Nutritional Therapies for Ulcerative Colitis Research Paper

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These biologically-based practices of alternative medicine include the use of vitamins, herbs, and food supplements found in nature, chief among which are probiotics: the living, beneficial bacteria found in the intestines. These benign bacteria counteract the presences of the malignant variety, which often cause digestive problems if allowed to overpopulate. Probiotics can be obtained as supplements or found in certain foods, and have been known to prolong periods of remission in ulcerative colitis patients, with no sever side effects.

The use of fish oils is another alternative medicinal treatment for ulcerative colitis. Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, 2011). Omega 3 fatty acids are found in certain green vegetables and in nuts, salmon, sardines and herring, as well as in oral supplemental form and are used to treat intestinal inflammation when ulcerative colitis is active. Aloe Vera is another anti-inflammatory agent that is found in certain juices or in vitamin supplements although its side effects include its laxative properties. The nutritional value of vitamins can also be very useful for ulcerative colitis patients, since they directly restore essential vitamins patients may be lacking. Vitamin B-2 is beneficial for those with intestinal complications related to this condition; B-12 is absorbed in the lower part of the small intestine and is often deficient in proctocolectomy patients. Anemia is another common effect of ulcerative colitis patients since iron deficiency accompanies the loss of blood related to intestinal inflammation. Iron can be administered orally (in liquid or tablet form) or intravenously.

In summary, the alternative method of nutritional therapy appears to be more effective than its western counterpart for a number of reasons, foremost of which is due to the inclusiveness of the alternative perspective. While western nutritional therapy practices include the specifying of certain foods to be consumed and avoided, alternative practices are bolstered by nutritional supplements in addition to the eating of foods that address the specific nutritional needs of an ulcerative colitis patient.

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For example, Vitamin D supplements can restore this essential vitamin in such patients, although it should be mentioned that those most deficient in this area have usually undergone proctocolectomy. Similarly, vitamin B-12 is absorbed in the lower intestine and may be added to the body using nutritional supplements as held by the alternative medicinal view practitioners, while western counterparts simply cannot account for this degree of efficacy.

The alternative perspective on nutritional therapy is often more effective because its recommendations take an active approach to reducing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, which is an area that the western perspective fails to acknowledge. Aloe vera and omega 3 fatty acids have natural anti-inflammatory properties that counteract the primary debilitation ulcerative colitis is known for. These substances produce beneficial effects during painful periods of ulcerative colitis activity, and possible help prolong periods in which the disease is in remission. Western perspectives on nutritional therapy merely include measures which do not agitate this condition, such as the avoidance of high fiber and greasy foods and the inclusion of well-proportioned meals, both of which are included in the alternative perspective on nutritional therapy. The alternative view is more curative and holistic, making it more effective.

Reference Page

1. Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. (2011). Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Retrieved March 15, 2011, from http://www.ccfa.org/frameviewer/?url=/media/pdf/FactSheets/CAM.pdf

2. Life Extension. (2011).Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Retrieved March 15, 2011 from http://www.lef.org/protocols/gastrointestinal/inflammatory_bowel_disease_01.htm

3. National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse. (2006) Ulcerative Colitis. Retrieved March 16, 2011 from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colitis/

4. Street, Erin. (2010, December). Nutritional Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis. Livestrong.com Retrieved March 15, 2011 from http://www.livestrong.com/article/335380-nutritional-therapy-for-ulcerative-colitis/.....

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