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Ulcerative Colitis

Definition-​ Ulcerative Colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes swelling/inflammation and sores or ulcers in the lining of the rectum and large intestine. 

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The inflammation may stay isolated in the rectum or may spread back up into the colon/large intestine. Symptoms vary depending on how many areas are diseased.

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This may lead to serious or life-threatening complications such as:

  • Severe bleeding of ulcers

  • Severe dehydration

  • Loss of red blood cells, known as anemia

  • Bone loss, called osteoporosis

  • Inflammation of the skin, joints and eyes

  • An increased risk of colon cancer

  • A rapidly swelling colon, called toxic megacolon

  • Increased risk of blood clots in veins and arteries

  • Delayed growth and development in children

Symptoms

  • Diarrhea, often with blood, mucus or pus that may wake you from sleep

  • Constipation if isolated in rectum

  • Blood in the stool

  • Belly pain and cramping, especially on the lower left side 20 minutes after eating

  • Rectal pain

  • Urgency to pass stool

  • Not being able to pass stool despite urgency

  • Weight loss

  • Fatigue

  • Fever

  • In children, failure to grow

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Stress tends to make symptoms worse by affecting the immune system and gut function. This may increase urgency to pass stool, diarrhea or belly pain during a flare.

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Possible Causes

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  • Immune system issue. Something may go wrong when the immune system tries to fight off an invading virus or bacterium, and it attacks the cells in the digestive tract too.

  • Gut bacteria. The natural bacteria in the gut make up the gut microbiome. An imbalance in the gut microbiome may contribute to the immune response.

  • Environmental factors. Where a person lives, diet and the use of antibiotics also may increase risk.

  • Genetic traits. Several genetic markers have been associated with ulcerative colitis. Heredity also seems to play a role. The condition is more common in people who have family members with the disease.

Functional medicine addresses all of these causes!

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Functional medicine therapies can greatly reduce inflammation and symptoms, maybe even bringing about long-term remission. Collaboration with a GI specialist for direct visualization with a scope is still important. Coordinating treatments and weaning some traditional medications under supervision may be possible.

Functional Medicine Approach

  • You will have a full assessment of your current lifestyle, nutrition, stress level and management, and sleep health and hygiene.

  • Individualized plans of care will be created by the practitioner and patient. 

  • Depending on your specific symptoms, there may be more targeted assessment and testing of blood sugar metabolism, thyroid function, pituitary. or hypothalamus function and cardiovascular assessment, gut imbalances, food intolerances, toxin screening, hormone imbalance, antibody intolerances, inflammatory markers, and/or deficiencies of nutrients.  

  • After finding the root cause of illness plans may be revised.  Solutions can be multi-layered and take time, especially auto-immune disease and hormone imbalance.  We may need to integrate care with a specialist after referral.

  • Detox plans are gentle and supervised if necessary.

Traditional Medication Risks vs Functional Medicine

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Certain Crohn's disease medicines that block functions of the immune system are associated with a small risk of developing cancers, including lymphoma and skin cancers. They also increase the risk of infections. Corticosteroids can be associated with a risk of osteoporosis, bone fractures, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes and high blood pressure, among other conditions. Work with a healthcare professional to determine risks and benefits of medicines.

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https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/symptoms- causes/syc-20353304

Crohn's disease - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Functional Medicine uses evidence-based medicinal grade supplements in most cases to treat imbalances that cause inflammation. One goal is to wean off or at least decrease dosage of harmful traditional medications when possible.

 

I have Ulcerative Colitis, a similar disease. After treatment of my gut imbalances, I am off all medications and have little to no symptoms. Every case is different. My hope is that we can work to get you relief of your painful symptoms so that you can have more energy and enjoy your life!

Goals of Treatment

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Results vary and depend on the stage of your disease process and your commitment to treatment.

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  • Decreased diarrhea and bathroom emergencies

  • Decreased anxiety about outings and travel

  • Decreased abdominal pain

  • Decreased mouth sores

  • Decreased joint pain

  • Decreased visits to the doctor’s office

  • Decreased money spent on medication

  • Return to normal weight

  • Increased ability to eat a variety of foods

  • Increased energy for friends, family, and activities

  • Increased suppleness of hair, skin, and nails

 

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Commitment to treatment will improve outcomes.

We will support you every step of the way!

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