11 Naturopathic and Home Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis

11 Effective Naturopathic and Home Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis

If you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and are interested in learning what alternative cures fall under ulcerative colitis holistic treatment, we have prepared a list for you. 

Below are 11 of the most effective naturopathic and home remedies for ulcerative colitis.

1) Fasting

Fasting offers numerous health benefits to not only the digestive tract but the whole body. Such a practice has been linked with reducing heart disease, managing blood sugar, improving metabolism by regulating hormones, and even delaying aging.

Methods of Fasting To Treat Ulcerative Colitis

Employing a routine involving intermittent fasting to treat ulcerative colitis may result in a significant reduction of inflammatory response. Such a treatment requires a patient to divide their 24-hour day into two blocks, with one time period being reserved for eating (known as the eating window). During this time the patient is free to eat his meals as they see fit, so long as they do not exceed the time allocated. Whenever a patient is not in the eating window, they should avoid food completely, drinking only water if necessary.

A fasting-mimicking diet (or FMD) has also been declared by researchers as an effective treatment against ulcerative colitis and other Irritable Bowel Syndromes. Such a diet involves the patient eating only 1/10th of the calories they would typically consume to mimic fasting. This results in decreasing inflammation of the bowel while also promoting regeneration of the intestine.

Bodily Changes During A 3-Day Fast For Ulcerative Colitis

A patient suffering from ulcerative colitis may experience the following bodily changes during a 3-day fast:

• 0-24 Hours: On the first day of your fast, the glycogen stored in the liver and muscles starts being used by the body for energy. Glucose stores also go down, resulting in you feeling weak, irritable, and hungry.

• 24-48 Hours: As the body has burned through most of its glucose, it starts using fat for energy. This phenomenon is called “ketosis” and results in a significant reduction of inflammation throughout the body, including the colon.
• 48-72 Hours: By day 3 of fasting, the body has started to clean out damaged cells by replacing them with newly generated ones–a process called autophagy. This may be particularly effective at reducing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, as damaged tissues in the gut are reformed.

2) Colostrum

Colostrum, also known as “first milk”, is the milk a human’s mammary glands produce right after giving birth to a newborn. It is usually deep orange or yellow, with a thick, sticky consistency similar to honey. 

The same milk which comes from a cow’s udders immediately following delivery is known as ‘bovine colostrum”, and has similar properties to human colostrum.

Benefits of Colostrum for The Human Body

Employing the use of colostrum to treat Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease has been studied extensively, largely due to it being a nutrient-dense naturally-occurring liquid with anti-inflammatory properties. 

When a baby is born, the colostrum they receive from the mother acts as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent. Once ingested, it protects against gut infections while simultaneously promoting the development of the GI tract and immunity. The same benefits apply to adults who take colostrum, helping alleviate issues of the GI tract by protecting against gut pathogens and contributing to mucosal healing.

How to Use Colostrum for Ulcerative Colitis

Both human and bovine colostrum are available in the form of powder and capsule supplements that can be taken orally. If you are an adult suffering from ulcerative colitis or a similar condition, it is recommended to take colostrum twice a day. 

One dose should be taken in the morning before breakfast while the other should be taken right before bedtime. The recommended dosage for colostrum can vary based on the severity of your condition, though adults typically take between 1 to 2 tablespoons per dose.

3) Niacin

Niacin is a part of the vitamin B3 list of compounds, existing in the form of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. Since vitamin b3, nicotinic acid, and nicotinamide all have similar chemical properties, they are typically considered to be synonymous with the term niacin and are used interchangeably.

Benefits of Niacin for The Human Body

Niacin is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in converting the food we eat into energy. Research has shown the vitamin to be particularly effective at lowering bad cholesterol, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation. It is also water-soluble and hence not stored by the body, meaning it can be taken in large doses without causing toxicity.

Link Between Niacin and Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that primarily affects the colon, causing inflammation leading to painful, bleeding ulcers. Niacin has been recorded to have a significant impact on reducing inflammation in the body, with recent research confirming its positive effect on the colon as well. 

Niacin has also been credited with the ability to suppress colon cancer by improving intestinal health and aiding in the repair of the mucosal lining–a matter to which patients of ulcerative colitis are susceptible.

4) Boswellia Serrata

Also referred to as Indian frankincense, Boswellia serrata is the name of a tree found in South Asia and parts of Africa. Gum resin extracted from this tree has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda due to the anti-inflammatory properties it exhibits.

Patients of ulcerative colitis may use the extract of boswellia serrata to help manage their symptoms. This includes reducing the swelling of joints, easing abdominal pain, and increasing overall energy by boosting immunity. Research has also indicated that extracts of Boswellia serrata can reverse ulcerative colitis, with one study resulting in 82% of patients reaching the remission stage after six weeks.

5) Curcumin

Curcumin is a powerful active compound found in the common Indian spice turmeric. Also referred to as the “golden spice of India”, this ingredient has been used in traditional Eastern medicine for treating a variety of ailments. It is characterized by its bright yellow color, resulting in it being extensively used in cooking as a natural food dye.

