Benefits & Risks Of Vitamin-Minerals
That vitamins calm ulcerative colitis symptom is a fact. This is because you may need vitamins to help maintain a good diet if you have ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. The vitamins are in addition to eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Remember that food is the best source of nutrients and actual deficiencies vary from person to person. It is therefore important to discuss your nutritional history with your doctor. Here is an overview of the vitamins you may need to take if you have ulcerative colitis.
Risk of Malnutrition With Ulcerative Colitis
A major risk factor of ulcerative colitis is decreased intake of food which leads to malnourishment. When UC flares, there is irritation of the large intestine or colon. Small sores also form on the lining of the intestine and rectum. This causes persistent cramping pain. It can also cause severe diarrhea. Sometimes alternating with the formation of hard stool and prolonged constipation.
Does Diet Cause ulcerative colitis?
Diet doesn’t cause ulcerative colitis, though certain foods may make symptoms worse. So in addition to the normal loss of appetite that accompanies a flare-up, some people purposely reduce how much they eat in an attempt to ease the symptoms out of fear of symptoms getting worse.
At the same time, the body has an increased need for additional calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to aid the healing process. Likewise, inflammation and diarrhea disrupt the reabsorption of water and minerals that usually happens in the large intestine. This includes the danger of dehydration if the fluid is not replaced.
Lastly, some of the medications used to treat ulcerative colitis disrupt the body’s ability to absorb and maintain the minerals it needs. For example, corticosteroids such as prednisone can diminish the body’s calcium. Drugs like sulfasalazine diminish the level of folate, an important B vitamin. Another plus for the statement is that vitamins calm ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Supplements For Ulcerative Colitis
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Given ulcerative colitis disruption of adequate nutrition from the food you eat, your best bet is still a well-balanced diet. A balanced diet will protect you from malnutrition. You must eat different types of food groups to ensure sufficient protein and calories. Consulting a dietitian will make it easier to plan meals that meet your nutritional needs. However, even with a well-designed meal plan, you may still need some supplements since vitamins calm ulcerative colitis symptoms. The recommended vitamins include:
Vitamin D
Your body needs vitamin D to maintain strong bones. It also plays a role in how your immune system functions. Low levels of vitamin D are common among the general adult population.
If you have ulcerative colitis, especially if you take steroids, your risk of a vitamin D deficiency, as well as the risk of osteoporosis, is quite high. This risk is worsened by the fact that a lot of people with ulcerative colitis reduce dairy products to help reduce diarrhea. A catch-22 because dairy foods are good sources of vitamin D.
Ask your doctor if you should be taking a vitamin D supplement. Experts differ in their recommendations for vitamin D supplementation. So talk to your doctor about the best option for you.
Calcium
The body uses calcium, a mineral, to build bones. The body also uses calcium in other ways such as helping muscles contract or sending messages through the nervous system. If there is not enough calcium in your system, the body makes it from the bones making them weak. This may cause bones to become brittle and lead to osteoporosis.
Calcium deficiency becomes a strong possibility with ulcerative colitis if you avoid dairy products. Your doctor is likely to recommend 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams per day if you are calcium deficient.
Iron
Bleeding from the sores in the colon is one way people with ulcerative colitis lose iron. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia. What happens when your body lacks iron? It means your body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells to transport an adequate supply of oxygen throughout your body. Anemia makes you feel super fatigued and promotes fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, poor concentration, and other symptoms. A blood test will determine if you have an iron deficiency. If the test is positive, your doctor will likely recommend an iron vitamin.
Folate or folic acid
Your body needs folic acid, a B vitamin, to make healthy new cells. In women, it also protects against birth defects of the baby’s spine or brain. Folic acid can also reduce the risk of colon cancer, which is elevated in people with ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis sufferers find it difficult to tolerate folate-rich dark leafy vegetables and may end up with low levels of the vitamin. Those levels can be made even lower as a result of certain medications. Discuss with your doctor to know if you should be taking a folic acid vitamin.
Studies on Vitamins for Ulcerative Colitis
Several dietary vitamins are being studied for their potential benefits for people with ulcerative colitis.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil reduced symptoms and prevented the recurrence of Ulcerative Colitis in a study. Other studies, however, have not had the same results.
Probiotics
Probiotics, the ‘good bacteria’ or other microorganisms can be beneficial to your health. In several studies, they have been shown to reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms. The belief is that probiotics, like lactobacillus or live-culture yogurt, assist in restoring balance to the good bacteria that live inside the gut.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, when taken in the form of an oral gel, has a therapeutic effect, according to a few studies. More research is needed to verify and identify its benefits.
Other supplements are also being studied to see if they can be effectively used to manage ulcerative colitis. Your doctor can help you find out more about those studies.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353331
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