What is Ulcerative Colitis - Symptoms, Remedies and Other Information

Are you wondering - what is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a disorder which is characterized by the inflammation and ulceration of the colon lining.

Colitis is defined as inflammation of the colon. Ulcerative colitis is included under a broad spectrum of conditions termed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) - all chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the digestive tract.

Ulcerative colitis affects people all around the world, of all ages (but especially young people), and with no gender preference. It is estimated that in the US, there are some one million people who suffer from IBD, with half of those suffering ulcerative colitis. It often runs in families, affecting the Jewish population above any other.

The digestive system is made up of the organs responsible for the appropriation, assimilation and elimination of the food we eat. It is responsible for the extraction of the nutrients from the foods eaten and for their availability to the body as food and energy.

What is ulcerative colitis characterized by, and what is ulcerative colitis associated with?

Ulcerative colitis primarily attacks the large intestine, with the sufferer having alternating periods of good health with no signs and symptoms, to experiencing mild symptoms, to periods of active flare ups. In periods of active flare up, the inflammation of the lining in the colon wall will literally destroy the surrounding cells, creating an ulcer. Affecting only the innermost lining of the colon and rectum, colitis happens because of the continuous stretching of the colon. It causes bouts of diarrhea and, like other infections, causes pus, mucus and blood.

Now, what is ulcerative colitis aggravated by?

Although it is now known that stress does not cause colitis, nor does it cause the ulcer to worsen, it can aggravate existing symptoms such as pain. Stress can also change the digestive process and cause the digestive system to empty too slowly as it secretes more acid.

Because stress does affect the production of stomach acids, it is essential to learn to manage it. Mild exercise can help reduce stress as well as help the digestive system itself by aiding muscles to move food and waste matter along. You might check the local YMCA for yoga or meditation classes, as deep breathing helps bring on relaxation.

There's more regarding what is ulcerative colitis helped by.

Prebiotics (natural substances found in plants) are believed to play a positive role in ulcerative colitis, as they help keep beneficial intestinal bacteria fueled. This holds true for probiotics as well. The friendly bacteria that is naturally found in the digestive tract are probiotic themselves, so adding to their numbers can only help.

Environmental factors may make some people more susceptible to the disease. Others can tame their stomach discomforts with dietary changes, though it is not thought that food is mainly responsible for this condition.

Fish oil in large doses works well in combating ulcerative colitis by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. This is true with taking a small amount of aloe vera everyday as well.

Acupuncture treatments have been proven beneficial in some people. By inserting fine needles into strategic places just under the skin, the procedure offers help by stimulating the release of the body's own natural painkillers.

To learn more about what is ulcerative colitis, you can read the other related ulcerative colitis articles and pages.

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