Ulcerative Colitis Remission: What Helps

1. Medication

Medication is the mainstay of treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC). Medications that can help induce and maintain remission include:

* 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) drugs: These drugs, such as mesalamine and olsalazine, can help reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups.

* Corticosteroids: These drugs, such as prednisone and budesonide, can help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.

* Immunomodulators: These drugs, such as azathioprine and methotrexate, can help suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.

* Biologics: These drugs, such as infliximab, adalimumab, and vedolizumab, are used to treat moderate to severe UC. Biologics target specific proteins in the immune system to reduce inflammation.

* Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors: These drugs, such as tofacitinib and upadacitinib, are used to treat moderate to severe UC. JAK inhibitors block the action of certain proteins that are involved in the inflammatory process.

2. Diet

Certain dietary changes can help improve symptoms of UC and may help induce and maintain remission. These include:

* Eating a low-fiber diet: Fiber-rich foods can irritate the colon and worsen UC symptoms.

* Avoiding trigger foods: Certain foods, such as dairy products, spicy foods, and alcohol, can trigger UC symptoms in some people.

* Drinking plenty of fluids: Dehydration can worsen UC symptoms.

* Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that may help improve gut health and reduce inflammation in UC patients.

3. Lifestyle Changes

Certain lifestyle changes can help manage UC and promote remission. These include:

* Getting regular exercise: Exercise can help improve overall health and well-being, which can positively impact UC symptoms.

* Reducing stress: Stress can trigger UC flare-ups. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or exercise, can be beneficial.

* Getting enough sleep: Adequate sleep is important for overall health and can help reduce stress, both of which can impact UC symptoms.

* Smoking cessation: Smoking can worsen UC symptoms and increase the risk of developing complications.

4. Surgery

Surgery may be necessary in some cases of UC that are severe or do not respond to medication. Surgery can involve removing the colon and rectum (colectomy) or creating an internal pouch (ileal pouch-anal anastomosis) to store stool.