This section for ulcerative colitis comprises energetically oriented treatments that have to do with intention, energy healing, prayer, and in some cases god. These terms may be volatile for some, and for others they will resonate. Regardless, many of these treatments are showing to be profoundly healing for certain individuals with UC. Though some people are skeptical, prior notions of these words should be set aside when reading about these spiritual healing treatments, as many of the are truly incredible! (Many of the treatments that live in other sections on FoundHealth could easily live in this spirit section as well as they have spiritual components to them.)
So take a look at which spirit treatments have been used for ulcerative colitis or other health challenges, or add any that might be missing!
Yoga can be a great way to employ light, moderate, or rigorous exercise depending on what your body needs. Through asanas (poses), breathing techniques and meditation, yoga can help not only to heal the body, but also bring the person's awareness to what their body actually needs. The "mind-body" connection is often discussed when talking about healing treatments as the two are interconnected. Yoga employs both mind and body exercises, and brings them together as well!
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Proposed treatment options can significantly vary therefore testing for an accurate diagnosis is advantageous to receive the most effective treatment regime.
A gastroenterologist can help you monitor your disease and drug therapy. Perhaps it is time to take a few other factors into account. You will want to make sure that any physicians or healers you intended to consult regarding your diagnosis recognize the important of adjunct and collaborative therapies.
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Proposed treatment options can significantly vary therefore testing for an accurate diagnosis is advantageous to receive the most effective treatment regime.
A gastroenterologist can help you monitor your disease and drug therapy. Perhaps it is time to take a few other factors into account. You will want to make sure that any physicians or healers you intended to consult regarding your diagnosis recognize the important of adjunct and collaborative therapies.
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As discussed, Ulcerative Colitis is one of two forms of Inflammatory Bowl Disease. There are sub categories of ulcerative colitis as well:1
References
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Proposed treatment options can significantly vary therefore testing for an accurate diagnosis is advantageous to receive the most effective treatment regime.
A gastroenterologist can help you monitor your disease and drug therapy. Perhaps it is time to take a few other factors into account. You will want to make sure that any physicians or healers you intended to consult regarding your diagnosis recognize the important of adjunct and collaborative therapies.
Also, consider you emotional well-being both around the diagnosis of this chronic disease, and in general. Many people with ulcerative colitis are able to live their lives without too much alteration because of their condition. In fact, the CCFA states that half of those diagnosed with ulcerative colitis do not find their symptoms to affect their daily routine.1 But taking time to consider the mental component, how the clutter and stress in your mind affects your body and your disease, is worth exploring. You can talk with any of your practitioners about the mind-body connection and its role in chronic disease and about their suggestions for dealing with it. Even the pharmaceutical company which makes Asacol (a drug for Ulcerative colitis) devotes a section of their website to “Cope[ing] with Stress” acknowledging the role emotions play in the symptomatic treatment of Ulcerative Colitis.2
Take some time to consider your physical activity levels if you have ulcerative colitis. Moderate exercise is helpful to improve general health, but since signs of oxidative stress have been found in the mucosal lining of Ulcerative Colitis patients, it is good to exercise in moderation.1 (Functional Medicine also acknowledges the role that oxidative stress has on any chronic condition and should be addressed with any FM practitioner you may consult.) Make time to exercise lightly daily.
Any MDs can choose to go through training that will teach them about practicing functional Medicine.
In the Functional Medicine Model, it is suggested that a non-toxic dentist be part of an efficient chronic care team. This simply indicates a dentist who recognizes that both the removal of environmental toxins plays a part in dental hygiene, and that the “mouth flora,” similar in essence to the gut flora, is so important to the integrative treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Finding a compounding pharmacist and/or herbalist with a working knowledge of all that is available to aid you in your healing journey is also suggested by the Institute for Functional Medicine (Jones, 2010). A compounding pharmacist can mix custom medications to fit a specific patient's needs.
Any MDs can choose to go through training that will teach them about practicing functional Medicine.
