Ulcerative colitis: symptoms, causes & the diet that helps!

22/02/2023
young woman drinks tea upright next to window

In recent years, more and more emphasis has been placed on intestinal health, as it has been shown that intestinal function can affect both positively and negatively the entire human body!

In modern society, a significant part of the population seems to experience gastrointestinal disturbances from time to time, with some having been diagnosed with an intestinal disease.

 

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and relapsing bowel disease accompanied by inflammation. [1] Combined with Crohn’s Disease, they form the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) and are characterized by flare-ups and remission periods.

 

What causes ulcerative colitis?

The cause that leads to ulcerative colitis remains unknown, although there are many different theories as to what triggers the onset of the disease. This particular condition occurs in both men and women, and it is most common between the ages of 15 and 30 but also after 60.

There are many who believe that intense stress and bad eating habits are some of the main causative factors of ulcerative colitis. But this is not the case, although it has been shown that they often contribute to triggering an outbreak of the disease.

According to the latest data, it is possible that ulcerative colitis is caused by a malfunction of the body’s defense mechanism, while it is also possible that it is caused by a virus or bacteria.

Environmental factors such as smoking and taking certain medications, family history, and race (white) seem to play an important role.

 

Ulcerative colitis symptoms

As mentioned above, ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission. Regarding the first case, the symptomatology can vary significantly in severity and intensity.

The majority of people with ulcerative colitis state that they experience symptoms of mild to moderate intensity during flare-ups. In addition, each person reacts in a different way, with the most common symptoms being the following: [1]

  • Diarrhea (with or without blood/pus)
  • Abdominal pain and cramps
  • Urgent need to defecate
  • Pain during bowel movements
  • Blood in the stool
  • Feeling tired
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss (unintentional)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever

The various symptoms and the general course of the disease can in the long term lead to certain complications that concern either the whole body or individual areas. Typical examples are the following: [1]

  • Dehydration
  • Malnutrition
  • Anemia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Skin problems (erythema, aphthous ulcers, stomatitis, etc.)
  • Eye problems (eg conjunctivitis)
  • Arthritis
  • Fatty liver disease

 

Diet for ulcerative colitis flare up

It is known that dietary choices significantly influence the course of the disease and can contribute both to triggering symptoms and maintaining remission.

Each person has different needs and reacts in a different way after eating specific foods, which is why it is necessary to carry out an individualized nutritional plan for patients with ulcerative colitis (designed by specialized staff).

During UC flare-ups, it has been shown that certain foods provide relief while others intensify the symptoms. Some examples from both categories are indicated below. [2][3][4]

Foods to avoid

  • Fried food
  • Spicy food
  • High fat meals
  • Red meat and meat derivatives (e.g. sausages)
  • Foods with gluten & lactose
  • Sweets
  • Soft drinks
  • Coffee
  • Alcohol
  • Processed & canned foods
  • Raw vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Nuts

Foods to eat

  • Boiled vegetables
  • Fruit (unpeeled)
  • Avocado
  • Banana
  • Eggs
  • Soups
  • White bread
  • Rice
  • Potatoes
  • Fish
  • Lean meat (e.g. chicken)
  • Kefir
  • Goat milk/yogurt

3 bowls with green mousse next to avocado banana

Vitamins for ulcerative colitis

In several cases, it is necessary or helpful to take one or more nutritional supplements, to cover specific needs (e.g. nutritional deficiencies) or to relieve one or more symptoms of the disease.

For example, people who do not meet their needs in vitamins and minerals should take a multivitamin every day, in order to restore any deficiencies or prevent their appearance.

In addition, there are several nutrients that significantly contribute to reducing inflammation, accelerate wound healing (e.g. vitamins C & E, zinc) and relieve unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. [5]

Dietary supplements that have been widely studied in cases of ulcerative colitis include probiotics (eg, lactobacilli L. acidophilus & L. reuteri), omega-3 fatty acids, some plant extracts, and fiber. [5]

Probiotics contribute to the overall health of the gastrointestinal system and relieve various symptoms (bloating, diarrhea, constipation), and can be taken safely for a long time. They help not only to induce a recession, but also to maintain it longer. [5]

In addition, various ingredients with anti-inflammatory effects have been shown to visibly reduce disease activity. Characteristic examples are the following: [4][5]

  • Curcumin
  • Resveratrol
  • Omega 3 fatty acids (e.g. from linseed oil, fish oil)

Finally, there are nutritional supplements that on the one hand act against inflammation and on the other hand contribute to improving digestion, such as Chios mastic and bromelain.

 

Herbal treatment

There are various herbs that can help people with ulcerative colitis, some of which have been studied more than others.

The choice of the ideal herbal aid mainly depends on the symptoms that each person presents (eg diarrhea, bloating).

Some herbs that seem to help significantly are indicated below: [6][7]

  • Turmeric– anti-inflammatory action thanks to curcumin
  • Ginger – relieves various symptoms (nausea, gas)
  • Sage against diarrhea
  • Dioscorea – anti-inflammatory
  • Aloe Vera gel – anti-inflammatory
  • Wheatgrass juice – relieves various symptoms
  • Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) – relieves various symptoms
  • Chios mastic – relieves various symptoms
  • Boswellia serrata – anti-inflammatory
  • Cinnamon – against indigestion and inflammation
  • Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) – reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Devil’s claw – pain relief
  • Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) – protection against diarrhea and inflammation
  • Fenugreek – anti-inflammatory, analgesic & antimicrobial action

Various emollient herbs such as Symphytum officinale and Althaea officinalis also seem to help.

It is also worth noting that when colitis is accompanied by anxiety it is in many cases beneficial to use relaxing herbs such as valerian and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis).

 

Ulcerative colitis and pregnancy

Many women with ulcerative colitis wonder if their disease somehow affects the possibility of conception, the progress of the pregnancy and the health of the baby.

According to available research data, fertility is not affected in most cases, while the prognosis of pregnancy is approximately the same as that of women without inflammatory bowel diseases. [8]

For those who wish to become pregnant, it is good to have achieved a remission of the disease, so that the pregnancy can proceed smoothly and without additional difficulty for the mother. [8]

In addition, in the event of a UC flare-up during pregnancy, the woman should inform her supervising doctor so that together they can manage the symptoms and restore the normal functioning of the body. [8]

In terms of the baby’s health, it is more likely that it will not be affected if the mother or both parents have ulcerative colitis, although this increases the chances that it will later develop the disease itself. [8]

 

When should I see the doctor?

In general, it is very important to inform and visit your doctor if you experience at least one of the following symptoms: [1]

  • Sudden change in bowel function
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Persistent diarrhea (that does not stop even with treatment)
  • Blood in the stool
  • Lasting fever (with no obvious cause)

Depending on your symptoms and after taking your medical history, the doctor may suggest a stool test, blood tests, endoscopy (colonoscopy), etc. After the cause of the symptoms is known and the necessary diagnosis is made, the available options for dealing with the problem and managing the disease are considered.

In any case, we should not forget that maintaining gut health is of the utmost importance, as it helps the whole body to function properly!

Find at Vita4you.gr a great variety in supplements for ulcerative colitis!

Rita Gkatzouli

Bsc, Pharmacist graduate of School of Pharmacy, AUTH. Specialized in Alternative Therapies, Homeopathy, Homeotoxicology, Bach’s Flower Remedies, Herbal Therary, Gemmotherapy. Blog Chief Editor at Vita4you.gr.

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Disclaimer

The content of this blogspot is not and can not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All information is provided to readers solely for informational purposes. There is no intention to substitute this content for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment.

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