Treatment for ulcerative colitis
Treatment for ulcerative colitis is known for its low success rate. In some cases, treatment for ulcerative colitis requires using steroids and other medication; in others, surgery is the only option for treating ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is very similar to Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. The causes of ulcerative colitis include genetic factors, diet and food habits, and the environment. Some also classify it as an autoimmune disease—the body’s immune system turns against the body itself.
Treatment of ulcerative colitis is dependent on the severity of the condition. Most individuals are treated with medicines; in severe cases, the individual needs surgery to remove a diseased colon. The cure for ulcerative colitis is surgery.
Some people can control their symptoms by avoiding foods bad for their intestines, such as milk and sugar, raw fruits and vegetables, and highly seasoned foods. Every individual may experience it differently so that the treatment can be adjusted for each person. The psychological and emotional support is quite significant.
Many treatments for ulcerative colitis depend on the extent and severity of the disease. While simple drugs can treat irritable bowel syndrome swiftly, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease require serious medical attention.
Drugs for ulcerative colitis are used more commonly than any other form of treatment for ulcerative colitis and are used in more than 70% of cases. It entails an initial drug course to start the cure, then maintenance drugs. A class of drugs known as aminosalicylates is used. Aminosalicylates are medicines like Mesalazine, Sulfasalazine, Balsalazide, Olsalazine, and Dipentum. Sulfasalazine can make you sick, make you vomit, lower your sperm count, and hurt your nerves, hearing, blood cells, and liver.
Corticosteroids are also used. Corticosteroids include cortisone, prednisone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, and budesonide. Apart from these, immunosuppressive drugs and TNF inhibitors are also used. Also, new drugs like methotrexate, heparin, and anti-integrin antibodies are being tested with varying degrees of success.
Sometimes, surgery is also recommended for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Besides, there are many natural treatments for ulcerative colitis, like dietary control, consumption of certain fats and oils, herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, and so on. This natural treatment for ulcerative colitis has proven effective without causing any side effects.
The best place to get ulcerative colitis information is from your doctor. Still, knowing that friends, family members, and patients sometimes do not get as much information as they need, this article attempts to answer questions such as “What is ulcerative colitis?” and provide more information about it.
Research:
Researchers are always looking for new treatments for ulcerative colitis. The therapies being examined for their usefulness in the treatment of the disease involve:
Budesonide: The corticosteroid is as helpful as prednisone in treating mild ulcerative colitis and has fewer side effects.
Biological agents involve interferons, monoclonal antibodies, and other compounds living creatures build. The researchers help modify these drugs to act with reduced side effects and study the impact on individuals with ulcerative colitis.
Nicotine: in a prior study, the signs improved in some people who were provided nicotine through an enema or a patch.
Heparin: The investigators are finding out whether the anticoagulant heparin can assist in controlling colitis.
Omega-3 fatty acids: these substances, usually present in fish oils, may benefit individuals with ulcerative colitis through interference with inflammation.
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the large intestine, also known as the colon. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by inflammation and open sores or ulcers on the colon’s inner lining. Ulcerative colitis affects up to a million men and women and is slightly more prominent in women. This type of inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, is commonly thought to begin during adolescence or early adulthood, between the ages of 15 and 25.
Causes of ulcerative colitis
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, although it’s thought to result from a problem with the immune system.
Listed below are possible causes of ulcerative colitis
Environmental factors
Where and how you live also seem to affect your chances of developing ulcerative colitis, which suggests environmental factors are essential.
Genetics
Inherited genes are a factor in the development of ulcerative colitis. Studies have found that more than 1 in 4 people with ulcerative colitis have a family history of the condition.
Immune system malfunction
When your immune system tries to fight off an invading virus or bacterium, an abnormal immune response causes the immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis are chronic and vary depending on the degree of inflammation and where the ulcers are located. Generally, there is rectal bleeding and almost constant diarrhea. Some people experience mucus and blood in their stools, while others experience gas and bloating. The symptoms typically start mild and progress as the inflammation increases.
Listed below are the common symptoms of ulcerative colitis
- Fatigue
- Appetite loss
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Rectal bleeding
- Skin lesions
- Growth failure (especially among children)
- Nutrients and body fluids
- Joint pain
Nearly 50% of patients with ulcerative colitis experience some mild symptoms of the disease. A few to mention are severe abdominal cramps, nausea, bloody diarrhea, and frequent fevers. Other problems that ulcerative colitis may cause include osteoporosis, liver disease, eye inflammation, and arthritis. There are no scientific explanations yet for why such problems manifest outside the colon. However, scientists think the immune system’s stimulation of inflammation may have caused the complications.
Is there any risk of colon cancer?
Almost 5 percent of individuals with ulcerative colitis can develop colon cancer. The chances increase with the extent and duration of colon involvement. For instance, if the rectum and lower colon are included, the possibility of cancer is not increased compared to what was expected. Hence, if the entire colon is involved, the chances of cancer increase at 32 times the regular rate. Sometimes, precancerous alterations occur in the colon’s cell lining. These alterations are known as dysplasia. Individuals with dysplasia have more chances of developing cancer as compared to those who do not. The doctors discover the signs of dysplasia while doing sigmoid or colonoscopies and investigating the tissue removed during the trial.
