What is an IBD?

U is for Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an irritable bowl disease that is caused by inflammation and ulceration of the digestive tract. It leads to narrowing of the intestines making it hard to pass stool and cause intense diahorrea, bleeding, pain, fatigue, fever, weight loss and failure to grow in children.

It can be caused by an immune system malfunction exacerbated by diet and stress. There is no known cure that there are many natural ways you can reduce signs and symptoms of the disease that can result in long term remission. If left untreated in can lead to more serious complications later on in life.

Food and drink that exacerbate the condition are: alcohol, caffeine, popcorn, dairy, raw fruits and vegetable, seeds, dried legumes, beans, crunchy nut butters, spicy foods, refined sugar and foods that contain artificial sweeteners.

Foods that heal are anti-inflammatory foods such as wild salmon, trout, herring, mackerel, probiotic rich foods like kefir and sauerkraut, turmeric, folate rich foods like chickpeas and steamed green veg, lentils and avocado.

Vitamin D and Omega 3 supplements are also essential for reducing inflammation and regulating the immune system.