Ulcerative Colitis Treatment » Diet

Ulcerative Disease and Crohn’s Disease Diet

UCT Researcher — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:28:11 +0000

After being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, the first question you ask your physician is “is there is there a cure for it?” He would probably tell you that there is no cure, but treatment (medications, surgery, etc.). These therapies, however, do not work for everyone. In fact, they can lead to complications in some patients. If you are one of those Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis victims, do not be depressed; it exists diets and natural remedies that can effectively make your life less miserable.

It is, however, important to avoid all foods that trigger the symptoms of those diseases. Whenever it is possible, reduce the consumption of fatty food (fish oil and flax oil are, however, highly recommended): milk (and milk products), and fiber supplements; these products increase your stool volume and irritate the inflamed intestines. Both Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis are chronic diseases; your diet must be healthy and non-irritating consisting mostly of natural products. These medical conditions may cause deficiencies in protein, vitamins (A, folic acid, B12, C, D, E and K) and certain minerals (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium), an increase of these substances is highly recommended. Along with diet, certain herbs can also be taken:

German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) – German Chamomile has antispasmodic and analgesic properties. This plant has long been used in natural medicine against insomnia, digestion difficult (painful digestive spasms), and in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, stomach ulcers. German Chamomile is also used effectively in treating dyspepsia, swelling, flatulence, and more. No adverse effects have been reported.

Boswell (Boswellia serrata) – In traditional medicine, Boswell is used to treat fever, rheumatism, asthma and gastrointestinal problems. In addition, Boswell is shown to reduce inflammation of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions by blocking the lethal pro-inflammatory enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). This remedy can be taken in capsule or tablet, three times per day; no negative effects have been reported.

Probiotics – Probiotics are non-pathogenic living microorganisms involved in the proper functioning of the digestive system. Lactobacillus acidophilus acidophilus is one of the Probiotics; it is beneficial for the health of the intestinal flora. Without these small organisms, intestinal flora can be infected by many disorders such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. You can buy probiotic dietary supplements on the internet or in any health store.

Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides (AMP) – this is the most effective supplement you can use to fight digestive disorders including ulcerative colitis disease and Crohn’s disease. It has anti-inflammatory property, it regulate normal functioning of your intestine to prevent both diarrhea and constipation; it repairs the protective mucosa lining throughout the digestive system; it ensures healthy intestinal flora, and much more. However, it is not easy to find this in the quality and potency needed to be effective. AloeElite for one is safe and all natural made of Certified Organically Grown plants. They are 100% safe for children and adults of all ages and may be taken in conjunction with prescription medications with no incident of side effects. To get complete relief from ulcerative colitis and other digestive disorders, visit http://www.aloeelite.com or call an AloeElite care specialist at 1-888-440-5226.

How Coffee and Caffeine Effect Ulcerative Colitis

UCT Researcher — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:16:42 +0000

Anyone suffering from gastrointestinal disorders should consider eliminating coffee and any caffeine from their diet. In the case of ulcerative colitis, the lower GI tract is already irritated and hypersensitive. Dietary changes that include weaning off of coffee and all other sources of caffeine can help relieve symptoms of these disorders.

Side effects of coffee and caffeine in your intestines:

Coffee is highly acidic and it can stimulate the hypersecretion of gastric acids, irritating your whole intestinal track. Caffeine also tends to speed up the process of gastric emptying, which may result in highly acidic stomach contents passing from the stomach into the small intestine too early, which may also lead to injury of the intestinal tissue.

Coffee decreases magnesium absorption

Magnesium is one of the most plentiful minerals in the body and plays an essential role in more than 300 cellular reactions. Adequate magnesium is important for maintaining bowel regularity. It is also a crucial mineral for the biochemical process involved in wound healing, making it vital to healing the irritated lining of the colon in ulcerative colitis.

Coffee elevates stress hormones

Caffeine in coffee elevates the stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. These hormones are responsible for decreased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and a sense of “emergency alert”. Blood is diverted from the digestive system which can cause indigestion. The circulation to the brain and extremitites is decerased and the immune system is suppressed. With today’s sedentary lifestyle, the continual state of increased stress resulting from caffeine consumption can affect health especially in those types of disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis that are sensitive to stress, particularly because neural control of the gastrointestinal tract is affected by stress and emotions.

Sorry coffee lovers.

Adding a natural remedy such as AloeElite to your ulcerative colitis treatment, can also be of great aid to shorten and reduce severity of flare ups and give you more remission time. AloeElite is a super purified, potent and highly concentrated form of Aloe that can act as an anti-inflammatory to help reduce the swelling and irritation of your intestines, and help your body to heal your whole digestive track from the inside out.

