Treatment for ulcerative colitis often includes medication, dietary supplements or surgery. In addition, ulcerative colitis symptoms may be prevented or reduced through use of home remedies. A food journal that tracks foods, beverages and symptoms; proper hydration; and regular exercise are several useful options. Home remedies should not replace doctor-prescribed treatment. A doctor's approval and guidance are recommended prior to altering your lifestyle.
Keeping a Food Journal
Foods and beverages affect people with ulcerative colitis differently. The Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding all problem foods as a helpful home remedy for ulcerative colitis. A food journal can help a person with the illness reap understanding of what specific foods, ingredients, beverages and lifestyle factors trigger his symptoms. The journal should contain detailed food and beverage descriptions, times of eating or drinking, times and descriptions of symptoms that arise and emotional observations, such as "I feel stressed about work today." For best accuracy, the journal should be maintained throughout each day, rather recalled in hindsight. Common triggers include high fat or greasy foods, spicy foods, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages and cruciferous vegetables.
Good Hydration
Dehydration can lead to a variety of health complications, such as exhaustion, electrolyte imbalance and, in severe cases, heart and kidney problems. In the case of ulcerative colitis, proper hydration can support physical wellness, digestive health and circulation. The Mayo Clinic suggests water and other hydrating beverages rather than caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which may exacerbate symptoms. Water is the ideal beverage choice for hydration. Caffeine-free herbal teas, low-fat milk (or non-dairy equivalent if cow's milk causes problems) and all-natural fruit or vegetable juices provide nutrients in addition to hydration. Numerous natural foods, such as fresh fruit, vegetables and broth-based soups, also provide nourishment and hydration.
Regular Exercise
Exercise may help people with ulcerative colitis prevent or reduce symptoms. Cardiovascular exercises, such as walking, jogging, biking and dancing, can help improve circulation, heart health, arterial health, and muscle strength and reduce stress. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that while exercise is considered safe for people with ulcerative colitis, doctor's guidance and approval should be sought before a person with any type of chronic illness partakes in exercise. Since exercise rids the body of fluids, special attention to hydration before, during and after exercise is key. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity cardiovascular activity or 75 minutes of intense activity weekly for adults.
