Ulcerative colitis is a bowel disease in which inflammation and sores occur in the digestive tract. It causes ulcers to develop in the inner lining of the colon and rectum. There is no definite cure for the problem and its severity varies according to the inflammation and the area affected. The disease may even lead to life-threatening complications. However, the effects of ulcerative colitis are manageable with proper treatment. Let’s learn more about the condition.
Signs and symptoms
There are various signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis and their intensity can range from mild to severe. These indications appear gradually rather than suddenly. In some individuals, it may take years for the symptoms to subside or go away and the condition may even lead to poor growth in children. Furthermore, not all patients may experience severe signs, some may not even have any visible indications. Here are some common ulcerative colitis symptoms to look out for:
- Urgency to empty bowels
- Cramping in the abdomen
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Anemia
- Rectal bleeding
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Blood in stool
- Rashes on the skin
- Mouth sores
- Liver disease
- Pain in the joints and muscles
- Loss of fluids.
- Red and painful eyes
Causes
There is no solid evidence to pinpoint a particular cause of ulcerative colitis. However, multiple factors can be considered as the root of the problem, such as:
- Abnormal response of the immune system that mistakenly identifies healthy cells residing along the digestive tract as invaders and attacks them, leading to inflammation.
- People who have ulcerative colitis in their genes have a high possibility of suffering from the condition.
- People who lead a poor lifestyle and excessively consume foods rich in sugar and fat are also likely to suffer from the disease.
- Those who suffer from chronic stress are more likely to suffer from the disease.
Treatment
Common treatment options for ulcerative colitis include:
- Use of anti-inflammatory formulations
- Immune system-related treatment options
- Surgery in complicated conditions
Studies have shown that certain natural remedies for ulcerative colitis help manage the symptoms but these should not be considered the primary treatment method. Moreover, there are different kinds of foods to help with ulcerative colitis. Here are some options that help reduce inflammation.
- Low-fiber foods
Foods that are low in fiber aid in better digestion and also keep symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea at bay. Such foodstuffs comprise rice, fish, cooked vegetables, chicken, and more. - Probiotics
Including probiotics in one’s daily meals also plays a significant role in ulcerative colitis treatment as it offers good bacteria to the body, which aids in boosting overall gut health. Some of the popular sources of probiotics include yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir. - Anti-inflammatory foods
Certain foods like turmeric, olive oil, green leafy vegetables, and fatty fish have anti-inflammatory properties. Consumption of these assists in reducing swelling along the digestive tract.
Apart from foods, lifestyle changes like regular physical activity also help manage ulcerative colitis. Exercising regularly not only assists in boosting overall health but also aids in lowering inflammation in the body. People who have high stress levels should practice various stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, and more to keep it under control.
