1. Ulcerative Colitis medications have benefits and risks. Know about both.
Multiple clinical trials have proved the clinical effectiveness of common medications currently used to manage Ulcerative Colitis (UC) symptoms: corticosteroids (ex. Prednisone), biologics (ex. Humira, Remicade), and aminosalicylates (ex. Lialda, Asacol, Pentasa). However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also reports the concerning side effects and risks of these medications. For example, the FDA Profile on IMURAN (Azathioprine) cites: ““Postmarketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with IMURAN. These cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal.” We believe it is important to be informed about all the benefits as well as the risks of commonly prescribed UC medication. Read on UC medications from their FDA profiles.
2. Additional tests may tell you important things about your Colitis.
Years after being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, Philip – The Colitis Blog co-founder – struggled to control UC symptoms. Relief came when a new doctor recommended allergy testing for gluten and casein (a protein in milk). Philip turned out to be allergic to both and excluding both from his diet brought considerable relief quickly. We also mapped his gut bacteria using The American Gut Project, which showed the excess of some pathogenic (bad) bacteria, which contributed to inflammation. By learning what these bacteria eat, we were able to exclude their food from our diet and bring down their numbers. Learn more about tests that can tell you more about YOUR Ulcerative Colitis.
3. Some foods may reduce gut inflammation and reduce cancer risk.
The health benefits of leafy greens, fruits and vegetables are sounded from everywhere. We turned to scientific research to learn about the anti-inflammatory effects of leafy greens, berries, vegetables, fruits, yogurt, and turmeric. For example, researchers at the University of Bonn found that “vegetable- and fruit-based patterns and a priori healthy dietary patterns appeared to be inversely related to inflammatory biomarkers” [Barbaresco et al 2013]. As UC patients face a higher risk of colorectal cancer, research has also shown the anti-cancer properties of whole grains, berries, fruits and veggies. We summarized for you dozens of medical and scientific articles on foods linked to decreased inflammation and cancer risk.
4. Some foods may worsen inflammation and increase cancer risk.
Much like the virtues of spinach, the risks of red meat have come to increased attention. But, instead of following food fads, we dove into medical journal articles, which show a clear link between inflammation and the consumption of red meat, processed meat, meats cooked at high-temperatures, fatty and sugary foods. For example, a study by researchers at UC San Diego found that “A red meat-derived glycan promotes inflammation and cancer progression” [Samraj et al, 2015]. We also read about the link between colon cancer and alcohol, smoking, and tannins in wine and black tea. Read more about food linked to inflammation and increased cancer risk.
5. The Colitis Diet may help manage the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis.
For many UC patients, food has become a big source of confusion and stress. Some sources state that food has nothing to do with UC or managing its symptoms, while others identify one food or substance (fiber, fat, sugar, grains, raw food, kefir) as Colitis “cures” without any scientific evidence. We at The Colitis Blog believe in serious science produced by PhD researchers at universities and scientific research centers, whose findings undergo serious academic scrutiny before publication. We read big, prestigious journals like Nature, The Lancet, the Gastroenterology Journal of the American Gastroenterological Association. We have researched, read, and summarized here for you numerous articles that scientifically demonstrate links between certain foods and inflammation. Based on that research, we put together The Colitis Diet that has resulted in almost 5 years of deep remission with minimal to no symptoms. Read more about The Colitis Diet and the research behind it.