In the Functional Medicine Model, it is suggested that a non-toxic dentist be part of an efficient chronic care team. This simply indicates a dentist who recognizes that both the removal of environmental toxins plays a part in dental hygiene, and that the “mouth flora,” similar in essence to the gut flora, is so important to the integrative treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Finding a compounding pharmacist and/or herbalist with a working knowledge of all that is available to aid you in your healing journey is also suggested by the Institute for Functional Medicine (Jones, 2010). A compounding pharmacist can mix custom medications to fit a specific patient's needs.
Unfortunately, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America notes that there are no specific foods that contribute directly to the symptomatology of ulcerative colitis for every individual diagnosed with the disease.1 Since ulcerative colitis is restricted to the colon, where little nutrient absorption occurs, there is less of a risk for malnutrition than for those with crohn’s disease (since this disease might well affect the stomach or small intestine where nutrient absorption occurs.)
Yet many beneficial studies have still been done on the effects of particular foods for those suffering from Ulcerative Colitis. A brief overview of these follows, but it is important to note that the a good way to decide whether a certain substance affects the symptomatology of an individual patient is through an elimination diet whereby the individual can experience the effects for themselves. Ultimately, whether a particular substance negatively affects the patient really depends on the individual’s personal constitution. The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is often recommended for those diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, but can at times bring relief to some Ulcerative Colitis suffers. The SCD allows the consumption of carbohydrates that are monosaccharides (have a single molecule structure) which allow them to be more easily absorbed in the intestinal wall. Complex carbohydrates (disaccharides and polysaccharides) are not allowed as they can contribute to the inflammation of the intestinal wall. The diet helps to rid the gut of harmful bacteria and restore the healthy microorganism balance (Rakel, 2009). David Rakel points out that the most recent discovery concerning dietary treatments for ulcerative colitis includes a look at the short-chain fatty acids (butyric acid in particular) as they nourish the colonic epithelium, lower pH (which encourages the growth of protective bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium), and inhibit the growth of potential pathogens. Butyric acid also has anti-inflammatory effects2. The problem is that in patients with Ulcerative Colitis, sulfides produced by their flora actually inhibit the beneficial effects of their butyrate. Consequently, a new recommendation for
trial dietary changes is a low sulfur diet. Meat (and therefore protein) produce sulfides, therefore beef, eggs, port, cheese, whole mild, ice cream, mayonnaise, soy milk, mineral water, nuts, cruciferous vegetables, and sulfated alcohol should be avoided (Rakel, 2009). A further discussion on how these diets can be useful is found in the “Collaboration is Where to Begin” section of this paper. It is well known that switching from a diet high in refined carbohydrates and processed sugars to one with whole foods low in glycemic index promotes health and vitality and can sometimes even reverses the effects of many chronic diseases. It never hurts to switch to a diet of whole foods in an attempt to combat the symptoms of chronic ailments.
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet is often recommended for those diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, but can at times bring relief to some Ulcerative Colitis suffers.
Another new up-and-coming recommendation for trial dietary changes is a low sulfur diet
Though it is true that patients with Crohn’s Disease are more likely to have food sensitivities than those with Ulcerative Colitis (due to the fact that the inflammation can be in other parts of the digestive tract than only the colon), it is still helpful to rule out any personal sensitivities and try any treatments that might alleviate the symptoms (Rakel, 2007).
“Hypersensitivity to indigenous gut flora, is significant for the integrative therapies because of the influence of diet and dietary supplements on nutritional status, intestinal permeability, and the composition of the intestinal micro flora."2 Suggested supplements and botanicals in descending order of proven effectiveness for ulcerative colitis include Folic Acid, Fiber, Calcium, Fish oils, N-Acetylglucosamine, Chromium, Vitamin B (6 and 12), Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin D, Aloe Vera gel, Boswellia, and S. boulardii.2 The use of prebiotics and probiotics to restore a natural gut flora can be beneficial as dysbiosis (an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the colon) can be common for those with IBD.
Any MDs can choose to go through training that will teach them about practicing functional Medicine.
