Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic
disease that causes inflammation and ulcers (open sores) in the
innermost layers of the large intestine. UC is an inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD), the general name for diseases that cause inflammation
in the intestines. In UC, swelling typically occurs in the rectum
and lower colon, but the inflammation can spread throughout the
entire colon. The ulcers bleed and produce pus and mucus, and the
inflammation causes the colon to empty frequently, resulting in
diarrhea.
UC is a rare, but serious disease that
affects 50 out of every 100,000 people in the United States.
Although the condition most commonly affects those between the ages
of 15 and 35, children and older adults may also develop the
disease. UC occurs five times more frequently in those with a Jewish
heritage than it does in the general population. Although most
people with UC can be successfully treated without surgery, roughly
25% will need a colectomy (surgical removal of the
colon).
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The most common signs and symptoms of
UC include abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. The symptoms can
range from mild to severe and may come on either very suddenly or
more gradually.
Other common symptoms of UC
include:
- Frequent, even continuous
diarrhoea
- Bloody stool
- Urgent desire to defecate
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- High fever
- Rapid heartbeat
- Weight loss
- Anaemia
- Loss of appetite
- Joint aches
People with UC are at increased risk
for malnutrition. UC can also cause a host of other problems,
including arthritis, eye infections, liver disease, skin rashes,
blood clots, or gallstones. Although it is not clear why such
problems occur outside the colon, some researchers speculate that
they may be linked to a faulty immune response.
CAUSES
There are many theories regarding the
cause of UC, but none have been proven. The most likely theory is
that UC is caused by a variety of factors ranging from genetics,
faulty immune system reactions, stress, environmental influences,
and even diet. For example, some people are genetically at risk for
UC (it runs in their family), and an infection or other toxin may
stimulate inflammation of the large intestine. In some cases,
stressful events or sensitivities to certain foods may trigger
symptoms of UC.
RISK FACTORS
- Family history of UC
- Jewish heritage, especially
Ashkenazi Jews
- A diet high in sugar, cholesterol,
and fat (particularly from meat and dairy products)
- Stress
DIAGNOSIS
Physical exam as well as a series of
tests. Blood tests may reveal a high white blood cell count (a sign
of inflammation somewhere in the body). Stool samples may indicate
whether there is bleeding or infection in the colon or rectum. Your
healthcare provider may choose to conduct a colonoscopy—a procedure
in which an endoscope. A colonoscopy can reveal any inflammation,
bleeding, or ulcers on the colon wall. Tissue samples (biopsies) may
be taken from the colon wall for examination under a microscope in
order to make a definitive diagnosis of UC.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT OUR NATUROPATHIC
CLINIC?
The naturopathic approach includes
identifying what the root cause of the problem is using various
testing methods such as comprehensive stool testing and blood
testing, and also doing an extensive intake of your
symptoms.
At our clinic, during your initial
visit, you will undergo a comprehensive symptom intake in
detail, and at the end of the visit, you will be required to do some
blood and urine testing. The assessment is oriented toward
determining what is impeding your body's ability to function
normally. Dr. Handwerger will determine which assessment tools are
most helpful in establishing a treatment strategy specific to your
health needs.
Dr. Handwerger may order some
specialized testing, if need be in order to get all the necessary
physiological information and to get a more complete picture of your
symptoms – to get to the root cause of your symptoms.
PREVENTIVE CARE
Sulfasalazine,
one of the most common medications used to treat UC, is an effective
means of reducing the number of UC relapses. It can deplete folic
acid and other nutrients so working with your naturopathic doctor is
crucial to not develop nutrient deficiencies.
Diet
(especially a low-fat diet rich in fruits, fluids, magnesium, and
vitamin C), exercise, and stress reduction
techniques (including hypnosis) may also help prevent
recurrences. Supplements and herbs are used successfully to treat
UC.
TREATMENT APPROACH
- Relaxation techniques, such as
yoga, tai chi, and meditation, particularly for people with
chronic stress in their lives
- Exercise may also be very helpful
for those with UC
- Studies indicate that lifestyle
changes, dietary adjustments (such as including a rich variety of
fruits and vegetables and maintaining low levels of fat and
sugar), specific herbs and fiber and mind/body techniques (such as
hypnosis) can help prevent and/or treat the disease
- Certain foods may aggravate
symptoms of UC (including chocolate, dairy products, fats, and
artificial sweeteners) and should be avoided by people with the
condition
- A bland, low-fiber diet is best
during acute flare-ups
- Regular intakes of fruits and
vegetables, and lowered fat and sugar consumption when UC is not
active may reduce the likelihood of flare-ups
- High intakes of fluids and foods
rich in magnesium and vitamin C on a regular basis may lower the
risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases
Please ask your doctor or naturopath
before starting on any supplements. Its is better to first identify
the cause and then treat it with the right remedies, even though
those mentioned above have minimal side
effects.
