Ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease of the large intestine or colon. Ulcers form on the wall lining of the intestine or rectum and can be difficult to correctly diagnose. The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include bloody diarrhea that may contain mucus and abdominal pains. Such symptoms can make the everyday life of a sufferer difficult and with no known cause or cure adopting a self-help approach to controlling symptoms is imperative.
Ulcerative Colitis and Diet
The first step in attempting to control the symptoms of ulcerative colitis concerns diet and nutrition. Although important for the general population, the correct diet is of increased importance for colitis sufferers. Many authors on the subject site a few common foods that may increase symptoms or cause flare-ups but the fact remains there is no conclusive evidence of this.
Therefore a detailed food diary should be undertaken with the aim of highlighting how you feel on a daily basis after the consumption of food and drink. It will take time to correctly identify which foods cause symptoms and an element of trial and error will occur. However, it is a worthwhile exercise will potentially reveal certain foods that you consume regularly are causing increased symptoms.
The most common foods that may increase your symptoms include all stimulants, such as coffee and chocolate which both contain caffeine, alcohol, and some diary products. If a food diary has not identified any problems a visit to a nutritionist may identify food intolerances that may be causing symptoms to persist.
Ulcerative Colitis and Pregnancy
There is some evidence to suggest that the medications prescribed to ulcerative colitis sufferers, such as aminosalicylates with mesalazine as the active ingredient, may cause fertility problems for male patients. A reduction in sperm count and sperm motility can possibly occur and sufferers may be advised to stop taking their medication whilst trying to conceive.
For female sufferers, their ulcerative colitis can flare up during pregnancy and this may continue after child birth. It is believed this is due to the increased stress placed upon the body during this time making it even more important to eat correctly for both mother and child. There is no conclusive evidence to suggest an ulcerative colitis sufferer will pass on their symptoms to their child.
Living with Ulcerative Colitis
As ulcerative colitis is a long-term illness, symptoms may persist for a number of years, meaning medication, or even in the worse cases, surgery, is a necessity. This can be a costly time, especially in the early days of your illness. This is due to the fact that with no known cure an element of trial and error with different medications may occur.
There is an increasing belief that the consumption of aloe vera juice can aid ulcerative colitis sufferers. Although yet to be recommended by professionals on a public level, aloe vera works as an anti-inflammatory and can be found in most health shops. Additionally, it is important to drink plenty of water as ulcerative colitis can cause dehydration and plenty of sleep and exercise are also beneficial.
Sources:
Cartwright Peter: Coping Successfully with Ulcerative Colitis, Shelton Press 2004
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Fact Book, John Wiley & Sons 1983
Steinhart Hilary: Crohn’s & Colitis Diet Guide: Includes 150 Recipes, Robert Rose Inc 2008
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