© Specialist Supplements Ltd 2011
Ulcerative Colitis
Learn about ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a persistent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects around
half a million Americans and approximately one hundred thousand people in the
United Kingdom.
It involves long-term inflammation and ulcers (open blisters) in the layers of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. The irritation can be
anywhere from a few inches in length to the length of the whole intestine. The ulcers form anywhere inflammation has killed the cells that
normally line the colon. They bleed and emit pus and mucus and the inflammatory reaction stimulates the colon to vacate often, resulting in
diarrhoea (which is key among the signs and symptoms of this disease).
Ulcerative colitis resembles Crohn's disease (a further IBD), but Crohn's can arise anywhere in the gastrointestinal system (including the
small intestine, mouth, esophagus and gut), quite often in patches, and can spread throughout the tissue. In contrast, ulcerative colitis is
usually limited to the innermost layers of the tissue and is uniform through the entire colon.
Having said that, ulcerative colitis is a systemic disease that can potentially impact on other areas of the body outside the intestine,
especially if not managed sensibly. E.g. the disease is also linked with joint pain, eye infections, liver disease, skin rashes, blood clots
and gallstones.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is sometimes called spastic colitis. This name commonly leads to confusion between the two
conditions. Colitis is not always a feature of IBS. Since the cause of IBS is presently unidentified and perhaps due to a number of factors,
there might be some overlap in symptoms between IBS and the various forms of colitis.
Possible causes of ulcerative colitis
While studies have yet to verify a single reason behind ulcerative colitis, results indicate that hereditary factors, a malfunction of the
immune system, the overuse of antibiotics, poor eating habits and yet to be understood environmental factors all play a role
in the causes and symptoms of ulcerative colitis. One theory suggests that some agent, potentially a virus or an atypical bacterium, interacts
with the body's immune mechanism to set off an inflammatory reaction in the colon wall. Research has stated that any individual with one
parent who has got (or has had) colitis is 5 times more likely to develop the condition themselves.
Signs of ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is often painful and (on rare occasions) can have life-threatening complications. Instances of toxic megacolon or
excessive hemorrhaging due to an unusually severe flare-up could be life threatening, which is the reason surgery is undertaken promptly if
these circumstances develop.
Regrettably, it can be difficult to diagnose because its indicators resemble a great many other digestive disorders and IBDs. Medical
diagnosis is generally through colonoscopy. Other sorts of lab tests include blood counts and c-reactive proteins.
Individuals living with ulcerative colitis tend to go through a number of symptoms including bloody stool, sudden urgency, stomach
pain, cramps and nausea. The leading manifestation of the ailment in active phases is diarrhoea mixed with blood. Having said
that, if the disease is limited to the rectosigmoidal area, then stools may be normal or dry - there might even be constipation. Generally,
rectal mucous accompanies stools or occurs between bowel motions.
Living with ulcerative colitis
Typically, ulcerative colitis is a chronic, life-long illness, characterised by intervals of few symptoms (often known as remission) and periods
of highly active disease (referred to as flare-ups). Due to the fact there is no known cure for ulcerative colitis, the main target in treating it is
to control flare ups and to maintain remission status for as long as possible, whilst letting the colon to clear up.
Different people attempt to handle the disease in different ways, e.g. through pills or surgical treatment. If there is a choice, others often
choose less extreme measures, such as prudent adjustments to eating habits and supporting vitamin supplements. The kind of treatment
often depends on how intense the disease is.
However, without suitable treatment and/or appropriate lifestyle changes (for example cutting down on foods which are known to irritate
symptoms), the ailment could become incapacitating.
Nutrition
Ulcerative colitis is more wide-spread in the developed world, which makes it more likely that diet has an integral role to play in the
development and endurance of the illness. People who experience it are thus commonly well-advised to cut out meals that are processed
and/or are high in saturated fats and sugar, which can intensify diarrhoea and gas symptoms, in particular at times of active disease.
Those individuals who experience cramping and diarrhoea might also get some relief by reduction of caffeine, and certain fruits and
vegetables.
Dietary modification is frequently used to control symptoms fairly successfully. It's interesting to note that many people with ulcerative
colitis are also lactose intolerant. Therefore, it is possible that decreasing lactose-containing foods might help to ease the symptoms too.
A different dietary approach that has been employed by a number of people is an anti-fungal and specific carbohydrate diet. It is also
thought that probiotics and re-colonization of friendly bacteria may also have a favourable effect on people with ulcerative colitis.
If dietary and lifestyle adjustments result in narrow food choice, it is essential to avoid malnutrition (which is a relatively common side
effect of ulcerative colitis). People with the condition frequently experience reduced appetite and weight loss. In these circumstances, people
often find that meal replacements (especially gluten, sugar and dairy free meal replacements) can support a restricted diet, by providing a
source of fortified vitamins and minerals, that won't aggravate the colon and are taken easily and quickly.
Need some help? 0845 094 3627
This is an information site only!
[Irritable Bowel Syndrome] [Crohn’s Disease] [Ulcerative Colitis] [Coeliac Disease] [Organic Food] [Organic Supplements] [Superfood Powder Blends] [Alternatives to Juicing]
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[Own Label Products] [Web Design] [Drop-ship Service] [Healthy Weight Loss] [Health Care] [Health Blog] [Probiotics Supplier] [Slimming Products] [Products Catalogue] [Turnkey Websites]
[Cleanse and Detox] [Superfood Supplements] [Women’s Health] [Weight Management] [Protein Shakes] [Meal Replacements Slimming] [Health Supplements UK] [New and Coming Soon]
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Ulcerative Colitis
Learn about ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a persistent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects around
half a million Americans and approximately one hundred thousand people in the
United Kingdom.
