Ulcerative colitis is a condition involving inflammation of your colon, or large intestine. The Better Medicine website states that this condition most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 15 and 30, and that over 20 percent of affected individuals have a family history of this health problem. To better understand the role of digestive enzymes in treating your ulcerative colitis, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider at your earliest possible convenience.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis usually first appears at the terminal end of your gastrointestinal system and gradually spreads throughout your colon. The inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis may cause scar tissue to form in your large intestine, which causes thickening of your intestine walls. Frequently experienced symptoms caused by ulcerative colitis include abdominal discomfort, rectal pain during defecation, fever, unexpected weight loss and diarrhea. Some people with this condition may also experience colon bleeding.
About Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes, notes Dr. Alan R. Gaby, author of "The Natural Pharmacy," are complex proteins associated with digestive processes that encourage chemical alterations in certain substances. Digestive enzymes work best at certain temperatures and pH. Gaby notes there are three principal types of digestive enzymes: proteolytic enzymes, lipases and amylases. These enzymes are required to digest protein, fat and carbohydrates, respectively. Certain individuals may be deficient in digestive enzymes, including people with pancreatic insufficiency, cystic fibrosis and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Enzyme Actions and Uses
Of the three principal types of digestive enzymes, it is the proteolytic variety that may be most helpful in treating your ulcerative colitis. Trypsin and chymotrypsin are two types of proteolytic enzymes. According to Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," proteolytic enzymes help properly digest proteins and control inflammation in your large intestine, and they have been used historically in treating ulcerative colitis. Further scientific scrutiny may be required to evaluate the true effectiveness of digestive enzymes in treating your ulcerative colitis.
Warning
Ulcerative colitis is a health problem that may lead to numerous health complications if it is not treated appropriately. Possible complications associated with ulcerative colitis include blood clots, joint inflammation, liver disease and tearing of your colon. Digestive enzymes, though a helpful adjunct therapy in treating your ulcerative colitis, should only be used if you are under the care of a competent health-care professional. Ask your physician about the merits, drawbacks and limitations of digestive enzymes in treating your ulcerative colitis.
