What are some popular treatments for ulcerative colitis?
Take a look at the list of popular treatments for ulcerative colitis. The goals of treatment for colitis are to control acute attacks, prevent repeated episodes, and help the colon heal. During a severe episode, hospitalization may be necessary. Your healthcare provider might prescribe corticosteroids, and you may receive nutrients through an IV line.
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Yoga
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Yoga can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. It promotes relaxation, enhances digestive function, and may help alleviate some symptoms of ulcerative colitis by reducing inflammation and improving gut motility.
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Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
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LDN is an immune-modulating treatment that has shown promise in managing symptoms of ulcerative colitis. It works by regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation, which is key in treating inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Specific Carbohydrate Diet
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The Specific Carbohydrate Diet focuses on eliminating certain carbs to reduce inflammation and gut irritation. It aims to promote gut healing by removing complex carbohydrates that are difficult to digest and may trigger symptoms.
4
Aloe Vera
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Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It may help reduce irritation in the intestines and provide relief from symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain in ulcerative colitis.
5
Reduce stress
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Reducing stress is essential in managing ulcerative colitis. Stress can exacerbate flare-ups by triggering the immune system, so stress management techniques like relaxation and mindfulness are vital in controlling symptoms.
6
Relaxation techniques
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Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and potentially minimize symptoms of ulcerative colitis by promoting overall gut health.
7
Avoid dairy
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Dairy products can sometimes aggravate ulcerative colitis symptoms due to lactose intolerance or the fat content. Avoiding dairy helps prevent bloating, diarrhea, and discomfort in individuals sensitive to these products.
8
Anti-constipation medication
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Anti-constipation medications help manage bowel function in ulcerative colitis patients who experience constipation as a symptom. These medications work by softening stool and improving bowel movements.
9
Vitamin D
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Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune function and inflammation regulation. Supplementing with vitamin D may help reduce inflammation and support overall gut health in ulcerative colitis patients.
10
Tylenol
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Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a pain reliever often used to manage mild pain associated with ulcerative colitis. Unlike NSAIDs, it does not irritate the digestive tract, making it a safer option for pain relief.
11
Xifaxan
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Xifaxan is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial overgrowth in the gut. It can be beneficial for patients with ulcerative colitis who have developed an imbalance in gut bacteria, improving overall gut function.
12
Humira
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Humira is a biologic medication that targets specific proteins involved in inflammation. It is used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis by reducing the immune system's inflammatory response.
13
Dicyclomine
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Dicyclomine is an antispasmodic medication that can help relieve abdominal pain and cramping by relaxing the muscles of the intestines. It can be used to ease symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
14
Small meals
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Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the stress on the digestive system. It prevents overeating, which could lead to bloating, discomfort, and worsening symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
15
Reduce meat in diet
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Reducing meat, especially red and processed meats, can help manage ulcerative colitis symptoms. Meat can be hard to digest and may trigger inflammation in some individuals with the condition.
16
Chiropractic therapy
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Chiropractic therapy involves spinal adjustments to improve nervous system function and reduce inflammation. Some ulcerative colitis patients find relief from symptoms through chiropractic care.
17
Probiotics
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Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. They may help restore balance in the gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and improve symptoms of ulcerative colitis by enhancing digestion and boosting the immune system.
18
Peppermint oil
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Peppermint oil is known for its soothing properties and can help reduce symptoms such as bloating, cramping, and gas. It works by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract and may provide relief from ulcerative colitis symptoms.
19
Vitamin K2
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Vitamin K2 is important for bone health and blood clotting, and it may also help modulate the immune system. For people with ulcerative colitis, vitamin K2 supplementation can aid in overall health management.
20
Vitamin K1
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Vitamin K1 supports blood clotting and bone health, and it may help reduce bleeding risks in patients with ulcerative colitis, particularly those with colonic inflammation.
21
Remicade
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Remicade is a biologic drug used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. It works by blocking specific proteins in the immune system that cause inflammation in the intestines, helping to manage flare-ups.
22
Drink plenty of water
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Staying hydrated is essential for managing ulcerative colitis. Water helps prevent dehydration, which can result from diarrhea, and keeps the digestive system functioning optimally.
