Natural Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a serious condition which effects the colon and rectum, causing inflammation, ulcers and bloody stools. It is considered an autoimmune disorder. While there are no medications that can cure the disorder, patients are often prescribed steroids and a cocktail of other drugs to control flare-ups and bleeding. The only cure for ulcerative colitis is the surgical removal of the colon. The severity of the disease can range from minor with intermittent flare-ups to severely debilitating. Internal bleeding can cause severe anemia, diarrhea can cause dehydration, and the pain of a colon spasm can become quite intense. Symptoms can become so severe that sufferers of the disease have been known to skip meals to avoid the pain. However, there are several natural methods to manage the disease.

There are ways to regulate your immune system and decrease the likelihood of inflammation without the use of steroids. Steroids can cause many side effects, especially when used for long periods of time. Long term steroid treatment can lead to bone loss, water retention, insomnia, psychosis, and even organ failure. Researchers also suspect that the euphoria caused by some steroids can lead to a chemical dependence.
There are a number of enzymes and essential fatty acids that may reduce the immune system’s aggressive response to UC. Fatty acids such as Omega-3 and cetyl-myristolate have been used to productively treat a variety of autoimmune diseases. The enzyme Serrapeptase has also been used to treat UC. Serrapeptase is excellent for reducing pain and inflammation in many parts of the body, including the colon.
Several vitamins might also be very beneficial for managing ulcerative colitis. Vitamin C is known to regulate the immune system and reduce irritation. Sublingual Vitamin B Complex can help regulate the nervous system, reducing stress, and in turn, reducing UC attacks.