At The Root Of Healing
The challenge with finding a cure by how conventional medicine diagnoses autoimmune disease is that every individual will have their own unique combination of triggers and therefore, typically need a unique approach to healing. And so it is true there is no known cure or miracle diet that will work for everyone.
Conventional medicine typically works by addressing the disease, not the patient, as they seek out a standard of care that has worked most often in controlled studies. When it comes to autoimmune diseases there is no cure that has been double blind placebo tested and will work without fail on the majority of patients. That being said, this does not make a cure impossible. A cure, in this case, is not a miracle. It is a result of the action you take to rebalance and heal your body.
A cure is not a miracle. It is a result of the action you take to rebalance and heal your body.
When we start to look at healing, rather than curing, the approach needs to be individual. We need to determine what our own unique set of triggers is and then do the work to support the imbalance and correct the deficiencies. This is where lifestyle approaches that address diet, mind/body and day-to-day habits comes in.
How Does Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Affect My Childs Mental/emotional Health
Like many conditions, ulcerative colitis can have a negative psychological effect, especially on children. They can experience physical, emotional, social and family problems. Because of the medications and/or general stress from the situation, your child may experience:
- Worry about appearance and physical stamina.
- Vulnerability because their body doesnt function normally.
- Poor concentration.
- Misunderstandings with friends and family.
Children need mutual support from all family members. Its helpful for the entire family to learn about the disease and try to be empathetic. Seek out a psychiatrist and therapist to help your child manage such challenges of their ulcerative colitis.
Tianeptine The Little Known Anti
First marketed for depression in France in 1989, tianeptine is an approved antidepressant in more than 60 countries. The United States is not one of them.
Tianeptine is sold under the trade names Stablon, Coaxil, and others.
Tianeptine works differently in the brain to most antidepressants in the fact it acts on the mu opioid receptor, the target of morphine and oxycodone.
Jonathan Javitch, a study co-author and chief of molecular therapeutics at Columbia University states This is the only current antidepressant that works through this mechanism.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common early symptom that sufferers of ulcerative colitis may get several years before they get the full blown autoimmune disease. I personally had symptoms that could clearly be described as irritable bowel.
However there is an all natural equivalent to Tianeptine that has a far wider range of positive health benefits with a history of thousands of years of traditional use as a plant medicine.
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The Mind / Body Connection
This is where it gets tricky. Often the personality type of those that are diagnosed with autoimmune conditions are not easy, breezy and laissez-faire. We are often type A, driven and prone to anxiety. Being diagnosed with a disease that, on the surface, seems completely beyond our control is, in effect, the worst thing that can happen to us.
For the years I suffered with IBS, prior to my symptoms escalating to full blown IBD, and my family doctor would tell me it was stress. This was not helpful. I was too stressed to recognize this. Id felt stress my whole life and didnt know there was any other way to feel, or have any idea how to resolve the stress and anxiety I consistently felt in the pit of my stomach.
A big part of healing autoimmune disease is addressing our emotional and spiritual health. This is about tapping into the present moment experience of wellbeing, contentment, joy, happiness, calmness, fulfillment, hope and gratitude.
Instagramming your awesome life, your meditation corner, your morning journal, your steaming cup of tea, or a selfie in your new prayer shawl isnt the spiritual practice. We have to do the work.
This is about you connecting with yourself and acknowledging, without fear or any self-deception, what is working in your life, what isnt, understanding why and what you can and cannot do to remedy it, and finding strategies that help you live life with greater ease.
Foods That May Fight Uc
Some research shows that certain nutrients may help fight the irritation and swelling in your gut caused by UC. Scientists have studied how linoleic acid affects people with the condition. Although everyone needs this âgoodâ fat, donât overdo it, since there is some evidence it may play a role in inflammation if you get too much.
Other studies show that an omega-3 fatty acid called EPA may fight inflammation. This is another âgoodâ fat that blocks certain chemicals in your body called leukotrienes. Fish oil is a good source of EPA. In some studies, folks with UC saw some benefits when they took high doses. Many people, though, didnât like the fishy taste. There is also some evidence that adding fish oil to aminosalicylates may be helpful, but this isnât proven. DHA is another omega-3 found in fish oil that can fight inflammation and is used by some people with UC.
Some research also shows that yogurt with gut-healthy bacteria, called probiotics, eases inflammation. Scientists are still studying how they may help people with UC and similar conditions. Some people also believe that a diet low in FODMAPs â a type of highly-fermentable carbs found in meats, fruits, dairy, and lots of other foods â may help ease UC symptoms. But the evidence is unclear if it does. And without close monitoring, any diet that restricts certain foods may lead to poor nutrition and other problems.
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Can I Get Surgery For My Ulcerative Colitis
Surgery is an option if medications arent working or you have complications, such as bleeding or abnormal growths. You might develop precancerous lesions, or growths that can turn into colorectal cancer. A doctor can remove these lesions with surgery or during a colonoscopy.
