Naturopathic treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the bowel that leads to ulceration. This in turn can cause a whole host of symptoms such as loose bowel movements and diarrhoea, bleeding, pains and cramping. Nutritional deficiencies, low energy levels, dehydration, muscle loss and poor immunity can all result. Most people with ulcerative colitis feel generally unwell due to the constant inflammatory processes that are taking place in their digestive tract.

There are many theories as to why people develop ulcerative colitis, but the exact cause is largely unknown. It is believed that food intolerances play a role and can lead to ulceration. The second possible cause is thought to be a bacterial infection that irritates the colon, then initiates an immune reaction that leads to further inflammation and ulceration. Conventional medical treatment involves long term anti-inflammatories, which themselves can cause side effects, and it is because of this that I see a lot of patients who are looking for a more gentle approach in managing their colitis.

Naturopathic treatment has a lot to offer ulcerative colitis patients. There are many well researched herbal and nutritional medicines that we can use to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract lining and others that can aid in the healing of ulceration. A comprehensive stool analysis can also be a great test to run to determine if any bacterial or parasitic infections exist, which could be further worsening ulceration. These steps have a huge role to play in managing the condition long term, however my aim is always for my ulcerative colitis patients to gain control over the condition via using food as medicine.

This is why my first step it always to check for food intolerances or sensitivities as these have been well researched to trigger an ulcerative colitis flare. In my clinic, I like to do this via a food intolerance blood test. This takes away the guess work so that we know exactly what foods your digestive tract does and doesn’t like.

Other dietary steps can be taken to help you to gain control over the condition. Topics such as inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory foods and fermented foods will be discussed as part of your program. Nutritional assessment is also important to ensure no deficiencies are reducing your ability to heal and repair.

Would you like to find out more about how Naturopathic treatment can help to manage your ulcerative colitis? Feel free to send me an email hayley@betterhealthpractice.com.au OR call reception to book your appointment- 9518 0722