network. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2016;34:e41-43.
[3] Giacosa A, Rondanelli M. The right fiber for the right disease: an update on the psyllium seed husk and the metabolic syndrome. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2010;44(Suppl1):S58-60.
[4] Kei F, Yadav PK, Ju LZ. Herbal medicine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. The Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology. 2012;18(1):3-10.
[5] El-Abhar HS, Hammad LN, Gawad HS. Modulating effect of ginger extract on rats with ulcerative colitis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2008;118(3):367-72.
[6] Glick NR, Fischer MH. The role of essential fatty acids in human health. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine. 2013;18(4):268-289.
[7] Mallon PT, McKay D, Kirk SJ, Gardiner K. Probiotics for the treatment of active ulcerative colitis. Cochrane.
