|
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease in which the mucous
membranes lining the large intestine become inflamed and ulcerated.
This results in fever, abdominal cramps, and bloody diarrhea.
Ulcerative colitis usually doesn’t affect the entire
thickness of the intestine (like Crohn’s disease) and
never affects the small intestine. This disease usually begins
in the rectum or lower end of the large intestine. Unchecked,
it can eventually spread partially or completely through the
large intestine.
Ulcerative colitis can range from fairly mild to severe.
Severe attacks can come on suddenly, producing high fever,
violent attacks of diarrhea, and intense abdominal cramps.
Other episodes may come on gradually with symptoms of mild
lower abdominal cramps, accompanied by stool that contains
blood
and mucus. The farther up the intestine this disease extends,
the more severe the symptoms.
Although the cause of ulcerative colitis is not known, contributing
factors may include stress, poor diet, food allergies, heredity,
and overactive immune system responses in the intestine. Colitis
may also be the result of harmful bacterial overgrowth, often
caused by the use of antibiotics.
The link between bacterial overgrowth and certain autoimmune
diseases has been confirmed in research centers around the
globe. Research is ongoing to identify particular bowel bacteria
that may have similar characteristics to tissue types that
are commonly found in people with other autoimmune diseases,
such as myasthenia gravis, lupus erythematosus, motor neuron
disease, and pernicious anemia. In order to control the inflammation
and other symptoms of ulcerative colitis, treatment usually
centers around diet. Raw fruits and vegetables as well as
dairy products should be avoided. Supplemental high-quality
Probiotics is recommended to help strengthen the intestinal
walls with friendly bacteria.
RECOMMENDED PROBIOTIC REGIMEN
Start with 1 capsule each L. acidophilus and B.
bifidum (or 1/2 teaspoon each powder), along with 1/2 teaspoon L. bulgaricus powder mixed
in 6 to 8 ounces unchilled filtered water, three times daily
before meals.
Can increase the above amount to 3 capsules each of L.
acidophilus and B. bifidum (or 1 1/2 teaspoons powder), and 1 tablespoon L. bulgaricus powder,
three times daily before meals.
Instead of the above regimens, can take 1 combination capsule
that contains all three super strains in an
oil-matrix carrier, two times daily, and increase to 1 capsule,
three to four times daily.
|
