Ulcerative Colitis

At Ulcerative colitis It is a chronic, usually relapsing disease of the large intestine. It causes ulcers (Latin: ulcera) in the inner mucous membrane of the colon, as the large intestine is also called (hence "colitis": inflammation of the colon). Typical symptoms include increased urge to defecate, diarrhea with blood and mucus, and moderate to severe abdominal pain, often in the left upper abdomen.

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The inflammation of the intestinal mucosa spreads continuously from the rectum to varying degrees in the large intestine. Thus, the degree of spread in the intestine is differentiated. Proctitis if the inflammation is limited to the rectum. If it also extends to the left side of the colon, there is a Left-sided colitis If, however, the entire colon is inflamed, it is called Pancolitis.

If chronic inflammatory bowel disease is suspected, a gastroenterologist (a gastrointestinal specialist) will perform various tests. In the presence of ulcerative colitis, patients often experience Pressure pain in the left lower abdomen. Palpation of the rectum can provide initial indications of possible ulcerative colitis. Since the disease begins in the last section of the intestine, the rectum, the gastroenterologist examines the anus and carefully palpates it. To obtain evidence of inflammation in the body, the patient's blood and stool samples are analyzed. Inflammatory markers such as CRP (C-reactive protein) and Calprotectin provide information about the severity of the existing inflammation.

A study by Barmer GEK assumes that in Germany between 420,000 and 470,000 People suffer from chronic intestinal inflammation. Women and men are equally likely to develop ulcerative colitis, and this usually occurs as young adults between the ages of 25 and 35. In principle, anyone can become ill, including young children and the elderly.

To rule out other causes of diarrhea, the patient's stool is examined for diarrheal pathogens (microbiological diagnostics). This is because infectious intestinal inflammation caused by bacteria (infectious colitis) often differs only slightly from ulcerative colitis, but usually subsides within a few days to a maximum of two weeks. The final diagnosis is usually made using Colonoscopy (colonoscopy)The doctor inserts an endoscope into the colon to observe the condition of the intestinal mucosa. Ulcers, such as those commonly found in ulcerative colitis, can be identified and removed. Tissue samples are then sent to the laboratory. This usually allows diseases with symptoms similar to Crohn's disease to be ruled out.

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Patients with total ulcerative colitis (pancolitis) should undergo an annual colonoscopy starting at the eighth year of disease, as they are at increased risk for colon and rectal cancer. Patients with left-sided ulcerative colitis should undergo an annual colonoscopy after 15 years of disease.

Conventional medical treatment for ulcerative colitis aims to control inflammation in the colon and relieve symptoms. Therapy typically includes medications prescribed at various escalating levels depending on the severity of the disease.

Commonly used medications include anti-inflammatory drugs such as sulfasalazine and mesalazine, which reduce inflammation directly in the intestine. In more severe cases, the use of cortisone may be necessary to suppress inflammation. Immunosuppressants (drugs that suppress the immune system) such as azathioprine are also used. In particularly severe cases, a doctor may also prescribe biologics. This class of medications includes infliximab and adalimumab, better known by the trade names Humira and Remicade. Both medications modulate the immune system and thus inhibit inflammation in the intestine.

Treatment is usually carried out in close collaboration with a gastroenterologist, who tailors the appropriate medications and dosages to each patient's individual needs to control the disease and prevent flare-ups. In some cases, surgical removal of part of the colon may be necessary, especially if complications such as intestinal obstructions or ulcers occur. The traditional treatment for ulcerative colitis aims to improve the quality of life of those affected and minimize the risk of complications.

If you're convinced that ulcerative colitis is a disease whose origin or treatment has nothing to do with your diet, then you can stop reading here. The following paragraph is for those of you who want to live an independent life and not be dependent on lifelong medication.

If ulcerative colitis is indeed a digestive problem that is aggravated by the consumption of certain foods, then a carnivore diet most likely to counteract chronic intestinal inflammation.

By avoiding all potentially problematic foods that make the intestinal barrier permeable (lectins such as gluten) or irritate an already inflamed intestinal mucosa (fiber). Contrary to the widespread belief that fiber has a positive effect on intestinal health, the opposite is often the case with an inflamed intestine. Indigestible food components further irritate the inflamed intestinal mucosa and thus worsen the symptoms.