Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the lining of the colon. Ulcers are present in severe cases. It is a progressive disease with no known cure, but controlling ulcerative colitis is possible with prescription medications, diet and herbal supplements.

Symptoms

Some people cannot take prescription medications and have to rely on diet and herbal supplements to control flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. A flare-up can consist of abdominal pain, cramps, rectal bleeding and hard bowel movements alternating with diarrhea. Stress, certain foods and other conditions can contribute to a flare-up.

While home remedies are helpful, it is important to follow physician's orders as some home remedies may interfere with other medications.

Home Remedies

Take aloe vera oil, which is widely used for ulcerative colitis. Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, reduces pain and swelling of the colon, and promotes healing. It is available in pill form.

Eat steamed apples twice daily to reduce pain and heal ulcers in ulcerative colitis. Apples have high concentrations of phosphorus and iron.

Eat two ripe bananas daily. Bananas are a natural laxative and promote healing by regulating bowel movements.

Drink a glass of buttermilk daily. Buttermilk coats the intestines and is soothing.

During acute flare-ups, eat a bowl of rice, a glass of buttermilk and a banana twice a day . All three are beneficial to the body in fighting ulcerative colitis.

Mix an enema with wheat-grass juice. Cleanse the bowel with a warm water enema 20 minutes before the wheat-grass enema. Use the wheat-grass enema and retain the liquid for approximately 15 minutes, then expel.

Mix papaya juice, cabbage juice and carrot juice and drink daily. The anti-oxidants contained in the vegetables are excellent for ulcerative colitis.

Foods to Avoid

Ulcerative colitis suffers need to avoid nuts, seeds, white flour, white sugar, spicy foods and seasonings as well as alcoholic beverages. Controlling ulcerative colitis is possible with diet changes. Bland foods along with soft, easily digestible food are preferable. It is a trial and error process as well. Not everyone is the same, so some foods might help one person with ulcerative colitis but hurt another.

Fish oil is beneficial in controlling ulcerative colitis. Fish oil is high in fatty acids and can reduce painful episodes.

In addition to diet, it is important to reduce stress. Stress can quickly cause flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. During a flare-up, lie down and rest as much as possible. If possible, eliminate any tension in the home. While flare-ups are reduced with home remedies, patience is required because ulcerative colitis will still be present.