Ulcerative colitis usually appears in both men and women somewhere between the ages of 15 and 30 and occasionally in people in their later years, between 50 and 70 years of age. It seems to be hereditary; with studies showing that up to 20% of people who get ulcerative colitis also have a close family member or a relative who also battle the disease. People of all races can get this disease, but for some unknown reason, people of Jewish descent and Caucasian people are more likely to contract ulcerative colitis. Studies have also shown that if you reside in an urban area or an industrialized country, you may be more likely to contract this IBD.
What is ulcerative colitis? It is an IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease. This is the common name given to those diseases that cause inflammation in the colon and rectum. Inside the colon, open sores form in the areas where inflammation has destroyed the cells that naturally line the colon. Patients may experience frequent and bloody diarrhea, along with abdominal pain. People with ulcerative colitis have also been known to experience mild to severe symptoms such as fatigue, fever, weight loss, joint pain, skin lesions, anemia, and loss of appetite. Children who suffer from this IBD have also had difficulties with healthy growth.
When our immune system experiences an abnormal reaction to the bacteria in our digestive tract, the result seems to be ulcerative colitis, although nothing has yet been confirmed or denied by experts. The symptoms can be consistent for a time and then seem to disappear for a while, only to return again. Some people find that certain foods can exacerbate their symptoms. One study reported that processed red meat, alcohol, some carbohydrates, and other processed proteins were problematic for some people suffering from ulcerative colitis. A high intake of sweet foods was shown to increase the risk of developing the disease. On the flip side, a high intake of foods containing Vitamin C may help to not only control symptoms, but also to help prevent the disease.
In order to test for ulcerative colitis, your physician may perform a colonoscopy and take a biopsy of the colon lining during the same procedure. Most likely, he will take blood tests, stool samples, and/or administer a barium X-ray so he can better see your colon and make a determination from a combination of the results.
Colon cancer could be a concern for those who have suffered from ulcerative colitis for 8 to 10 years, or when there is a hereditary commonality. It’s important to be under consistent physician care in order to regularly check for colon cancer if you have this inflammatory disease. The biopsies taken during a colonoscopy can often predict whether or not you are at risk for colon cancer and then preventive surgery can be performed.
Despite the fact that there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, proper treatment can be administered in order for the disease to go into remission. Your physician may prescribe a steroid medicine or a medicine that will help control your immune system. Sometimes surgery is required, but usually only for severe cases.
Natural remedies for ulcerative colitis include taking probiotics, which are naturally friendly bacteria that seem to help control inflammation in the body. In addition, supplements of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, oral aloe Vera gel, Boswellia, folic acid, and Bromelain have been recommended by some physicians to help treat the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
* There are many more resources and lots of information about controlling and treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Crohn’s Disease symptoms here:
Breakthrough Crohn’s Disease Guide
Similar Articles:
- What Are The Symptoms of Ucerative Colitis?
- Links Between Crohn’s Disease and Cancer
- Is Noni Juice Good for Ulcerative Colitis?
- What is a Good Diet for Ulcerative Colitis
- What To Do To Prevent Crohn’s Disease
