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Natural Cures for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes an assortment of symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal cramping. People living with this condition experience inflammation in the digestive tract. And if left untreated, ulcerative colitis can result in serious complications. But fortunately, there are natural ways to control symptoms and alleviate pain.

  1. Dietary Changes

    • Like most digestive health disorders, your diet can trigger or worsen symptoms of ulcerative colitis. It's vital to recognize foods that trigger symptoms and eliminate these foods from your diet. Known triggers include milk products such as cheese and ice cream, which can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas. Other problem foods may include spicy foods, citrus foods and certain vegetables (cabbage, lettuce and cauliflower). Keep a food journal to identify your problem foods and talk with a doctor to see if a digestive enzyme supplement is right for you.

    Modify Your Fluid Intake

    • People living with ulcerative colitis should drink plenty of fluids. Diarrhea is a common symptom of this disorder, and this symptom can result in dehydration. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your body hydrated. While fluids are good, certain fluids may aggravate the condition. For example, it's best to avoid caffeine and other stimulants that may trigger diarrhea. Additionally, carbonated beverages can lead to abdominal bloating, abdominal cramping and gas.

    Learn How to Manage Stress

    • Stress doesn't cause ulcerative colitis. However, dealing with a stressful event or suffering from chronic anxiety can intensify the condition. To treat ulcerative colitis naturally, learn stress management techniques. This can include taking a dietary supplement such as St. John's Wort or Sam-E to balance your moods. Other natural remedies for stress include exercise, which releases the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin--pleasure hormones. Also, finding a hobby, getting proper rest, taking a warm bath or a massage can reduce stress and help you manage ulcerative colitis.

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