7 Ways to Manage Ulcerative Colitis Naturally

By
Dr. Vikram Chauhan
-
Ulcerative-colitis
Credits: stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ulcerative Colitis is characterised by inflammation, pain, redness, ulcers and scarring in the inner lining of the large intestine or colon which leads to mucus and bloody diarrhoea. The main cause of ulcerative colitis is still unknown. It is an irritable bowel disorder. The three major factors which causes ulcerative colitis are.

Environmental Factors: This involves diet, air pollution, smoking and hygiene which are the contributory factors.

Autoimmune Disorders: The response of the human body to bacterial or viral infection causes inflammation which is associated with ulcerative colitis. When infection reaches the immune system it causes inflammation.

Genetic Factors: Ulcerative colitis is more prevalent in certain ethnic groups like Caucasian.  People with a family history of ulcerative colitis have a higher risk of developing the disease.

High intake of linoleic acid: It is a common dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid found in red meat, some cooking oils and margarine that may cause ulcerative colitis.

Being a chronic ailment, symptoms develops gradually over the years which involves

  • Swelling, abdominal pain and cramps
  • Diarrhoea and dehydration
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Bloody diarrhoea and anaemia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Liver ailments
  • Tenesmus

Ulcerative colitis is broadly classified as below

  • Ulcerative procitis involves rectal inflammation with rectal bleeding and rectal pain.
  • Proctosigmoiditis is inflammation of rectum and the sigmoid colon i.e. lower end of colon.
  • Left sided colitis is the inflammation of rectum and left side through the sigmoid and descending colon.
  • Pan colitis involves inflammation of entire colon.
  • Fulminant colitis is a rare form of colitis that maybe life threatening as the whole colon is affected.

7 ways to manage ulcerative colitis naturally

Green tea is very effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Diarrhoea and weight loss can be managed by using green tea extract. Green tea inhibits the production of tumour necrosis factor alpha i.e. TNF-alpha. Green tea reduces the secretion of interleukin-8, an inflammatory compound released by immune system cells. It also prevents colon cancer and is a popular possible treatment for ulcerative colitis.

Olive oil contains omega-9 fatty acid which reduces the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Major cases of ulcerative colitis can be prevented by consuming high amounts of oleic acid as this will dampen down bowel inflammation by blocking chemicals that stimulates inflammation.

Yogurt with banana is very good when patient consumes it with banana. Take daily once or twice daily for better results. It heals the ulcers and provides soothing effects.

Turmeric has antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-microbial activity. Curcumin is an active photochemical compound of turmeric which possesses pharmacological benefits. Curcumin is effective in preventing ulcerative colitis and inflammation. It is effective in mediating the inhibitory effects by removing free radicals, increasing antioxidants and inhibiting the transcription factor NF-kB. It also helps in remission of the disease and prevents relapse.

Eat an apple after meals. Ulcerative colitis is associated with blood loss. This results in loss of iron. Apple plays an important role to recover this iron loss. Apple are great source of iron. Apples will improve the appetite and get rid of that bloating feeling. If ulcerative colitis is active and there is bleeding, remove apple skin before eating or drink a glass of apple juice, as that would replace the iron lost from bleeding, and it would give the strength. Consume boiled apple for better results.

Pomegranate contains a number of healthy constituents involving antioxidants and polyphenols. Antioxidants protects the human cells from harmful free radicals and polyphenols serves lots of protective actions including as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities which is necessary for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Pomegranate juice is preferable than fruit. Drink 50 ml of pomegranate juice twice in a day to relieve abdominal pain and bleeding.

Have juice of rose petals and marigold flowers, 20 ml daily is enough. Or just chew fresh leaves 3 to 4 times daily. This wonderful home remedy helps to arrest the bleeding and provides the soothening effects.


The most important part is to avoid foods and coarse or rough fiber that causes stomach bloating or can scratch the lining of the colon. Drink plenty of water, fruit juices and learn to relax. Stay away from all kinds of stress factors.These steps helps to relieve ulcerative colitis in many people.