Research shows that about 30% of people with ulcerative colitis need surgery sometime during their life. About 20% of children with ulcerative colitis will need surgery during their childhood years.
There are two kinds of surgery for ulcerative colitis:
Proctocolectomy and ileoanal pouch
The proctocolectomy and ileoanal pouch is the most common procedure for ulcerative colitis. This procedure typically requires more than one surgery, and there are several ways to do it. First, your surgeon does a proctocolectomy a procedure that removes your colon and rectum. Then the surgeon forms an ileoanal pouch to create a new rectum. While your body and newly made pouch is healing, your surgeon may perform a temporary ileostomy at the same time. This creates an opening in your lower belly. Your small intestines attach to the stoma, which looks like a small piece of pink skin on your belly.
After you heal, waste from your small intestines comes out through the stoma and into an attached bag called an ostomy bag. The small bag lies flat on the outside of your body, below your beltline. Youll need to wear the bag at all times to collect waste. Youll have to change the bag frequently throughout the day.
Do Any Medications Have Nutritional Side Effects
Moderate to severe flares of IBD are often treated with corticosteroids , cholestyramine and 5-ASA compounds . These medications have nutritional side effects that should be addressed. If you use any of these medications, talk to your doctor or registered dietitian for treatment advice.
- Prednisone causes decreased absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the small intestine. It also causes increased losses of calcium, zinc, potassium and vitamin C. With continual use of high doses of prednisone, the result may be bone loss and development of bone disease. People on prednisone may need up to 1200 milligrams a day. Protein needs also are increased for people taking prednisone because it increases protein breakdown in the body.
- Cholestyramine decreases absorption of fat-soluble vitamins , as well as folate, vitamin B-12, calcium and iron.
- Sulfasalazine interferes with folate absorption. People taking this drug also should take a 1 milligram folate supplement each day.
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What Can I Do For Periods Of Poor Appetite And Weight Loss To Prevent Malnutrition
At times, there are very few foods that are tolerated well. During these times it is important to eat high calorie foods in tolerable amounts as frequently as possible. During times when solid foods cause irritation or you have a poor appetite, liquid oral supplementation may help provide nutrition. The following list includes liquid supplements for Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis.
Liquid Supplements for Crohn’s Disease
Liquid Supplements for Ulcerative Colitis
Because people with ulcerative colitis do not have malabsorption concerns, a supplement that contains partially broken down protein is not usually needed. Standard supplements are fine but are more easily tolerated if they are isotonic or low concentration, which helps prevent diarrhea. Some formulas that may be helpful include Modulen IBD or Enlive .
Get Regular Exercise To Reduce Inflammation
Snider says exercise is useful in managing many of the complications associated with ulcerative colitis, including decreased bone density, a weakened immune system, emotional health problems, stress, and weight gain.
“Try to engage in a moderate-intensity exercise like swimming or biking, three or four days per week,” he says. One research review notes that moderate exercise releases protective myokines such as irisin from working skeletal muscles, which promotes healing and helps with inflammatory bowel disease inflammation.
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When To Get Treatment
An increase in inflammation causes a flare, and the nature of inflammation means that you should treat it as quickly as you can. Inflammation grows exponentially, because inflammation itself causes an increase in inflammation. The longer you leave it untreated, the worse it will get. In addition, untreated inflammation not only leads to the symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis, it can also increase your risk of developing complications such as colorectal cancer down the line. Pay attention to your symptoms, and visit your physician if you notice that they change or increase even a small amount.
What About Fodmap Foods
You also may have heard of something called the low-FODMAP diet . FODMAPs are carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by the small intestine and when they land in the colon where the colonic bacteria ferment the undigested sugars resulting in gas production. Some research shows that following this diet can help reduce symptoms in people with UC. According to researchers at Monash University in Australia:
High FODMAP foods include:
Ulcerative colitis is one of the most common diseases in this generation and is becoming quite common due to the changing lifestyle as well as changing eating habits. It is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and sores in the digestive tract. As well as, affects the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. Symptoms usually develop with time rather than suddenly. In modern medicine, there is no cure for ulcerative colitis but this disease can be permanently cured by various natural remedies and by taking precautions in the diet. Allopathic treatment involves only reducing the signs and symptoms of the disease which can even bring about remission but ulcerative colitis can be cured by herbal remedies without any side effects.
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Crohns And Colitis Foundation
The Crohns and Colitis Foundation is a national nonprofit and voluntary health organization dedicated to finding cures for Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The foundation funds research, provides educational materials about IBD, offers support services, and lobbies public policy makers on behalf of people with IBD. Their website is a great place to learn more about IBD Crohns and Colitis Foundation
Will Ulcerative Colitis Ever Be Cured
Researchers are looking at other treatment options and potential cures for UC.
Two of the newest UC medications developed in the last couple of years include biosimilar medications and Janus kinase inhibitors.
