Ulcerative Colitis - How to Relieve It

It is an autoimmune disease of the colon. The main symptoms of UC include abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. In more severe stages of the disease, fever, weight loss, dehydration, and anemia can develop.

Like other autoimmune diseases, UC is characterized by alternating flare-ups and periods of remission. Conventional treatment involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications to reduce symptoms and induce remission; then, if possible, the same or related medications are used to maintain remission.

Typical symptoms include diarrhea (sometimes with blood) and often abdominal pain. The appearance of rectal bleeding or lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage is usually intermittent. Additionally, pus in the stool (due to mucosal inflammation) or even mucus may be observed. The color of the blood is a determining factor: the darker the color, the more extensive the affected colon tract may be. In cases of profuse bleeding, blood transfusions will be necessary to correct the resulting anemia. Furthermore, it often causes colic abdominal pain in the patient, generally in the hypogastrium and flanks, along with tenesmus, fever, diarrhea, and tachycardia. Not all of these have to appear simultaneously, but they are suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease. The inflammation normally begins in the rectum and the lower portion of the intestine (sigmoid) and spreads upwards throughout the colon. Small intestine involvement only occurs in its final section, called the ileum.

“Those who think they have no time for healthy eating will sooner or later find time for illness.”

Diet for ulcerative colitis

Dietary treatment in a person suffering from UC is of utmost importance, as a good nutritional status improves the body's defenses, medication tolerance, the healing of possible ulcers, and prevents the worsening of disease symptoms.

During an acute flare-up, an easily digestible diet should be followed, excluding high-fiber foods such as whole grains, some vegetables and fruits, as well as nuts; and gas-producing foods such as legumes.

It is also important to follow a diet low in poor-quality fat, which means avoiding fried or battered foods, fatty stews and casseroles, sauces with excessive fat, as well as pastries and baked goods, although in some cases the use of easily digestible medium-chain triglycerides should be considered. In this situation, excessive intake of lactose, fructose, and sorbitol can cause colic abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea. It is important to note that the diet must be lactose-free for those patients who are intolerant and should also be low in gluten. However, if the patient tolerates lactose, it is important not to remove dairy products as they are a source of vitamin D, calcium, and protein. As the symptoms of the flare-up subside, new foods can be gradually introduced.

As the symptoms of the flare-up subside, new foods can be gradually introduced. It is also important to maintain an adequate balance of fluids and electrolytes to avoid dehydration that can be caused by fever or diarrhea, through the administration of oral rehydration solutions, broths, soups, infusions, lemon water, or rice water. In addition, an intake of 1.5 g/protein/kg should be ensured to promote ulcer healing.

During ulcerative colitis flare-ups, the following are preferably recommended: Cereals: Consumption of white bread, preferably, pasta, rice, or potato. Fruits and

vegetables: Preferred consumption of apple or pear in compote form, later as tolerance to solid foods increases, introduce peeled ripe fruit pieces, consume vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and pumpkin in pureed form.

Eggs and dairy products: Egg whites, plain skimmed yogurts, skimmed fresh cheese, and lactose-free skimmed milk.

Fish and seafood: White fish such as hake, sea bream, sea bass, etc.

Meats and poultry: Lean tender meats such as rabbit, turkey, or chicken.

Oil and fats: Virgin olive oil.

Desserts: Fruit compote.

Spices and sauces: Homemade defatted broths. Turmeric.

Drinks: Mineral water, infusions, and tea.

Foods not recommended during flare-ups are:

Whole grains: Whole grains and oat and wheat bran are not recommended.

Fruits and vegetables: Lettuce, spinach, chard, artichokes, peppers, peas, tomatoes, etc. are not recommended.

Eggs and dairy products: Whole dairy products and sugary dairy desserts.

Fish and seafood: Oily fish.

Meats and poultry: Cured meats and lean meats.

Oil and fats: Butter and margarine.

Nuts: All.

Desserts: Any sugary dessert.

Spices and sauces: Commercial sauces, hot sauces, and condiments.

Drinks: Carbonated drinks, sodas, coffee, alcohol.

General recommendations

1. Engage in some type of physical activity, at least 3 or 4 days a week, for 30-60 minutes, adapting the intensity of the exercise to your capabilities.

2. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day. A simple method to not forget is:

Drink a glass of water before breakfast and another at the end.

Drink a glass of water mid-morning.

Drink a glass of water before lunch and another at the end.

Drink a glass of water at snack time.

Drink a glass of water before dinner and at the end.

3. Between meals, you should leave a 3-hour gap to rest and digest the food. Avoid snacking.

IMPORTANCE OF TURMERIC IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Anti-inflammatory

Properties of turmeric

The main secret of turmeric lies in its components, curcuminoids and curcumins, which are attributed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, turmeric contains dietary fiber, vitamins C, E, and K, niacin, sodium, calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, and essential oils.