Ulcerative Colitis Treatment    The primary goal of treatment for Ulcerative Colitis is to induce remission and increase the quality of life. There are three main drug categories used to induce remission. The first classification of drugs are aminosalicyltates, such as Sulfasalazine. They control inflammation in mild to moderate Ulcerative colitis.   The second drug type is corticosteroids like Prednisone.  These are used if the first class of drugs did not work.  They are effective for moderate to severe cases of Ulcerative colitis.  It is important that corticosteroids not be used long term.   The last category is immunomodulating drugs, like Azathioprine.  These are chemotherapeutic drugs that reduce inflammation via the immune system. They are usually reserved for use in cases that did not respond to the first two categories.  The average time for therapeutic benefit is after 6 months of treatment. All three drug types cause serious side effects.  Other medications may be prescribed for Ulcerative Colitis to help with the symptoms.  Analgesics are often given to help decrease pain, as well as anti-cholinergic drugs to decrease diarrhea.   Alternative treatment is focused on preventing the many complications of Ulcerative colitis.  Additionally, supplementation corrects the many nutrient deficiencies that develop due to the chronic state of Ulcerative colitis.     Supplements helpful for Ulcerative Colitis   Omega 3 Fatty Acids Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish oils (EPA and DHA), flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil (DGLA), and borage oil.  Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory in nature.  They decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cell signaling molecules. Fish oils have been studied extensively for their effects on remission in individuals with Ulcerative colitis.  They have been shown to be equally effective in reducing the oxidative stress of patients with Ulcerative colitis. [8]   One study found that supplementation with EPA and DHA caused a clinical improvement in 56% of the participants, as compared to 4% in the placebo group for patients with mild to moderate Ulcerative colitis. [9]  Another study compared remission rates in individuals who took fish oils and found that time to relapse was prolonged. [10] Yet another study highlighting the benefits of Omega 3 oils on Ulcerative Colitis patients showed that using evening primrose oil, participants reported an increase in stool consistency and improvement in clinical symptoms. [11]   Folic Acid Folic acid is a vitamin co-enzyme involved in DNA metabolism.  It also functions as an immune system modulator.  Recently, folic acid has also been studied as a treatment for patients with Ulcerative colitis.  It has been specifically aimed at reducing the risk of colon cancer.  It is believed that colon cancer risks are directly correlated with the availability of folic acid in the body.   One study measured the proliferation of cells in the rectal mucosa of patients with Ulcerative colitis.  Under normal disease circumstances proliferation is increased, therefore leading to increase risk for cancer.  Supplementation with folic acid caused a decrease in this proliferation, and exhibited chemoprotective effects against the development of colon cancer. [12]   Aloe Vera gel Aloe Vera gel is used in the treatment of Ulcerative colitis.  It is important to note that the gel does not contain constituents that have a laxative effect.  Aloe Vera gel is the mucilaginous component of the plant.  It has anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties.  Aloe Vera has been shown to promote the healing of tissues, especially those of the GI tract.   In a study of individuals with mild to moderate Ulcerative colitis, four weeks of treatment resulted in a clinical response in 100% of participants.  30% went into remission compared to 7% in the placebo group.  Overall there was an improvement in 67% of the participants compared to 28% in the placebo group.  There was also histological (cellular) response of decreased disease activity. [13]   DHEA DHEA is a steroid hormone precursor made by the body.  Recently, DHEA has been studied in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis.  Studies show it to be deficient in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.  In clinical trials, the supplementation with DHEA for 8 weeks resulted in a decrease of disease activity.  85% of the participants responded favorably to treatment by entering into remission. [14]   Vitamin D and Calcium Both Vitamin D and calcium should be supplemented in patients with Ulcerative colitis, due to the increased risk of developing osteoporosis.  Vitamin D regulates calcium metabolism, and is often deficient in patients with Ulcerative colitis.  Calcium, a necessity for strong bones, is often poorly absorbed and deficient in patients with Ulcerative colitis. Osteoporosis develops in Ulcerative colitis because of an increase in bone resorption (breakdown) and a decrease in bone formation.  In fact, one study showed that supplementation with Vitamin D and calcium together resulted in increased bone density. [15]     High Potency Multi-Vitamin and Mineral Formula A high potency vitamin and mineral formula is recommended, due to the decrease in the absorption nutrients; a typical manifestation in Ulcerative Colitis sufferers.  High levels of antioxidants, including Vitamins A, C and E, will also be beneficial.  Many vitamins and minerals are deficient in individuals with Ulcerative colitis abd supplementation is almost always necessary.     Learn More About Ulcerative Colitis Introduction to Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Products helpful for Ulcerative Colitis Go Back Learn More

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