Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disorder in which the mucous membranes lining the colon become inflamed and develop ulcers, causing bloody diarrhea, pain, gas, bloating, and, at times, hard stools. The colon muscles then have to work harder to move these hardened stools through the colon. This can cause the mucous lining of the colon wall to bulge out into small
pouch like projections called diverticula. This usually occurs in the lower left section of the large intestine that is called the sigmoid (“S-shaped”) colon, although it can occur in any part of the colon. Enteritis and
Ileitis are types of inflammation of the small intestine often associated with colitis.
Ulcerative colitis can range from relatively mild to severe. Common complications are diarrhea and bleeding. A rarer complication is toxic
megacolon, in which the intestinal wall weakens and balloons out, threatening to rupture.
The cause or causes of most cases of colitis are unknown, but possible contributing factors include poor eating habits, stress, and food allergies. Ulcerative colitis can also be caused by infectious agents such as bacteria. This type of colitis is
many times related to use of antibiotics which alter the normal
levels of bowel flora. Symptoms may include bloody diarrhea, bloating, gas, pain, stool
hardening, and absorption problems. Things that make it worse are poor eating habits,
stress, food allergies, and overuse of
antibiotics. A good colon
cleansing and restoration formula can help as well as drinking more water. Reduce
fats, oils, milk,
cheese, soft drinks, and caffeine. Eat lots of vegetables and fish.
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Nutrient /
Supplement |
Helpful notes |
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Acidophilus |
friendly bacteria needed for both good bowel
and colon health. Maybe combined with Lactobacillus rhanosus,
Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus plantarum in a combination
such as Botana Cleanse. |
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Aloe Vera |
herb that helps heal the colon and
intestines. It also aides in lowering stress and related problems.
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Multi-vitamin
Mineral supplement |
vitamin B complex, magnesium, calcium, chromium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, and multi
enzyme, all serve to help people with ulcerative colitis. The nutrients
contained in a daily supplement are needed for good general health and
well being. |
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Vitamin A |
vitamin A is an anti-oxidant protects the mucous membranes that become inflamed with
ulcerative
colitis and it also helps in healing. |
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Vitamin E |
vitamin E is an anti-oxidant that provides healing and has been shown to help prevent
bowel cancer. |
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Garlic |
herb that has a natural healing ability on
the colon |
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Vitamin B |
vitamin B complex is needed for breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates as well
as good digestion. |
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Essential
fatty acids |
important for protecting the lining of the colon and anti-inflammation associated with
colitis. Fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish and plant
sources of flax seed, and borage seed |
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Magnesium |
low intake of magnesium has been linked to
ulcerative colitis and a good source of magnesium is a
quality multi-vitamin & mineral supplement especially one
that also includes calcium, chromium, and zinc. |
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Calcium |
mineral that is an important companion to
magnesium |
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Vitamin C |
vitamin C helps boost the immune system and
it promotes healing of mucous membranes. It can
be taken in a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement
form. |
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All information presented on this web
page is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to
administer to any
physical ailments. In all
matters related to your health please contact a
qualified, licensed practitioner.
All Information on this web page & pages linked to it are provided by
GBS International training pack 1995/2002;
Dr. Mark Crapo nutritional seminars; The Herb
Encyclopedia & Sara St.Louis RN, CIC, NP, MPA |