Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) called ulcerative colitis mainly affects the colon, which is the large intestine. It is characterized by inflammation and open sores (ulcers) in the rectum and colon lining. Although the precise aetiology of ulcerative colitis is unknown, it is thought to be a result of a confluence of immune system, environmental, and genetic factors. Chronic inflammation results from the immune system wrongly attacking the digestive tract’s healthy cells. Diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramps, rectal bleeding, the need to urinate, weight loss, exhaustion, loss of appetite, and anaemia are some of the most severe ulcerative colitis symptoms in females and males.
While anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologics are typically prescribed for ulcerative colitis treatment, some people may benefit from using natural remedies such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and some plant sources, such as flaxseed, aloe vera juice or gel, curcumin, and stress-reduction methods like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. Natural remedies effectiveness varies from person to person, and their impact on ulcerative colitis can be personalized. Any natural remedies considered should be discussed with a healthcare practitioner to ensure they are safe and compatible with the existing treatment plan. Among nutraceutical products, Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, is an herbal extract that has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation and alleviate ulcerative colitis symptoms. It is critical to understand that nutraceutical products, even the best nutraceutical products, might not be effective for everyone and that their effectiveness varies from individual to individual. Probiotics for women, men, and children have undergone substantial research as a potential ulcerative colitis (UC) therapy option. While the findings have been inconsistent, some data points to the possibility that particular probiotic strains may be useful in treating UC symptoms. Among the probiotics for women, men, and children, including the best probiotics in India, that have shown promising results in managing UC symptoms are VSL#3, which is a probiotic mixture containing multiple strains of bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus, as well as strains like Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium infantis. Probiotics for women, men, and children should not replace prescribed medications for UC, but they may be used as adjunct therapy after consultation with a healthcare professional.
There are several phytopharmaceutical companies and top nutraceutical companies in India, including nutraceutical manufacturers in Mumbai, involved in the development and production of phytopharmaceuticals, i.e., medicinal products derived from plants or plant extracts, for ulcerative colitis treatment. It is critical to speak with a healthcare practitioner before considering phytopharmaceuticals as a therapy option for ulcerative colitis.
A medical history evaluation, physical examination, blood testing, stool tests, endoscopy (such as colonoscopy), and imaging studies are commonly used to diagnose ulcerative colitis. These tests help to rule out other illnesses while also confirming the presence of ulcerative colitis. It’s crucial to remember that each person’s experience with ulcerative colitis symptoms may differ. Approaches to treatment and management strategies like lifestyle modifications, natural remedies, nutraceutical products, and probiotics for women, men, and children should be personalized to each person’s particular needs and directed by a healthcare practitioner.
