Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that affects the bowels. The cause is not known, though it is presumed to be a type of allergic reaction. Some theories state that it is hereditary or that when the immune system of the bowels is weakened, it causes irritation of the bowels. Let us examine the symptoms before we proceed further.

The most visible symptoms of Ulcerative colitis are pain and cramps in the abdomen. Other symptoms include blood in your stool, diarrhea, loss of appetite but these symptoms are common to other diseases of the bowel region as well. They are inconclusive unless further tests are done to lead towards a proper confirmation. Some other symptoms are fever, mucus in the stool, and ulcers in the large intestine. Nevertheless, a good physician will diagnose by examining a biopsy of tissue swab from the colon during colonoscopy.

A very similar condition known as Crohn's disease also has similar symptoms. Both Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis are jointly called irritable bowel syndrome. Blood tests can offer helpful information leading to the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome by monitoring depletion levels of important electrolytes like sodium and potassium.

The system of treating Ulcerative Colitis is in using two types of drugs. One type is prescribed to stop an occasional spurt of the disease. The other type is to be taken regularly to prevent such spurts in advance. Some of drugs that are usually prescribed are Azulfadine (sulfasalazine), Asacol (mesalamine), Immuno suppressants (Imuran, 6-MP, cyclosporine), Methotrexate, TNF-alpha inhibitors (Remicade and Humira) and Corticosteroids (Entocort and prednisone)

Of all these, the Corticosteroids are taken for a short term and the doses are tapered off and stopped for a while, since Corticosteroids are known to weaken the bones if taken in the long run. Some people resort to surgery, if the affected portion is small and is detected very early. But, this is inconclusive, since irritable bowel syndrome can still prop up in other healthy areas.

Treatment with natural Aloe Vera has been showing promising results. Aloe Vera has an anti-inflammatory action on the inner linings of the intestines. This is not only safe, but it also does not have any negative side effects other than regenerating dead cells in other parts of the body, including the intestines. Aloe Vera heals, and if taken regularly, restores your digestion and absorption. Besides, Aloe Vera can be taken by anyone right from infants to the elderly. With Aloe Vera, you can continue your doctor's prescriptions for Ulcerative Colitis.

Aloe Vera has Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharide molecules which benefit all cells and tissues in your body. As it works to soothe the inflamed inner linings of your intestines, it stops diarrhea as well as constipation. Simultaneously it acts as an intercellular antioxidant. It removes toxic wastes from the human body as it rebuilds and repairs the protective mucus lining. It helps in ensuring proper digestion and better absorption and assimilation of nutrients from food. It then restores the immune system in the intestines by promoting friendly bacteria and eliminating new unrecognized ones. In addition to treating ulcerative colitis it also eliminates the unhealthy side effects of using drugs.