It involves long-term inflammation and ulcers (open blisters) in the layers of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. The irritation can be
anywhere from a few inches in length to the length of the whole intestine. The ulcers form anywhere inflammation has killed the cells that
normally line the colon. They bleed and emit pus and mucus and the inflammatory reaction stimulates the colon to vacate often, resulting in
diarrhoea (which is key among the signs and symptoms of this disease).
Ulcerative colitis resembles Crohn's disease (a further IBD), but Crohn's can arise anywhere in the gastrointestinal system (including the
small intestine, mouth, esophagus and gut), quite often in patches, and can spread throughout the tissue. In contrast, ulcerative colitis is
usually limited to the innermost layers of the tissue and is uniform through the entire colon.
Having said that, ulcerative colitis is a systemic disease that can potentially impact on other areas of the body outside the intestine,
especially if not managed sensibly. E.g. the disease is also linked with joint pain, eye infections, liver disease, skin rashes, blood clots
and gallstones.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is sometimes called spastic colitis. This name commonly leads to confusion between the two
conditions. Colitis is not always a feature of IBS. Since the cause of IBS is presently unidentified and perhaps due to a number of factors,
there might be some overlap in symptoms between IBS and the various forms of colitis.
Possible causes of ulcerative colitis
While studies have yet to verify a single reason behind ulcerative colitis, results indicate that hereditary factors, a malfunction of the
immune system, the overuse of antibiotics, poor eating habits and yet to be understood environmental factors all play a role
in the causes and symptoms of ulcerative colitis. One theory suggests that some agent, potentially a virus or an atypical bacterium, interacts
with the body's immune mechanism to set off an inflammatory reaction in the colon wall. Research has stated that any individual with one
parent who has got (or has had) colitis is 5 times more likely to develop the condition themselves.
Signs of ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is often painful and (on rare occasions) can have life-threatening complications. Instances of toxic megacolon or
excessive hemorrhaging due to an unusually severe flare-up could be life threatening, which is the reason surgery is undertaken promptly if
these circumstances develop.
Regrettably, it can be difficult to diagnose because its indicators resemble a great many other digestive disorders and IBDs. Medical
diagnosis is generally through colonoscopy. Other sorts of lab tests include blood counts and c-reactive proteins.
Individuals living with ulcerative colitis tend to go through a number of symptoms including bloody stool, sudden urgency, stomach
pain, cramps and nausea. The leading manifestation of the ailment in active phases is diarrhoea mixed with blood. Having said
that, if the disease is limited to the rectosigmoidal area, then stools may be normal or dry - there might even be constipation. Generally,
rectal mucous accompanies stools or occurs between bowel motions.
Living with ulcerative colitis
Typically, ulcerative colitis is a chronic, life-long illness, characterised by intervals of few symptoms (often known as remission) and periods
of highly active disease (referred to as flare-ups). Due to the fact there is no known cure for ulcerative colitis, the main target in treating it is
to control flare ups and to maintain remission status for as long as possible, whilst letting the colon to clear up.
Different people attempt to handle the disease in different ways, e.g. through pills or surgical treatment. If there is a choice, others often
choose less extreme measures, such as prudent adjustments to eating habits and supporting vitamin supplements. The kind of treatment
often depends on how intense the disease is.
However, without suitable treatment and/or appropriate lifestyle changes (for example cutting down on foods which are known to irritate
symptoms), the ailment could become incapacitating.
Nutrition
Ulcerative colitis is more wide-spread in the developed world, which makes it more likely that diet has an integral role to play in the
development and endurance of the illness. People who experience it are thus commonly well-advised to cut out meals that are processed
and/or are high in saturated fats and sugar, which can intensify diarrhoea and gas symptoms, in particular at times of active disease.
Those individuals who experience cramping and diarrhoea might also get some relief by reduction of caffeine, and certain fruits and
vegetables.
Dietary modification is frequently used to control symptoms fairly successfully. It's interesting to note that many people with ulcerative
colitis are also lactose intolerant. Therefore, it is possible that decreasing lactose-containing foods might help to ease the symptoms too.
A different dietary approach that has been employed by a number of people is an anti-fungal and specific carbohydrate diet. It is also
thought that probiotics and re-colonization of friendly bacteria may also have a favourable effect on people with ulcerative colitis.
If dietary and lifestyle adjustments result in narrow food choice, it is essential to avoid malnutrition (which is a relatively common side
effect of ulcerative colitis). People with the condition frequently experience reduced appetite and weight loss. In these circumstances, people
often find that meal replacements (especially gluten, sugar and dairy free meal replacements) can support a restricted diet, by providing a
source of fortified vitamins and minerals, that won't aggravate the colon and are taken easily and quickly.
Need some help? 0845 094 3627
This is an information site only!
[Irritable Bowel Syndrome] [Crohn’s Disease] [Ulcerative Colitis] [Coeliac Disease] [Organic Food] [Organic Supplements] [Superfood Powder Blends] [Alternatives to Juicing]
[Digestion System Health] [Diet Foods] [Colon Cleanse Products] [Diarrhea Free] [Specialist Supplements] [Future Nutrition] [Organic Food Supplements] [Organic Food Supplier] [Dietary Products]
[Own Label Products] [Web Design] [Drop-ship Service] [Healthy Weight Loss] [Health Care] [Health Blog] [Probiotics Supplier] [Slimming Products] [Products Catalogue] [Turnkey Websites]
[Cleanse and Detox] [Superfood Supplements] [Women’s Health] [Weight Management] [Protein Shakes] [Meal Replacements Slimming] [Health Supplements UK] [New and Coming Soon]
[Home] [Products] [Services] [Digestive Health] [Go Organic] [Juicing] [Living and Raw Foods] [Health Information Pages] [Blog] [Contact] [Sitemap]