Natural Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis
A naturopathic approach to treating ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis flare-ups are often triggered by dietary & lifestyle aggravators as well as stress. Dr. Makoto Trotter, ND works with patients to understand these variables better, reduce inflammation and support your gut health long-term.
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that is autoimmune in nature. It presents in the large intestine (ie. the colon), in episodes of flare up and remission. The name – ulcerative – describes the ulcerations on the intestinal wall that may lead to serious outcomes.
Symptoms in an inflamed active state may include weight loss, severe abdominal cramping, rectal pain, malaise, fever, bloody stools, diarrhea and nutrient malabsorption.
Ulcerative colitis occurs most commonly in Caucasians and Ashkenazi Jews and usually presents before 30 years old.
What causes ulcerative colitis?
Because ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition, it results from the immune system turning against itself and attacking its own tissues.
There is a genetic predisposition to ulcerative colitis, meaning that if a family member has ulcerative colitis, there is an increased risk for a close relative to also develop the disease.
Certain medications and environmental factors have been explored in research as potential contributors, although findings remain mixed and not definitive
Aggravating factors that may contribute to the onset of flare-ups include diet and chronic stress.
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease with modifiable underlying drivers including gut permeability and microbiome dysbiosis. Learn more about naturopathic autoimmune support.
Ready to get personalized naturopathic care?
With over 20 years of clinical experience supporting complex digestive, hormonal, and skin conditions, Dr. Makoto Trotter, ND provides personalized care focused on identifying and addressing underlying causes.
👉 Book a free 15-minute consultation to see if naturopathic care is right for you.
How is ulcerative colitis treated conventionally?
Ulcerative colitis is treated with oral or rectal prescription medication to reduce inflammation in the colon. In severe cases, strong corticosteroids or immunosuppressant medication may be prescribed to get a flare-up under control and maintain disease remission.
Removing the colon via surgery is an option for severe unrelenting cases that will prevent recurrence. Because ulcerative colitis presents in the colon, when the colon is removed, the condition cannot come back.
How does a naturopathic doctor treat ulcerative colitis?
A naturopathic doctor’s goal is to assess ulcerative colitis from a whole body vantage point.
Because there is a disruption and overstimulation of the immune system, it is important to use natural treatments that normalize immunity (without contributing to immune overstimulation). A diet appropriate for ulcerative colitis – supporting the digestive tract, while mitigating inflammation – will be recommended to you.
Additionally, it is important to consider nutrient therapy to correct deficiencies brought on by the diseased gut, and to support healing of the digestive tract.
Functional testing may be recommended to better guide treatment, including comprehensive stool testing (GI-MAP) and food sensitivity testing where appropriate.
Digestive symptoms are often interconnected. You can explore other digestive and related conditions treated to better understand how these patterns may be linked.
Looking for support with ulcerative colitis?
A personalized naturopathic approach can help you better understand your symptoms and identify factors contributing to flare-ups.
👉 Book a consultation to get a tailored plan.