Ulcerative colitis following inflammatory bowel disease induces high levels of stress and severely affects your daily performance. It all begins with digestive disorders that persist over a significant period, often so when left untreated. It requires medication and, in severe cases, surgery is recommended to treat the inflammation of the colon leading to ulcerative colitis.

However, prior to these conventional treatments, it is always recommended to incorporate natural methods to treat and prevent the formation of ulcerative colitis. Dietary changes apart, a few lifestyle changes to manage ulcerative colitis proves to be highly effective than medication and surgery:

1. Probiotics and natural treatments
These food supplements are ideal to treat ulcerative colitis the natural way. Probiotics are healthy bacteria found in the gut that improve the immune function and successfully treat ulcerative colitis. Try herbs and supplements that work effectively to reduce inflammation of the digestive tract.

Herbs like curcumin present in turmeric, serrata, and others are known to fight inflammation and prevent DNA damage. The famous herb ashwagandha has strong anti-inflammatory properties and it also wards off stress. However, remember that supplements are not medications. Your doctor may recommend these supplements but they are clear that these are not substitutes. You have to check the label for ingredients and make a thorough research of the company before purchasing them.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids
One of the best lifestyle changes to manage ulcerative colitis is to incorporate omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. They are found in fatty fish, flaxseed oil, and walnut oil and keep inflammation at bay. They are excellent supplements to ease the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Omega-3 fatty acids have the ability to activate the cells lining the intestinal tract. They are also potent against pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause systemic inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Traditional remedies
Though they do not belong to contemporary lifestyle changes, traditional solutions still play a prominent role in treating ulcerative colitis.

• Drugs can address the symptoms of ulcerative colitis but they cannot treat the underlying inflammation
• Antibiotics too fight only the infections caused by ulcerative colitis and not the primary condition
• Immune modifiers suppress the immune system that reduces inflammation but, it makes you more prone to infections
• Biologics suppress the immune reactions causing ulcerative colitis. However, they too make you vulnerable to infections
• Aminosalicylates reduce inflammation but cause side effects like dizziness and loss of appetite

It is vital to note that all these methods cause side effects and you have to discuss these points with your doctor before taking them.

4. Try phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are biologically active compounds found in certain plants. They promote metabolism and help shield the body against symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Food items like apples, grapes, black raspberry, huckleberry, and Indian gooseberry are rich sources of phytochemicals.

5. The takeaway
Adopting and consistently following several lifestyle changes to manage ulcerative colitis can have desirable effects. Whatever measures you take to fight off the symptoms, keeping yourself physically active and consuming a controlled diet can have long-lasting positive effects on your digestive system.