In the Functional Medicine Model, it is suggested that a non-toxic dentist be part of an efficient chronic care team. This simply indicates a dentist who recognizes that both the removal of environmental toxins plays a part in dental hygiene, and that the “mouth flora,” similar in essence to the gut flora, is so important to the integrative treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Finding a compounding pharmacist and/or herbalist with a working knowledge of all that is available to aid you in your healing journey is also suggested by the Institute for Functional Medicine (Jones, 2010). A compounding pharmacist can mix custom medications to fit a specific patient's needs.
Functional Medicine is based on the practice of medicine in which the practitioner focus on the underlying causes of the chronic disease (by way of the “core clinical imbalances” recognized by the field) instead of merely looking to treat the symptoms. As discussed earlier however, since there is no one cause for ulcerative colitis, the purpose of any physician would be to look at the underlying causes that increase the inflammation in particular. Of the core imbalances, inflammation clearly plays a key role in the symptomatology of ulcerative colitis. (Additional important imbalances to address with an FM practitioner would include: Digestive, detoxification, and oxidation-reduction.)
A Functional Medicine practitioner would recognize the biochemical individuality of each patient and help analyze how this individuality might play a role in the personal manifestations of the disease. Also, they should consider the dynamic balance of internal (physiological) and external (environmental) factors. FM practitioners understand that the inner workings of the bodily systems are interconnected in nature and that changing facets of diet for example, can correct hormonal disturbances or that getting rid of environmental toxins can lessen the over active immune response. Perhaps most importantly, a Functional Medicine practitioner will acknowledge multiple ways of healing, and can help support the work of other integrative practitioners in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis.1
Unfortunately, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America notes that there are no specific foods that contribute directly to the symptomatology of ulcerative colitis for every individual diagnosed with the disease (CCFA, 2009).1 Since ulcerative colitis is restricted to the colon, where little nutrient absorption occurs, there is less of a risk for malnutrition than for those with crohn’s disease (since this disease might well affect the stomach or small intestine where nutrient absorption occurs.)
Yet many beneficial studies have still been done on the effects of particular foods for those suffering from Ulcerative Colitis. A brief overview of these follows, but it is important to note that the a good way to decide whether a certain substance affects the symptomatology of an individual patient is through an elimination diet whereby the individual can experience the effects for themselves. Ultimately, whether a particular substance negatively affects the patient really depends on the individual’s personal constitution.
It is well known that switching from a diet high in refined carbohydrates and processed sugars to one with whole foods low in glycemic index promotes health and vitality and can sometimes even reverses the effects of many chronic diseases. It never hurts to switch to a diet of whole foods in an attempt to combat the symptoms of chronic ailments.
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet is often recommended for those diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, but can at times bring relief to some Ulcerative Colitis suffers.
Another new up-and-coming recommendation for trial dietary changes is a low sulfur diet
Though it is true that patients with Crohn’s Disease are more likely to have food sensitivities than those with Ulcerative Colitis (due to the fact that the inflammation can be in other parts of the digestive tract than only the colon), it is still helpful to rule out any personal sensitivities and try any treatments that might alleviate the symptoms.
“Hypersensitivity to indigenous gut flora, is significant for the integrative therapies because of the influence of diet and dietary supplements on nutritional status, intestinal permeability, and the composition of the intestinal micro flora."2 Suggested supplements and botanicals in descending order of proven effectiveness for ulcerative colitis include Folic Acid, Fiber, Calcium, Fish oils, N-Acetylglucosamine, Chromium, Vitamin B (6 and 12), Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin D, Aloe Vera gel, Boswellia, and S. boulardii.1 2 The use of prebiotics and probiotics to restore a natural gut flora can be beneficial as dysbiosis (an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the colon) can be common for those with IBD.
Some studies report that patients suffering from IBD have increased rates of lactase non-persistence (LNP). Many patients voluntarily choose to remove dairy foods from their diets after being diagnosed in an effort to combat some of the symptoms. Additionally, since the symptoms of LNP and IBD are similar, it is important to find, through elimination, if either the disease or the LNP status of the individual exacerbates their symptoms (Shrier, 2008). However, it is important to note that there is an epidemiological and pathogenetic link between both forms of IBD and colorectal cancer, and studies have shown that calcium and dairy food intake were actually inversely related to the risk for colon cancer, thereby supporting the benefits of a diet including dairy foods.1
