Ulcerative Colitis Remedies NYC - Dr. Alicia Armitstead

By addressing the root causes of inflammation, such as gut dysbiosis, immune dysregulation, and nutritional deficiencies, we can create a strategy for lasting relief. 

-Dr. Alicia Armitstead

Natural Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis at the Healing Arts NYC Health and Wellness Center in Manhattan, NY 10017, and Connecticut

I understand how the unpredictable and often painful symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis can disrupt your life, making simple daily activities feel like significant challenges. The constant worry about flare-ups, dietary restrictions, and the impact on your well-being can be overwhelming. I want you to know that you are not alone in this struggle and that there is a path toward feeling better. My approach focuses on discovering and addressing the root cause of your inflammation using complementary, functional, and integrative treatments to help you regain control and improve your quality of life.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the colon's lining, causing persistent inflammation and the formation of tiny open sores, or ulcers. This inflammation typically begins in the rectum and can spread continuously upward to involve parts of or the entire colon. Unlike other types of IBD, UC's inflammation is confined to the innermost layer of the intestinal wall.

The condition is characterized by periods of active symptoms, known as flare-ups, alternating with periods of remission in which symptoms may subside. The severity of UC can range from mild and localized to severe and widespread, significantly impacting an individual's health. It is a lifelong condition that requires careful and ongoing management to control symptoms. Understanding the nature of this autoimmune response is the first step toward effective management.

Common Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

The symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis can vary widely among individuals, depending on the severity of the inflammation and its location in the colon. These symptoms often develop over time rather than suddenly. Managing these manifestations is key to improving daily function and long-term health.

• Persistent Diarrhea, Often with Blood or Pus: This is one of the most common and distressing symptoms of UC. Inflammation in the colon impairs its ability to absorb water from stool, leading to frequent, loose, and urgent bowel movements. The presence of ulcers can cause bleeding and the production of pus, which then mixes with the stool.

• Abdominal Pain and Cramping: Inflammation and ulceration of the colon lining can cause significant discomfort, often felt in the lower left abdomen, but can occur anywhere. This pain is frequently described as a cramping sensation and can be associated with bowel movements.

• Rectal Bleeding: Seeing blood in the toilet, on toilet paper, or mixed in with your stool is a hallmark sign of Ulcerative Colitis. This bleeding originates from ulcers in the inflamed intestinal lining and can range from small streaks to larger amounts.

• Urgency to Defecate: The inflammation in the rectum can create a constant feeling of needing to have a bowel movement, even when the bowel is empty. This sensation, known as tenesmus, can be incredibly persistent and disruptive to daily activities.

• Fatigue: Chronic inflammation, coupled with potential nutrient malabsorption and blood loss, can lead to profound, debilitating fatigue. This isn't just normal tiredness; it's a persistent lack of energy that isn't always relieved by rest.

• Weight Loss and Reduced Appetite: The combination of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and general malaise can significantly reduce a person's appetite. When the body is not absorbing nutrients properly from food, unintended weight loss often follows.

• Fever and Anemia: During a severe flare-up, the body's inflammatory response can trigger a fever. Chronic blood loss from the intestinal ulcers can also lead to iron deficiency anemia, which contributes further to feelings of fatigue and weakness.

Common Causes of Ulcerative Colitis

The exact cause of Ulcerative Colitis remains a subject of ongoing scientific research, but it is widely understood to result from a complex interplay of several factors. It is not caused by something you ate or did, but rather a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers that lead to a malfunctioning immune system. A person's genetic makeup can make them more susceptible to developing the condition, and having a close relative with IBD significantly increases this risk.

However, genes alone do not determine who gets UC. Environmental factors play a crucial role in triggering the disease in genetically susceptible individuals. These triggers can include infections caused by certain bacteria or viruses, which may trigger an abnormal immune response. The immune system, meant to protect the body from harmful invaders, mistakenly identifies food, beneficial gut bacteria, and the cells lining the colon as threats. It then launches a sustained attack, creating the chronic inflammation and tissue damage characteristic of Ulcerative Colitis.

The goal is to calm the overactive immune response, repair the intestinal lining, and restore balance to your gut microbiome. By focusing on the foundational aspects of your health, we can work to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. This functional medicine strategy empowers you with the tools to actively participate in your own healing journey for long-term wellness.

What Can Happen if Ulcerative Colitis is Left Untreated?

Ignoring the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis or failing to manage the condition effectively can lead to serious health complications over time. Chronic, uncontrolled inflammation can cause progressive damage to the large intestine. One significant risk is the development of a perforated colon, a life-threatening condition where a hole develops in the intestinal wall, allowing bowel contents to leak into the abdomen.

Another severe complication is toxic megacolon, where widespread inflammation causes the colon to rapidly expand, swell, and potentially rupture. Persistent inflammation also significantly increases the risk of developing colon cancer, which is why regular screenings are essential for individuals with UC. Furthermore, chronic blood loss from intestinal ulcers can lead to severe iron deficiency anemia, causing extreme fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. The body's chronic inflammatory state can also affect other organs, leading to conditions such as arthritis, skin conditions, and liver disease. Proper management is crucial to prevent these outcomes.

Summary

Living with Ulcerative Colitis presents unique and personal challenges, but it is possible to manage your symptoms and reclaim your health. A functional medicine approach seeks to look deeper than the diagnosis, focusing on the web of factors that contribute to your individual experience with the disease.

By addressing the root causes of inflammation, such as gut dysbiosis, immune dysregulation, and nutritional deficiencies, we can create a strategy for lasting relief. You do not have to navigate this journey by yourself or settle for a life defined by unpredictable flare-ups. My goal is to partner with you to provide a personalized plan to restore balance to your body and help you feel your best.

Additional References

• Ulcerative Colitis Basics - Centers for Disease Control
• Ulcerative Colitis Continuing Education - National Library of Medicine