23
Sulfasalazine
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Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat ulcerative colitis. It works by reducing inflammation in the colon and can help manage flare-ups and maintain remission.
24
Psyllium seeds
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Psyllium seeds are a source of soluble fiber that helps regulate bowel movements. They can alleviate constipation or diarrhea and help manage symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
25
Coconut oil
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Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can be soothing for the gut. It may help reduce inflammation and support digestive health for people with ulcerative colitis.
26
Metamucil
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Metamucil is a fiber supplement made from psyllium husk. It can help regulate bowel movements and ease diarrhea or constipation, making it a helpful treatment for ulcerative colitis.
27
Iron
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Iron supplementation may be necessary for individuals with ulcerative colitis who experience anemia due to chronic blood loss or poor nutrient absorption. Iron helps support energy levels and overall health.
28
Medical cannabis
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Medical cannabis has been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms such as pain, cramping, and nausea in people with ulcerative colitis. It may be used as an adjunct therapy for symptom management.
29
Cyclosporin
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Cyclosporin is an immunosuppressive drug used for severe ulcerative colitis cases. It works by suppressing the immune response, helping to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups.
30
Silicea
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Silicea is a homeopathic remedy that is thought to support tissue healing and reduce inflammation. Some individuals with ulcerative colitis use it as a complementary treatment to manage symptoms.
31
Exercise
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Regular exercise can help manage ulcerative colitis by improving overall health, reducing stress, and promoting gut motility. It also supports immune system function, which can help reduce flare-ups.
32
Cortifoam
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Cortifoam is a topical corticosteroid foam that is applied to the rectum. It helps reduce inflammation in the colon and can provide quick relief during flare-ups of ulcerative colitis.
33
Azulfidine
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Azulfidine is an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat ulcerative colitis. It works by reducing inflammation in the colon, improving symptoms and preventing flare-ups.
34
Azathioprine
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Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive medication that helps control the immune system's inflammatory response. It is used in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis to prevent flare-ups and maintain remission.
35
Colazal
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Colazal is a medication that helps reduce inflammation in the colon. It is often used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis by preventing flare-ups and maintaining remission.
36
Dipentum
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Dipentum is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat ulcerative colitis. It works by reducing inflammation in the intestines, improving symptoms, and helping to maintain remission.
37
Lialda
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Lialda is a medication that reduces inflammation in the colon. It is often prescribed to maintain remission and prevent flare-ups in individuals with ulcerative colitis.
38
Meditation
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Meditation helps reduce stress, which is a known trigger for ulcerative colitis flare-ups. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help calm the body’s stress response and reduce the frequency of symptoms.
39
Asacol
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Asacol is an anti-inflammatory drug that works directly on the colon to reduce inflammation. It is commonly used to treat ulcerative colitis and help maintain remission.
40
Corticosteroids
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Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications used to treat flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. They help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and improve symptoms during active disease.
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Gluten-free diet
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A gluten-free diet may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms for individuals with ulcerative colitis who have a sensitivity to gluten. Removing gluten may reduce gut irritation.
42
Fish oil
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Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. For ulcerative colitis patients, fish oil supplementation may help reduce inflammation in the intestines and support gut health.
43
Vitamin C
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Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports immune function and tissue repair. It may help reduce inflammation in the colon and improve overall gut health in ulcerative colitis patients.
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Boswelia
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Boswelia is an herbal supplement known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce inflammation in the intestines and alleviate symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
45
Eat fiber
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A high-fiber diet can help regulate bowel movements and improve overall digestive health. However, it’s important for ulcerative colitis patients to choose the right type of fiber and avoid exacerbating flare-ups.
46
Fecal bacteriotherapy
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Fecal bacteriotherapy, also known as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), involves transferring healthy gut bacteria into the intestines of a person with ulcerative colitis. This therapy can help restore a balanced microbiome and reduce symptoms.
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Mesalamine
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Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory drug commonly used to treat ulcerative colitis. It works by reducing inflammation in the colon, helping to manage flare-ups and maintain remission.
48
Acupuncture
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Acupuncture may help reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis by balancing the body’s energy flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation. It is used as a complementary therapy to support conventional treatments.
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Melatonin
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Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties. Supplementing with melatonin may help reduce inflammation and improve gut function in people with ulcerative colitis.