WHAT IS ULCERATIVE COLITIS?
Ulcerative colitis is a persistent inflammatory bowel illness that causes digestive tract inflammation.
Ulcerative colitis normally affects just the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. The severity of the forms ranges from modest to severe. A patient with ulcerative colitis is more likely to get colon cancer.
Rectal hemorrhage, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pains, and pain are all symptoms.
Medication and surgery are used in treatment.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF PROBIOTICS IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS
Probiotics operate as a protective barrier. They line your bowels, preventing harmful bacteria from reaching the intestinal wall. They also alter the composition of your gut biome, adding healthy bacteria to counteract the bad. This reduces inflammation and helps to soothe the reaction.
When it comes to UC treatment, not all probiotics are created equal. Several studies have indicated that two particular probiotics are effective:
1.Escherichia coli Nissle (Mutaflor) is a nonpathogenic strain of E. coli. That is, it will not make you sick. According to studies, it can put UC patients into remission for at least a year.
2. VSL#3 is a probiotic blend of eight distinct strains. According to some studies, it can put UC patients into remission for at least 24 weeks.
HOW TO TAKE PROBIOTICS SAFELY AND TO COMBAT IBS SYMPTOMS
1. Choose the best probiotic for your situation: A typical guideline is to select probiotic products having the genus Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or Saccharomyces boulardii, which are some of the most investigated probiotics.
2. Check to see if the product accomplishes what it claims: Choose a brand whose ingredients and CFU accuracy have been independently validated. Before purchasing a product, always visit a resource such as Consumer Lab or Lab Door to verify its claims.
3. Examine labels thoroughly: A probiotic's strength is assessed in colony forming units (CFUs), which relate to bacteria colonies in the product. More CFUs aren't always preferable. The appropriate quantity of CFUs is determined on the condition to be treated. Your doctor or a dietician can advise you on the appropriate quantity of CFUs for you.
4. Keep track of when you're scheduled to take the supplement: Lactobacillus or bifidobacterial probiotics are best taken 30 minutes or so before a meal, although saccharomyces boulardii can be taken at any time. Consult your doctor about when to take your probiotic pill to get the most out of it.
5. Follow the label's dosage instructions: Dosing recommendations for different supplements can vary widely, so make sure to follow the instructions for the specific probiotic supplement you're taking.
6. Properly store the supplement: Check to see if the probiotic is shelf-stable or needs to be refrigerated, and store it accordingly.
7. Allow time for your probiotic supplement to take action: Continue taking probiotics for a month before deciding whether or not to discontinue them.
8. Throw out probiotics after they have expired: Although taking expired probiotics will not harm you, they may not contain enough living organisms to provide you with any obvious benefit.
CONCLUSION
Even though probiotics are inexpensive and have few negative effects, you should see your doctor before including them into your UC treatment regimen. This is especially crucial if you have a weakened immune system or are taking high-dose corticosteroids.
And, without first consulting your doctor, never use probiotics to substitute any UC medications or treatments that your doctor has prescribed.
However, if you and your doctor agree that probiotics are the next step in your UC treatment plan, ask your doctor for assistance in locating the right probiotic for you. You probably have nothing to lose besides occasional UC flare-ups.