Ulcerative colitis is challenging gastrointestinal disorders, deeply affecting patient’s lives. But, do you believe that there is a permanent cure for ulcerative colitis? This query remains elusive. However, what if there were natural solutions that could help alleviate symptoms? This essay explores some treatments that may be the solution you’ve been searching for. If you’re ready to discover more, keep reading.
Permanent Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation that begins in the rectum and colon. This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and anemia.
The aim of treatment for UC is to manage symptoms by reducing inflammation and preventing complications. Doctors classify the severity of the disease into mild, moderate, and severe categories.
Permanent cure for Ulcerative colitis, including:
Medications
Patients with UC require lifelong treatment as:
- Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) are a short-term treatment used to reduce inflammation for mild to moderate UC.
- Corticosteroids used with 5-ASAs, or instead of it. Are effective for short-term treatment, but have side effects if used long-term, as osteoporosis and cataracts.
- Immunosuppressants are medications used to treat mild to moderate UC for maintaining remission.
- Biological therapy used in hospitals to suppress certain proteins in the immune system that cause inflammation.
Surgery
For patients with severe UC that does not respond to medication. A colectomy is recommended which involves the removal of the colon.
There are two ways to manage waste after this procedure:
- Ileostomy
The small intestine is rerouted to an opening in the abdomen, where waste is collected in a special bag outside the body.
- Ileoanal Pouch
Part of the small intestine is used to create a pouch, which is then connected to the anus, allowing passage of stool normally.
Natural Solutions for Ulcerative Colitis Relief
Several natural solutions used to complement therapies, including:
- Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in Greek yogurt, where studies suggest that probiotics improve gut flora balance and reduce inflammation of UC.
- Mediterranean diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, wholegrain, and low fats according to research this diet and also low FOD Map diet ( food low in carbs) enhanced and maintained UC remission.
- Herbal remedies such as Turmeric and Curcumin have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characters that calm down UC signs.
- Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil reduce inflammation and achieve UC symptoms.
Medical Approaches to Managing Ulcerative Colitis
Recent studies to reach a permanent cure for ulcerative colitis indicate that doctors can use small molecules called Janus Kinase Inhibitors (JAK) to treat moderate to severe UC, especially in conditions that do not respond to treatments.
Additionally, recent research on the use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) for the treatment of ulcerative colitis has shown promising results. Patients treated with MSCs exhibited a higher healing rate compared to those who did not receive the treatment.
Furthermore, the healing rate for MSC-treated patients was higher when compared to traditional treatments such as 5-ASAs
Based on this research conducted at the University of California, Mesenchymal Stem Cells may represent a promising therapeutic approach for ulcerative colitis.
References
- Ferretti, F., Cannatelli, R., Monico, M. C., Maconi, G., & Ardizzone, S. (2022, April 20). An update on current pharmacotherapeutic options for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Journal of clinical medicine. From NIH
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-b). Treatment for ulcerative colitis – NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. From NIDDK
- NHS. (n.d.-a). NHS choices. From NHS
- Huang, C., Hao, W., Wang, X., Zhou, R., & Lin, Q. (2023, July 6). Probiotics for the treatment of ulcerative colitis: A review of experimental research from 2018 to 2022. Frontiers in microbiology. From PubMed
- Jiang, Y., Jarr, K., Layton, C., Gardner, C. D., Ashouri, J. F., Abreu, M. T., & Sinha, S. R. (2021, March 10). Therapeutic implications of diet in inflammatory bowel disease and related immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Nutrients. From PubMed
- Shi, X., Chen, Q., & Wang, F. (2019, August 23). Mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental and clinical studies – stem cell research & therapy. From BioMed Central.
Aml Abdelrhman
Medical Analysis Specialist
Aml Abdelrhman holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the Faculty of Science, Alexandria University. She further advanced her expertise with a diploma in biochemistry and a master’s degree in physiology. With a strong background in medical analysis, she is passionate about delivering precise and insightful scientific content. Aml combines her analytical skills with medical scientific writing and copywriting, ensuring clarity and accuracy in her work.