Supplements for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a bowel disease characterized by ulceration and inflammation of the lining of the bowels. Prescription medicines are used to treat its symptoms. Depending on its severity, nutritional supplements often provide successful results.

Flaxseed Oil

• Flaxseed oil contains essential fatty acids that are noted for their ability to reduce inflammation, a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.

Evening Primrose

• Oil extracted from evening primrose seeds are made up of 25 percent essential fatty acids. This is the type of omega-6 fatty acids known for reducing inflammation and aiding in digestion.

Green Tea

• Green tea contains a high concentration of polyphenols, antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals from the body. It reduces inflammation and the chance of colon cancer, which is a risk to those with ulcerative colitis.

Probiotics

• Probiotics contain millions of live, friendly bacteria that are necessary for the elimination of bad bacteria and organisms that compromise the digestive system.

Vitamin E

• Ulcerative colitis affects the body's ability to absorb fats, nutrients and vitamins effectively, including vitamin E, which is necessary in forming red blood cells.

Warning

• A doctor should be consulted prior to adding or replacing supplements with prescription medicine. Blood samples can determine exact deficiencies that can be treated with multivitamins and supplements.