Dos and Don’ts of Ulcerative Colitis

UCT Researcher — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:05:39 +0000

Do follow a well-balance diet
One of the most important aspects to remember about ulcerative colitis is that diet doesn’t cause the condition; it is merely a way of making life more comfortable for sufferers. A well-balanced and nutritious diet is very beneficial. Taking supplements can also help to adjust the nutrient intake and prevent the malnutrition that is commonly seen as a result from ulcerative colitis.

Avoid possible irritants
These involve but are not limited to:

Milk products
Saturated fats as found in animal products and dairy foods
Inflammatory foods such as, caffeine, and refined sugars
Corn products
Intestinal irritants like cabbage, Brussels sprounts, kale, couliflower, and broccoli
High-sugar fruits like watermelon, pineapple and grapes
Eggs, peanuts and soy in moderation
Foods containing gluten, which include foods produced from wheat, barley, triticale and oats

The above products will not affect and/or cause the same reaction on everyone. These suggestions are based on individual reactions and outcomes.

Do drink plenty of water
Hydration, hydration, hydration! Water not only nourishes every single cell in your body, it also flushes your intestines, soothes digestion, all contributing to avoid intestinal irritation.

Don’t drink any alcohol
especially if you are having a flare up. Alcohol can irritate the lining of the colon, and it can also interact with some ulcerative colitis medication.

Do take natural remedies for your ulcerative colitis
Natural remedies have had amazing results for ulcerative colitis sufferes! Remedies such as AloeElite, an aloe based product can be combined with your present medication regimen. Other ulcerative colitis friendly natural remedies are glutamine, slippery elm, fish oil, and cat’s claw.

5 Natural Remedies For Ulcerative Colitis

UCT Researcher — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:58:29 +0000

1. Aloe Vera products have always been known for it’s anti-inflammatory and soothing attributes. However, Aloe is most effective at it’s purest and most concentrated state possible. In my research I have found AloeElite to be an excellent, natural remedy that aids in relieving the symptoms of ulcerative colitis for a more healthy functioning level.

2. Glutamine. This amino acid is involved in the healthy turnover of cells that line the digestive track. Glutamine is also found as part of the AloeElite product, which is added for increased absorption of aloe, vitamins, and other nutrients.

3. Slippery Elm is a traditional remedy for bowel disorders. It’s high in mucilage, a substance that helps calm the intestines and reduce inflammation.

4. Fish Oil. It seems the Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, have an anti-inflammatory effect throughout the body and are able to heal the inner lining of the inflamed intestines. Although it is not proven to prevent intestinal inflammation, it definitely helps reducing existing inflammation.

5. Cat’s Claw has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and has been used for years with great healing results.

5 Great Diet Foods for Ulcerative Colitis

UCT Researcher — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:41:21 +0000

Whole Grains
Whole grains lower the risk of bowel inflammation. Involve whole grains as part of your diet such as oatmeal, whole wheat and brown rice to prevent inflammation.

High Protein Foods
Protein found in chicken, fish, and eggs aids in the repair of your bowels and intestines tissues. High protein foods also provide iron, a mineral sometimes in short supply with ulcerative colitis.

Healthy Fats
Omega-3 fatty acid, nonounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fat found in fish, avocados, and olive oil are healthy fats that aid in the healing process of your inflamed or ulcerated colon.

Fluids
Hydration, plenty of fluids and water are of great importance to promote a smother digestion, and healing.

Supplements
Absorption of vitamins and minerals can be decreased due to the side effects of ulcerative colitis. Supplements like a daily multivitamin, vitamin B complex, and other natural remedies like AloeElite can help you reach the daily recommended levels in your diet plan.

How to Eat for Ulcerative Colitis

UCT Researcher — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:12 +0000

One of the most important things for myself in dealing with IBD and Colitis was finding the foods that sent my digestive system into a tantrum and inversely the ones that seemed to make it happy. It seemed that the mostly mild allergic reactions I could have after eating were a good way to indicate what were good or bad effectors in my diet. Notice that Colitis has been seen in some cases coinciding with food allergies. Allergies cause inflammation ie.. and colitis is a type of inflammation , if you get my drift. One of the indicators I get when I’ve eaten something bad is increased heartrate, feelings of apprehensiveness, diarrhea, and when its extreme hives. So whenever I get any of those symptoms I mentally note “bad food” and try to avoid it from then on. Really I should write them down because I have run into rerun (sorry pun) episodes where I again become familiar with this “bad food”. Certain premade frozen pizzas are on my dont even think about it list. Certain whole wheat breads, broccoli and cheap hot dogs are also bad news. Good foods usually have no effects or some seem to actually make me feel better the next day. Some good ones are green olives and from what I understand they promote good digestion and reduce inflammation. Also another one is dark green salads, with romaine, escarole, spinach. Other foods that seem to be bowel kind are grilled chicken, turkey and fish and kosher hotdogs are ok. What are some of the foods you’ve found are bad / good and perhaps we can make a list of common items so as to help people new to the disorder know what to avoid.