According to the updated guidelines for colon cancer screening in 2002, individuals with IBD throughout the colon for a minimum of 8 years and those with IBD in the left colon for about 12 to 15 years have a colonoscopy with biopsies 1 to 2 years for checking the dysplasia. The screening has not proved to reduce the risk of colon cancer, but it may assist in identifying the disease early. A professional panel introduced and endorsed the guidelines by organizations such as the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Cancer Society, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc., and the American Society of Rectal and Colon Surgeons.
It is essential to decrease fat and sugar and increase the intake of vegetables and fruits. Dietary alteration can decrease the flare-ups of the disease. If you experience a flare-up, a low-fiber or bland diet is perfect.
Natural treatment for ulcerative colitis
There are various natural remedies for ulcerative colitis to reduce its symptoms. This natural treatment for ulcerative colitis has been proven effective in alleviating pain, cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.
More and more patients suffering from ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are now going the natural way to bring their situation under control. Natural treatment for ulcerative colitis is mainly preferred to avoid the side effects caused by conventional medicines.
Natural remedies for ulcerative colitis are known for their safety, and you feel in greater control without any worry about surgery. You also need not worry about the nutritional value while resorting to natural methods. Natural treatments are also beneficial to keep a check on irritable bowel syndrome.
Listed below are Natural treatments for ulcerative colitis
Home remedies for ulcerative colitis—the most popular form of natural remedies for ulcerative colitis
Home remedies for ulcerative colitis are one of the natural remedies for ulcerative colitis that is very effective in treating UC. Sometimes, a person with ulcerative colitis may find that making simple lifestyle changes relieves symptoms. The following home remedies may be beneficial:
- Making dietary changes
- Regular exercise, which can support weight management and increase energy levels,
Diet for ulcerative colitis: an essential part of any natural remedies for ulcerative colitis
Diet for ulcerative colitis can help UC patients reduce symptoms and flare-ups.
These diets for ulcerative colitis may include:
- Drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration, particularly during a bout of diarrhea,
- Drinking electrolyte beverages can help a person maintain an electrolyte balance should diarrhea lead to dehydration.
- Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to avoid calcium deficiency and bone loss is important, as many people with ulcerative colitis do not absorb enough nutrients.
- Eating several small meals each day rather than three large ones
- Eating a low-fiber diet
- Reducing the consumption of greasy, buttery foods
- Avoid milk products, as many people with UC have lactose intolerance
Some people may find that keeping a food journal can be helpful. By recording their food intake and symptoms, people can determine which foods trigger flare-ups and eliminate them from their diet.
There is no research supporting a specific diet plan for ulcerative colitis. However, some research indicates that certain chemical plant compounds called phytochemicals may help alleviate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
Chinese herbs for ulcerative colitis: an effective home-based natural remedy for ulcerative colitis
Further research proves that Chinese herbs for ulcerative colitis effectively resolve it. In combination with standard drug therapy, the Chinese herbs for ulcerative colitis, like Chan Yu Ning syrup/granule, Gu chang Zhi Xie wan, and Kui Jie ling granules, were all shown to improve both symptoms and gut inflammation in active cases of ulcerative colitis.
Licensed acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine doctors use their pathology and organ systems knowledge to formulate an individualized herbal preparation for your specific needs.
Note: With a long history of botanical medicines in cultures worldwide, it is no surprise that Chinese herbs for ulcerative colitis are effective in treating UC.
Other herbs and natural remedies that can help include aloe vera, chamomile, and boswellia. All three ingredients calm inflammation and can stop ulcerative colitis flares from occurring. These herbs can also work as a cleansing agent for the body, providing a fresh start to your nutrition concerning the disease you are fighting.
With all these options, research has shown that 80% to 90% of those who have taken herbal remedies have positively controlled and maintained their ulcerative colitis. The result of any remedy is less inflation, pain, cramps, and diarrhea associated with the disease, allowing for a natural change in health.
Homeopathy for ulcerative colitis: the #1 natural remedy for ulcerative colitis
Homeopathy for ulcerative colitis is the safest and gentlest treatment available for UC, as it has no known side effects. Homeopathy for ulcerative colitis treats the person as a whole. It means that homeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person as well as his pathological condition.
Homeopathic remedies for ulcerative colitis are made from plants, minerals, and natural resources and diluted to the extent that they can only guide the body’s healing mechanism at its cellular level and bring about recovery. Listed below are homeopathic remedies for ulcerative colitis
- One of the best homeopathic remedies for ulcerative colitis with anxiety and restlessness. Arsenic Album is used when a UC patient gets anxious, worried, and restless for no rhyme or reason.