Effect of Curcumin on Ulcerative Colitis

Curcumin acts as an effective anti-inflammatory agent for patients suffering from chronic illnesses in particular. Individuals undergoing ulcerative colitis homeopathic treatment were able to find relief from their symptoms when using curcumin as it greatly eased their digestion. The compound also proved effective in facilitating recovery of the mucosal lining, overall improving gut health significantly.

How to Use Curcumin for Ulcerative Colitis

Individuals seeking treatment from curcumin can ingest the compound in a variety of ways.

• Turmeric Spice In Hot Water or Milk: Individuals who use turmeric regularly while cooking can easily make this beneficial drink after breakfast. Simply heat up a cup of water or milk till boiling, then add 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric. Mix well before drinking hot.

• Turmeric Tincture: Turmeric tincture is a liquid consisting of pure turmeric root and peppercorn. The peppercorn is added to enable maximum absorbency within the body, with many claiming this to be most effective for immediate relief. The recommended dosage for turmeric tincture is 30 drops in 150 ml water to be taken twice a day.
• Curcumin Supplements: For people who prefer the convenience of supplements, curcumin is also available to be taken in the form of capsules, pills, or gummies. The recommended dosage is up to 8 grams of curcumin a day for two months, irrespective of the form it is in.

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6) Ginger

A common ingredient used in Asian cooking, ginger is the name given to the root of the Zingiberaceae plant. It possesses many medicinal properties that help ease gastrointestinal conditions including constipation, bloating, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

The bioactive compounds present in ginger make it an effective treatment choice for diseases like ulcerative colitis. Studies have shown the root to display antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, resulting in a therapeutic effect on the intestines of patients. Individuals who took ginger regularly have also reported experiencing short-term relief from symptoms.

Ginger can be boiled in a cup of water and drunk while hot as tea. You can also eat dried ginger in the form of capsules, with the recommended dosage being two tablets of 500 mg each per day.

7) Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk is a powder made from grinding the seeds of the Plantago plant. It is typically white or light brown in color and highly water-soluble, making it highly effective in binding stool during ailments like diarrhea.

A study involving 120 patients with ulcerative colitis concluded that psyllium significantly contributed toward improving bowel function. Psyllium is particularly unique in its properties in the sense that it not only helps cleanse the colon of toxic buildup but also contributes to repairing its protective lining. This ensures that a patient who is in remission of his ulcerative colitis can maintain their state, reducing the chances of a potential flare-up significantly.

The recommended dosage of psyllium for someone with ulcerative colitis is 10 grams, to be taken once in the morning and once at night. You can dissolve the fiber in water, milk, or fruit juice, or mix it with yogurt before ingesting.

8) Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of “healthy fat”,  required by the body to build brain cells and improve overall immunity. The most common ones are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). The highest concentration of such fats can be found in fish like sardines, salmon, and mackerel, as well as nuts and seeds.

Research has shown Omega-3 to be effective at reducing inflammation in the intestines, inducing remission in patients diagnosed with both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Consequently, the compound may also limit the dependence on anti-inflammatory drugs for patients suffering from gastrointestinal conditions.

It is recommended to increase your dose of Omega-3 fatty acids directly from the food you consume. This means eating a greater amount of fish, cooking food in fish oil, or adding seeds to your diet. 

9) Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast that are meant to provide beneficial effects to your body. These can be found in a variety of common foods, including pickled vegetables, yogurt, aged cheese, fermented beans, and sourdough bread. You can also take probiotics as supplements in the form of pills.

Many holistic ulcerative colitis treatments mention probiotics for both inducing and maintaining remission. Based on evidence obtained from clinical trials, bacteria strains E. coli Nissle and a new product termed VSL#3 proved to be effective in the management of ulcerative colitis. This is because probiotics can regulate the gut microbiome while simultaneously reducing inflammation.

However, it is important to note that probiotics should be taken with the advice of a doctor due to the potential side effects they may cause. In some cases, the bacteria may also increase the risk of infection.

10) Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant with large leaves that each have serrated edges. The inside of an aloe vera plant contains a clear gel made up of water, amino acids, lipids, sterols, and vitamins. This is the most potent part of the plant, though both the gel and leaves have antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Aloe vera has been widely used in holistic medicine due to its effectiveness in a variety of conditions. The plant has been used to treat skin conditions, dental decay, blood sugar, and digestion. 

The benefit of using aloe vera for ulcerative colitis has been tested on rodents. The study concluded that the gel of an aloe vera plant could both improve the symptoms of ulcerative colitis as well as prevent the disease from forming within those who were susceptible.

If you plan on using aloe vera as part of your holistic treatment, watch this video to ensure you utilize the plant correctly.

11) Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an age-old practice, part of traditional Chinese medicine used as an alternative therapy. The technique involves inserting thin, metal needles into specific pressure points along a patient’s body to stimulate the sensory nerves inside the skin. This then stimulates the release of feel-good hormones such as endorphin, serotonin, and dopamine which alleviate pain.

Patients who have undergone acupuncture for a chronic illness such as ulcerative colitis have reported feeling greater improvement as compared to conventional medicine. Symptoms such as diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, and other intestinal issues also seemed to have improved with continued treatment.