Does that inflamed rectum pain you when you sit down? Do you often suffer from heartburn? Then you are probably suffering from ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disorder, in which your immune system attacks healthy tissue. Your bowels become inflamed, triggering inflammation in the colon, which eventually spreads all the way over to the rectum.
There are no known causes for ulcerative colitis, with genetic factors and the environment mooted as key influencers in the problem. Studies have also proved that anxiety issues and panic disorders only worsen the condition.
So, how can you detect ulcerative colitis in you? And what can be the remedies? Read on to find out!
Although one usually feels inflammation in the stomach initially, there are other symptoms associated with this condition. Some of them include:
Most of these symptoms usually come and go, but some people suffering from this condition face these symptoms all year round.
Although there are many medications you can take to cure ulcerative colitis, let’s look at the top ten household items that help provide relief from this condition.
One of the best remedies for ulcerative colitis, olive oil has many anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in monounsaturated fats, and also having anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, olive oil has been found to be an effective cure for this disease. Some research also indicates that olive oil can be used to prevent this condition (1).
Aloe Vera gel is one of the most soothing substances known to man. A famed anti-inflammatory agent, it has been proved effective in treating mild to severe ulcerative colitis (2).
Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, fish oil, especially the one derived from oily fish, has proven anti-inflammatory properties that make it an excellent remedy for ulcerative colitis.
The Boston University Medical Center has published a study claiming that gastrointestinal disorders tend to be the effects of abnormal essential fatty acid content in the body (3).
Another effective home remedy for ulcerative colitis is wheat grass juice. Wheat grass juice has strong antioxidant characteristics. It helps alleviate abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and diarrhea caused by ulcerative colitis.
Drink up to 5 teaspoons of wheat grass juice to begin with, before you increase the dose to 3.5 ounces daily (4).
This tree bark is one of the slimiest and most effective cures for ulcerative colitis. It has a high mucilage content, which creates a gel coating for the bowel. It is also a bulk adding natural laxative that helps ease diarrhea (5).
Used widely as an anti-constipation agent in India, psyllium seeds or Isabgol are usually rich in soluble fiber. It is a great bulk-forming agent and helps improve gut movement, helping relieve mild to severe cases of diarrhea usually caused by ulcerative colitis (6).
Fenugreek or Methi is a popular vegetable in India. It has been known to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis, by creating a lining along the digestive tract. It is crammed with nutrients like Vitamins A, C and other minerals like protein, calcium, folate and iron (7).
Ginger is one of the best known spices in the world. It has many medicinal uses, and one of them is in helping reduce ulcerative colitis. Ginger is an excellent digestive and a strong anti-inflammatory agent. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology concluded that ginger helps manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis (8).
Usually brewed as tea or ingested directly, chamomile is a known anti-inflammatory agent and it soothes the digestive tract, making it one of the best remedies for ulcerative colitis (9).
Rounding up our list of home remedies for ulcerative colitis, calendula is an anti-inflammatory herb that helps control the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. It has been found to improve digestion and facilitates tissue healing (10).
Use one of these home remedies to alleviate ulcerative colitis today. Share your experiences with us by commenting in the box below!