Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic inflammation and ulcers which may develop in the innermost layers of the rectum and colon. It can be a debilitating disease with multiple, uncomfortable gastric symptoms. The condition may vary depending on the unique characteristics of the patient and the areas affected. Symptoms of UC can subside into remission for months at a time before returning during flare-ups, often leaving patients feeling despondent and confused.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include; diarrhea, abdominal bloating, pain and cramping, blood in the stool, tenesmus, rectal pain and constipation.
Diarrhea
Loose stools are one of the most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis and are often accompanied by blood, pus, and a sense of urgency. Diarrhea can also indicate an ulcerative colitis flare-up and bouts may occur as much as 6-10 times a day. If diarrhea causes disturbance to sleep, occurs every 1-2 hours, or persists despite over-the-counter medications, patients are advised to seek medical care. Patients should also be aware of the tendency to dehydrate during hours of diarrhea and keep their electrolyte loaded fluids up.
Abdominal Pain and Cramping
Pain and cramping on the lower left side of the abdomen may be a symptom of ulcerative colitis. Abdominal pain may be experienced before a bowel movement. Severe, intense and constant abdominal pain requires medical attention.
Blood in Stool
Significant amounts of blood or streaks in your stool may also indicate ulcerative colitis. In UC patients, this is usually caused by ulcerations in the lining of the intestines or by ulcers in the digestive tract, particularly the rectum. Small amounts of bright red blood in the stool may be surface blood from a rectal scratch due to constipation, or bleeding from a hemorrhoid, but it may also indicate UC, so check with your doctor for a correct diagnosis.
Large amounts of bleeding, or consistent blood in the stool requires medical attention.
Tenesmus
Tenesmus is the persistent urge for a bowel movement with a feeling of incomplete evacuation, often leading to incontinence. Tenesmus is commonly described as “urgency” among patients. As the condition improves, so does the tenesmus.
Rectal Pain
Inflammation in the rectum can cause pain, especially during bowel movements. Frequent bowel movements can also cause irritation around the rectum due to excessive wiping. To avoid irritation, you can use moisturized wipes instead of toilet paper or tissues. You can also apply a little coconut oil to paper to soften it and make wiping less abrasive.
Constipation
Constipation is an uncomfortable symptom of ulcerative colitis and is found more frequently in women than in men. Constipation is generally caused by a dry, hard stool, or as a result of bloating and gas. We recommend this article to explore some natural ways to help ease constipation.
Systemic Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Weight Loss and Lack of Appetite
For those suffering from ulcerative colitis, malabsorption of nutrients caused by intestinal ulcers and inflammation can lead to weight loss and a lack of appetite, causing nutritional deficiencies and anemia. In children with UC, this may cause delayed growth and other developmental problems.
UC can decrease nutrient absorption, especially magnesium and potassium.
- Foods rich in magnesium include nuts and legumes.
- Foods rich in potassium include avocado, beets and watermelon.
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements are also recommended.
Due to severe blood loss during a flare-up, UC can cause iron deficiency which can be addressed by increasing your intake of Vitamin C which increases iron absorption. We also recommend increasing your iron intake by eating foods that are rich in iron such as liver and spinach.
Fever
Ulcerative colitis can cause severe inflammation, to which your immune system may respond by producing a fever. It is important to note that a fever can be caused by many other factors such as an infection. We suggest consulting with your doctor if you experience a fever that lasts longer than two days.
Dehydration
Severe diarrhea can cause dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include: dry mouth, thirst, dark urine, dizziness, and fatigue. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of dehydration to prevent serious complications. Regularly drinking water with electrolytes, such as coconut water, can help prevent dehydration. Children dehydrate very quickly, so if you have a child with UC, be alert for any signs of dehydration and get them to emergency care immediately.
Evinature’s Approach to Managing Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
Evinature offers CurQD – a clinically-proven, natural, and evidence-based approach to managing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. It combines differing amounts of gut-direct curcumin (derived from turmeric) and high-grade Qing Dai (derived from the Indigo naturalis plant) to help achieve good gut health in patients with a range of severity of conditions.
Curcumin
Curcumin helps treat ulcerative colitis by blocking the NF-κB protein which regulates immune response and causes inflammation when overactivated. It also reduces the levels of cytokines (IL-1β and TNFα) that trigger inflammation and fever.
Curcumin promotes a healthy balance of gut microbiota, increasing anti-inflammatory bacteria and decreasing pro-inflammatory bacteria. Additionally, it neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) and boosts antioxidants such as glutathione, thus fighting oxidative stress, which helps reduce inflammation. Research has shown curcumin to be effective in inducing and maintaining remission in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Qing Dai
Qing Dai combats UC by blocking (NF-κB) and activating another pathway (AhR) that reduces inflammation-causing molecules (TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6). Qing Dai lowers levels of MCP-1, a molecule involved in inflammation, and reduces the activity of MPO, an enzyme linked to oxidative stress. Qing Dai also contains compounds that help produce IL-22, which promotes the healing of the gut lining. Research shows that Qing Dai as a short-term treatment can induce remission. However, it should be taken under specific conditions, in a specific dosage, and with strict follow-up.
CurQD focuses on a precise and effective dosage and treatment timeline. Once remission is achieved, the patient is carefully transitioned to a remission maintenance dose.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Contact your emergency care doctor if you experience signs of dehydration, see blood in your stools, have ongoing diarrhea or fever, experience extreme abdominal pain, and/or significant weight loss.
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