Biosimilar medications contain copies of the antibodies used in a common type of UC medication referred to as biologics. Those antibodies help the body stop production of some proteins that can cause inflammation.
Severe cases of UC can be treated with a JAK inhibitor called tofacitinib . It helps block certain enzymes that can trigger inflammation.
Research is ongoing as to whether other therapeutics, such as stem cell therapy and stool transplant, can treat or cure UC.
It is my firm belief that there will be major improvements to UC management within the next decade.
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Consider Therapy To Help Manage Stress And Pain
Working with a therapist on certain mind-body techniques can help you control ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and a technique called biofeedback may be useful, as these processes teach skills to cope with stress and pain. In CBT, you learn to recognize and change behaviors and emotions that affect you physically. According to an article looking at pain management techniques for people with IBD, CBT can ease abdominal pain for some people. Biofeedback will teach you how to identify and control some bodily processes, such as heart rate or tension in your muscles, and it can be effective in helping manage chronic pain.
Does A Colectomy Cure Ulcerative Colitis
- One possible treatment for ulcerative colitis is a colectomy, in which all or part of the colon is removed.
- A colectomy will likely help relieve all colon-related symptoms.
- After a colectomy, people with UC may still have other health problems related to other organs, or they may experience lifestyle changes caused by the surgery.
Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease in which the immune system attacks the large intestine . UC causes inflammation and ulcers to form. If the large intestine becomes too damaged or causes severe health problems, your doctor may remove all or part of the colon and rectum in a procedure known as a colectomy, colon resection, or large bowel resection.
There are several types of colectomy procedures. For most people with UC, removing the full large intestine can resolve the majority of their symptoms. Moreover, most people who have a colectomy are able to resume their regular activities and hobbies. Still, undergoing the procedure may also require some lifestyle changes, which can take some getting used to. Understanding the options available and their potential impacts will help you engage in an informed conversation with your health care provider.
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Understanding Autoimmune Disease And The Triggers
Before we get into the healing, its important to have a basic understanding of autoimmune diseases. All of them, at their root, have similar triggers. How it manifests in your body is largely due to a genetic predisposition.
That being said, genetics are not to blame. We all have genetic predispositions but that doesnt mean the flip must be switched for all of us. This is what we call epigenetics how your lifestyle practices dictate the expression of our genes.
At the core of all autoimmune conditions are three factors:
- Genetic predisposition .
- Environmental triggers
And so when it comes to healing, well need to address the gut, identify the triggers, and then work to rebalance and heal.
Pineapple Juice For Ulcerative Colitis Relief
One of the main protagonists of these home remedies to control ulcerative colitis is pineapple juice. The bromelain in pineapples is great to treat digestive diseases, since it has anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, by drinking two classes of pineapple juice every day , youll feel relief from your symptoms.
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Can Ulcerative Colitis Be Cured With Surgery
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon characterized by frequent bloody diarrhea throughout the day. Medicines can only reduce the intensity of its symptoms and surgery is the only option to cure it.
About 23% to 45% of people with ulcerative colitis end up having surgery.
Surgery is needed when
- There are intolerable side-effects of medications
- The disease comes with a sudden onset and severe symptoms
- The affected colon tears or bleeds
- The growth of the child gets retarded
- Abnormal growths develop in the colon
Patients may choose surgery over medicines when
- They want to improve their quality of life
- They want a permanent cure
- They want to reduce their risk of colon cancer
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Can You Cure An Inflammatory Bowel Disease
There are only two types of inflammatory bowel diseases: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. They are both very similar and relatively prevalent, affecting one million people. A half-million of them have Crohn’s, and a half million have ulcerative colitis. I had ulcerative colitis. I say I had because I had my colon removed. Does that mean an IBD can be cured?
Well, yes and no.
There is essentially a cure for ulcerative colitis since it only affects the colon. Believe it or not, we can live without a colon, so if we have the colon removed, the disease is gone.
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What Are Other Peoples Experiences With Colectomies
The idea of a colectomy can be scary, and its normal to feel emotional before surgery. One MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam member shared, Im really nervous for the moment Im fully awake after surgery as I dont know how my body will physically be feeling, and that scares me. I am basically saying goodbye to my old stomachs appearance and adjusting to a completely new way of living.
Along with its benefits, a colectomy may cause several problems. Some people find the surgery painful. I first had a total colectomy. The second surgery was to build a J-pouch, remove my rectum, and place another ostomy, wrote another member of MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam. It was so painful, and removal of the drain was terrible.
A member shared that surgery led to problems being intimate. I have an ileostomy. It does not bother my husband at all. I, on the other hand, feel a lot less sexy. And I have to be careful of the different positions because it will pop my seal, they wrote.
However, many MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam members have reported that colectomies and ostomies have greatly improved their life. It came to a point where my son was suffering almost every day, said one member. It was no way to live. Now my son has a chance at a healthy life.
A different member shared, I personally feel like I have my life back.