Ulcerative Colitis.

Ulcerative colitis. Colitis diet and treatment.

Which colitis medications work? Do you think that best colitis treatments are medications?

What are the similarities and differences between colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohns disease?

Crohns disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis (UC) is also an IBD.

In UC only the colon is affected. In Crohns disease (CD) , the whole digestive system may be affected from the mouth to the anus.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not to be confused with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Many people commonly consider IBS as part of IBD, which is not so.

IBS is also called spastic colon. It’s more of a functional bowel disorder with abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or constipation. It's a functional disorder meaning that the bowel doesn't function or work properly. In IBS mostly the symptoms are treated whereas in IBD the inflammation has to be treated first. There is no inflammatory component with Irritable Bowel Syndrome(no fevers, no joint pains, etc.).

It’s sometimes difficult to initially diagnose between CD, UC and Irritable Bowel Syndrome because the symptoms may be very similar. It's especially difficult to establish a correct diagnosis between UC and Crohns disease, even more so when the symptoms are still mild. When a definite diagnosis can not be established between UC and CD, it's called intermediate colitis. About 5 to 10% of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disorders fall into that category.

What is Ulcerative colitis?

UC is an inflammatory bowel disease where mostly colon and rectum is affected. This disease causes inflammation and sores in the colon and rectum. When mostly the lower part of the colon is affected, it’s called ulcerative proctitis. When the whole colon is affected, it’s called ulcerative pancolitis. When only the left part of colon is affected, it’s called limited or distal colitis.

The symptoms of Ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, rectal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, the feeling of urgency, rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, cramping, weight loss, dehydration, etc.

Ulcerative colitis treatments.

Colitis treatments vary, but mostly include medications. The treatment goal is to get rid of UC symptoms and prevent flare-ups. The goal is also to improve the quality of life.

Ulcerative colitis treatment.

In my opinion, best colitis treatments are those that combine conventional medicine and alternative treatments into a perfect and individualized healing method.

Ulcerative colitis medication.

Colitis medications are very similar in Crohns and UC. They include aminosalicylates like Asacol, corticosteroids like Prednisone, immunomodulators like Immuran and 6-MP, biological, antibiotics and others. These medications have different side effect profiles. They work by themselves or in combination.

When patients ask "Which is the best medication for colitis?", I usually reply "The one that will make you feel 100 percent." There's no magic pill for you. Everyone is different. Your doctor will prescribe the medicine, but you really have to do your own research. And do not forget the natural supplements. They can be effective for many aspects of your condition. Some studies suggest that smoking can slightly improve symptoms of UC while make the symptoms worse for Crohns disease patients. Not telling you to go smoke, just an interesting fact.

Causes of Ulcerative colitis. What causes Ulcerative colitis?

There is no known cause. There are factors that are being considered as possible causes like weakened immune response, certain diet, certain bacteria, stress and others. Very slight chances are that this disease is genetically inherited.

Colitis diet is not something that you should be taken lightly. Most doctors will probably tell you that there’s no such thing as specific colitis diet. But so many patients reported improvements in their condition when they finally figured out the correct diet for ulcerative colitis.

Learn your own body’s signals. No one else can do it for you. If your body can not tolerate something more than twice, try to avoid it the next time. Eat in small portions more often when having a flare-up. Keep a journal of your meals. Check for gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance. Strongly consider getting help of a certified nutritionist. It can pay off in a big way.

The most common foods and drinks to avoid here are spicy foods, greasy foods, white bread, alcohol, caffeine, pop corn, seeds, sugar and sugar substitute, beans, dried fruits, etc





Living with colitis (ulcerative) : Great tips for acute and chronic cases of colitis.

Originally, I was misdiagnosed and treated for UC. Thankfully, the initial treatment is similar. Later on, I was given a correct diagnosis of Crohns disease with an appropriate treatment plan.

Initial medication treatment inlcudes anti-inflammatory medications like mesalamine. The brand names are Asacol, Pentasa, Rowasa enema and more. These agents were derived from salicylic acid. They work topically or locally on the inflamed bowel.

Granulomas, strictures, fistulaes are often present in CD, and not present UC. A granuloma is a form of proliferate inflammation. A stricture is an abnormal narrowing of a duct or passage. The narrowing of the ileum(lower part of the intestine) may be seen on the X-ray of a Crohns patient.

The most common symptoms of UC are rectal bleeding and diarrhea. If suspecting UC, your doctor will most likely rule out bacterial infection, bowel problems caused by viruses, food posoning, IBS or Crohns disease. Also, your physician will probably order an abdominal X-ray series and/or other tests.

It’s very upsetting to get diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease like UC , CD as well as with IBS. And it’s sure necessary to follow your doctor’s advice and take medications when required and as directed. And it's also important to follow your gut instinct. If you feel that something is wrong or you don't feel comfortable about certain tests or medications, do not be afraid to speak your mind.

Besides medical treatments, we have to be more involved in our own healing process. I believe that best colitis treatments are the combination of natural, holistic meathods with traditional medicine.

5 Great Tips For Ulcerative Colitis Patients:

• Consider leading a healthier lifestyle and start with dietary change.


• Try to detoxify and cleanse your system with natural supplements.


• Relax with breathing exercises, Yoga or meditation.


• Take probiotics and digestive enzymes and try to quit bad habits like smoking or overeating.


• Consider using a squatting position when going to the bathroom. This helps to empty out the bowels completely. This improves our gastrointestinal health.

I wish you great health!

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