- Baptisia is one of the homeopathic remedies for ulcerative colitis. This is ideal for a patient with muscular soreness all over the body, as if bruised and beaten. Appetite is reduced or next to nil. At the same time, there is a constant desire for water.
- Merc Sol is used when there is too much bleeding, tenesmus, and other symptoms. Merc Sol is also an ideal homeopathic medicine when frequent stools with blood are discharged almost every time. The patient is a sweaty sort of patient who keeps on sweating most of the time.
Acupuncture for ulcerative colitis: traditional Chinese natural remedies for ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disorder that influences the large intestine. It results in ulcers and inflammation across the lining of the colon. There is no treatment for ulcerative colitis, but when you work with your physician and initiate a treatment plan, it can decrease the symptoms’ severity. It can also bring about times of cutbacks, which is when your signs go away.
The traditional medicines for this condition involve immunosuppressant drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs. These medicines work best for resisting inflammatory responses. If the medications enhance the quality of life and symptoms of the disease, ulcerative colitis is a condition for life. Stomach pain, bloody stools, and episodes of diarrhea can come back. When medication does not work alone, it may be time to look into complementary or alternative therapy programs, such as acupuncture.
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is an essential element of traditional Chinese medicine. It includes inserting or picking tiny needles into multiple body points at different depths. Acupuncture aims to restore the flow of energy all over the body. It can correct the imbalance that leads to relieving pain, promoting relaxation, and stimulating the healing process. Acupuncture is used to treat a diversity of disorders. Some of these involve back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and depression. It is also used for comforting menstrual cramps and labor pain.
How does acupuncture assist with ulcerative colitis?
Acupuncture is a beneficial therapy for ulcerative colitis as it enhances or activates the body’s natural painkillers. It helps the body lessen pain, decrease disease activity, and regulate the inflammation of ulcerative colitis. No such evidence is present to support acupuncture’s effectiveness for ulcerative colitis. There has been only one clinical test to check the advantages of using acupuncture for ulcerative colitis treatment. Likewise, 63 studies in 2016 evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture for ulcerative colitis. However, there were significant differences among the procedures in these types of research.
Some studies included moxibustion (heat therapy) and acupuncture linked with drug treatment. Another study observed the use of moxibustion and acupuncture therapy alone. More research is required to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture alone in improving bowel inflammation. There is no guarantee that the treatment of acupuncture will help you. But it is a safe way and permits other essential health benefits. The best way to know that it will function is to try it.
What to expect?
Suppose you have decided to give acupuncture a try for ulcerative colitis. In that case, you can ask your gastroenterologist or doctor to recommend a certified acupuncturist or use an online search engine to look for a professional provider. The professional will inquire about the symptoms and condition during the initial consultation. Depending on the information, he can guess the weekly treatments you will require. He will also estimate the number of treatments you will want. The amount differs depending on your situation and its severity. Getting almost 6 to 8 treatment sessions is typical.
The professional will tell you to lie down on an exam table. It would help if you remained calm and still in one place. Once comfortable, the acupuncturist pricks the needles at different points in your skin at particular depths. The needles cause no or little distress. You can feel pain if the acupuncturist has to direct the needle to get the correct depth. You can also feel an impression if he sends mild electric pulses through the needles or heats the needles. The number of needles you will get can vary from 5 to 20. The needles will remain in place for about 10 to 20 minutes.
When the recommended number of treatments is completed, you can look out for ulcerative colitis symptoms for improvement. If acupuncture assists in relieving your signs, you can go for maintenance therapy. If symptoms do not work, it will not be the best therapy for you.
Effects of acupuncture:
Acupuncture for ulcerative colitis is a safe option for the most part, but it is not suitable for everyone. The side effects involve soreness, bruising, or minor bleeding. The risk of infection is also required, but when you have a certified and trained acupuncturist, there is no need to worry. The experts know the significance of disposable or single-use needles.
It is worth considering if you are not afraid of needles. If you can bear the mild sensations or discomforts of pricking needles into the skin, you should try it. Acupuncture does not work for you if you take blood-thinning medicines or have a bleeding disorder. These aspects can increase the chances of bleeding, so don’t forget to discuss it with your doctor. If you have a pacemaker, you can also avoid acupuncture. The electric pulses transferred through the needles can hinder your pacemaker. Also, if you are pregnant, you should avoid acupuncture. The therapy can motivate premature delivery and labor.
More research is required to confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture for ulcerative colitis. But it is a secure alternative therapeutic technique. It is worth trying if you are exploring a natural approach to alleviate the signs. Before initiating acupuncture treatment, it is important to consult your doctor. It helps to ensure that you are a good member of this surgery option. In addition, you should prefer a professional acupuncturist with experience and proper training. It can decrease the chances of complications.
Acupuncture Treatment for ulcerative colitis in Philadelphia
Acupuncture, especially in tandem with homeopathic medicine, is the most effective treatment for ulcerative colitis. Visit our Contact Us page or use our online scheduling web application to book an appointment with our Medical Director, Victor Tsan.