Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of the large intestine, while sparing the deeper layers of its walls. Although the exact cause of ulcerative colitis is still yet to be discovered, several factors play a role in its development, namely, genetics, environmental factors, and autoimmunity that cause defects in the protective function of the intestinal barrier. These impairments eventually trigger the normal intestinal flora to constantly and inappropriately activate the immune system, creating an endless cycle of inflammation that can be resolved and prevented with holistic long-term solutions that nurture the body’s natural abilities to heal itself.

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis, together with Crohn’s disease, are the two main classifications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus (end part of the large intestine), ulcerative colitis only affects the lining of the large intestine and rectum. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but various genetic and environmental factors can trigger its development, such as gastrointestinal infections, use of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like good old Advil or Celebrex), and smoking.¹ These changes alter your healthy gut microbiota, eventually causing dysregulation of the immune system within the gastrointestinal tract and fostering an endless cycle of inflammatory responses.

Signs and Symptoms

People with ulcerative colitis typically experience diarrhea and notice the presence of blood in the stool. Additionally, you may feel abdominal pain, have yellowish (mucus) discharges from your anus, and have the frequent urge to go to the bathroom without actually being able to poop (tenesmus).¹ Ulcerative colitis may also have extraintestinal signs and symptoms, such as joint inflammation and erythematous (red and swollen) skin lesions.¹

Allopathic Options

Ulcerative colitis is conventionally managed through a combination of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications that aim to help those with the condition achieve and maintain remission. Despite being effective to some extent, not all people with ulcerative colitis can experience promising results with currently available treatment options. Additionally, medications for ulcerative colitis are associated with severe adverse effects that can cause extreme impairments to your quality of life.

The Naturopathic Approach

Naturopathic medicine aims to help you restore your normal gut microbiota by correcting dysbiosis, regulating intestinal inflammation, and nurturing a healthy immune response. These are achieved through a combination of effective herbal remedies and nutrient supplementation, both of which nurture healthy intestinal microbiota.

Botanical Medicine

• Curcumin (Curcuma longa). With rich historical roots in managing inflammatory, infectious, and digestive problems, curcumin helps regulate the factors that activate inflammatory processes in the body, while nurturing healthy intestinal microbiota and structure. Curcumin does this by targeting inflammatory enzymes in the body, effectively decreasing the progression of ulcerative colitis.²
• Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller). This herb doesn’t just give you smooth and silky hair! It has actually been used for centuries to manage stomach ulcers, burns, wounds, and inflammation. Its wonders in managing ulcerative colitis come from its abilities to inhibit the secretion of inflammatory markers and exert antimicrobial effects that promote a healthy, normal intestinal flora.³
• Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata). The extract of this wonderful herb helps prevent diarrhea and regulate the movement of food in the intestines. Its ability to improve tissue repair and healing helps restore damaged intestinal barrier integrity associated with ulcerative colitis.⁴
• Pomegranate (Punica granatum). This fruit is not only delicious, but also contains wonderful health benefits that nurture your optimal well-being and prevent the development of diseases. Its wonders in managing ulcerative colitis come from ellagitannins, which are active ingredients found in different parts of the plant that exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, in addition to preventing the development of intestinal inflammation.⁵

And many more!

Probiotics

The role that the normal microbiota in your intestines play is complex. This generally protects your body from infections and maintains balance that regulates the processes keeping the body healthy and strong. However, your intestinal microbiota can also induce and maintain inflammation once dysbiosis occurs, so it is very important to nurture the balance between these inhabitants to prevent dysregulation of key body processes. Simply put, any problems in the intestinal microbiota that can alter the balance between the amount of protective and harmful bacteria play a significant role in the development of ulcerative colitis. Probiotics prevent this from happening by nurturing intestinal microbial balance, ultimately nurturing a healthy gut barrier and immune system.

Nurturing Your Intestinal Health

Your gastrointestinal tract, especially the intestines, are considered gateways that not only provide a protective barrier from the outside environment, but also digest and absorb nutrients that allow your body to function. Hence, reducing inflammation and nurturing a healthy intestinal microbiota protect your body from dysregulation and disease conditions. To discover natural options that help your body heal itself and nurture the balance within, talk to your naturopathic medicine advisors at Natural Path to Wellness today!

Before using herbal remedies for your optimal health, it is important to consult with your primary care providers and naturopathic doctors to prevent any unwanted or adverse effects that may cause more harm than good to your body. Additionally, most herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, so it is vital to check whether your choice of herbs could not cause harm to you and your baby.

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References

1. Feuerstein JD, Moss AC, Farraye FA. Ulcerative Colitis [published correction appears in Mayo Clin Proc. 2019 Oct;94(10):2149. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.08.008]. Mayo Clin Proc. 2019;94(7):1357-1373. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.01.018
2. Lin Y, Liu H, Bu L, Chen C, Ye X. Review of the Effects and Mechanism of Curcumin in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:908077. Published 2022 Jun 20. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.908077
3. Kweon DY, Song HJ, Kim JE, et al. Therapeutic Effects of Aloe saponaria against Ulcerative Colitis Induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2023;45(2):1483-1499. Published 2023 Feb 9. doi:10.3390/cimb45020096
4. Laudadio I, Leter B, Palone F, et al. Inhibition of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis by Scutellaria Baicalensis georgi and Boswellia serrata in human epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Immun Inflamm Dis. 2024;12(10):e70036. doi:10.1002/iid3.70036
5. Li H, Ruan J, Huang J, et al. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and Its Rich Ellagitannins as Potential Inhibitors in Ulcerative Colitis. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(24):17538. Published 2023 Dec 16. doi:10.3390/ijms242417538