When it comes to treating colitis, unfortunately, the side effects of traditional drugs can be pretty harsh especially when taken over an extended period of time. As a result, many people turn to natural treatments for colitis.
There are a number of supplements that are known to help alleviate colitis. However, it’s important to distinguish between the two types of colitis. In this article we take a look at the best supplements for ulcerative colitis. If you’re interested in natural treatment for mucus colitis, have a read of this article about irritable bowel syndrome remedies (mucus colitis is commonly known as irritable bowel syndrome).
The focus for treating ulcerative colitis naturally should be on reducing the inflammation in the colon and encouraging it to heal, similar to what traditional drugs do. Restoring lost nutrients in the body is also important.
Let’s take a look at the best supplements for colitis and how they can help you.
1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have a long proven history of being able to reduce inflammation. They do this by naturally binding up the enzymes (lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase) that make inflammatory compounds (leukotrienes and prostaglandins) in the body. However, they do so without the side effects.
Where the inflammation in colitis is brought about by an erroneous immune system response, the body makes inflammatory leukotrienes to try and repair the perceived damage. Excessive production of leukotrienes causes the immune system to go into overdrive, the end result being more inflammation.
Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids had been scientifically shown to substantially reduce inflammation and leukotriene levels in the body. One of the most potent sources of omega-3s is fish oil.
This open trial on the treatment of ulcerative colitis with fish oil found that seven out of 10 patients had moderate to marked improvement. The subsequent double blind study on 11 patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis reported that anti-inflammatory drugs could be reduced or eliminated in eight patients (72%) while receiving fish oil. This study also indicated that four months of diet supplementation with fish oil resulted in decreased leukotriene levels, improvements in histologic findings (to do with cells and tissues), and weight gain.
However, when taking a fish oil supplement, it’s important to choose a high quality, pure product. This is because some fish oils are high in mercury or other contaminants, aren’t completely natural, or aren’t fresh. The level of omega-3 fatty acids in them also varies. Taking a poor quality supplement could actually do more harm to your health than good.
We recommend Xtend Life Omega 3/DHA Fish Oil from the pristine ocean around New Zealand. A clinical study shows it to have 2.5 times the anti-inflammatory properties of ‘normal’ fish oil, and double the anti-inflammatory properties of highly refined and concentrated fish oil.
Find out more about what to look for in a fish oil in this FREE and comprehensive Fish Oil Buyer’s Guide.
2. Multi-Nutrient Support for Colon Health
Taking a nutritional supplement, especially one that’s high in antioxidants, is very important for treating the underlying cause of the inflammation. It will also help replace lost nutrients. This article about Why Inflammatory Bowel Disease Needs Nutritional Supplements explains the need for antioxidants in detail, as well as the importance of choosing a quality supplement. Combined with fish oil, a multi-nutrient supplement will provide optimum benefits.
Xtend-Life Total Balance is one of the most advanced and comprehensive multi-nutrient supplements on the market. It contains numerous antioxidants and other ingredients that are helpful for inflammation and general health.
- Turmeric, ginger, myrrh, vitamin C, quercetin, rutin and bioflavonoids are all anti inflammatory agents. Turmeric also improves bile flow, thus improving digestive function.
- Mahonia Grape has berberine as its active ingredient. It promotes digestion, is anti-diarrheal, anti-microbial and enhances the immune system.
- Aloe polysaccharides and beta glucans are useful in inflammatory bowel conditions as well.
- Also notable are vitamin A and D, the B-vitamins, choline, folic acid, green tea extract, tea polysaccharides, and zinc.
Importantly, the capsules are enteric coated. This protects the contents from the acidic environment of the stomach. They remain intact until they reach the small intestine, where they’re absorbed through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.
3. Gastronic Dr.
Herbs can also be extremely beneficial for inflammatory colon conditions. Native Remedies Gastronic Dr. is a specially formulated blend of herbs to soothe the digestive tract and improve the condition of the lining.
Two of the most important ingredients that it contains are meadowsweet and German chamomile.
German chamomile is helpful for relieving colitis because of its renowned anti-spasmodic and anti inflammatory effect. As indicated in this study, it’s traditionally used for numerous gastrointestinal conditions including colic, upset stomach, gas, ulcers, and gastrointestinal irritation.
Meadowsweet (Dropwort, Filipendula vulgaris) helps support the health of the stomach lining and digestive mucosa. This study, indicated that it promoted healing of chronic ulcers in rat stomachs.
