How to Control an Ulcerative Colitis Flareup
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon. Symptoms include numerous loose, watery stools, bloody stools, significant pain in the stomach, weight loss and fatigue. Though every case of ulcerative colitis is different, each person diagnosed with it will experience flare-ups at random. When flare-ups are not present, the person can live a regular lifestyle and eat a regular, healthy diet. When a flare-up is present, however, inflammation is present in the colon and the symptoms mentioned above are experienced. Steps need to be taken to end the flare-up as quickly as possible.
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Instructions
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Call your doctor. Tell him that you are experiencing a flare-up and describe your symptoms. Depending on the severity of the flare-up, he may have you increase or alter your medication dosages, visit a lab for blood work or stool samples, or even visit the emergency room if you are significantly dehydrated or low on nutrients.
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Reduce your fiber intake as much as possible so that you are passing as little undigested residue as possible, according to MotherNature.com. Instead, eat white bread and pasta, saltine crackers, fish and poultry, potatoes, and canned and cooked vegetables and fruits.
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Incorporate fish with omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, such as salmon, tuna, herring and sardines. These foods reduce inflammation and help relieve colitis symptoms. Check with your doctor first to make sure the omega-3 fatty acids won't counteract the anti-inflammatory properties of your medication.
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Remove high-fiber foods, dairy, caffeine and fatty foods from your diet, all which could upset the inflammation even more. This includes removing whole wheat, raw fruits and vegetables, all dairy, soda pop, coffee, alcohol, red meat and desserts.
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Take a multi-vitamin while experiencing a flare-up to provide your body with the nutrients that it isn't receiving through food, according to the Mayo Clinic. Besides a multi-vitamin, other smart supplements to take include folate, vitamin B, fish oil, cod liver oil, aloe vera and cinnamon, which all have anti-inflammatory properties. Check your doctor before adding a new supplement.
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De-stress during this time as much as possible. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America states that stress is closely interrelated to ulcerative colitis flare-ups, which is unfortunate, because a flare-up causes emotional stress in its victim. To help relieve stress, meditate and deep breathe daily, attempt beginner-level yoga and stretching exercises, and try to find a support group in your area.
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