When liquid is extracted from castor seeds (Ricinus Communis) a pale yellow liquid is collected called castor oil.

You might have heard of it. Castor oil has many uses and is seen in a variety of industries. Castor oil is am anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant oil, which has been around for centuries.

The Egyptians were among the first to dive in the many uses and benefits of castor oil. Cleopatra used it to brighten the whites of her eyes, as well as use it for ointments and wounds. Castor oil was also used to light torches and lamps.

The majority of castor oils benefits are derived from its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids.

Although used in cosmetics, soaps, textiles, medicines, massage oils, castor oil has powerful medicinal benefits.

Castor oil adds to the list of benefits by also being a laxative, cathartic, and purgative medicine.

Castor oil can be taken orally and topically, and is known to strengthen the immune system. Without further ado, lets dive right in and see what castor oil has to offer.

What is Castor Oil used for?

The therapeutic uses of castor oil can be broken down into six sections:

1. Antimicrobial agent
2. Remedies for gastrointestinal problems
3. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic
4. Immune system stimulant
5. Lymphatic stimulant
6. Hair stimulant

Castor oil is considered a great remedy for major illnesses and can treat the following:

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Cerebral Palsy
• Hair loss
• Arthritis and Rheumatism pain
• Inflammation
• Skin Abrasions
• Sunburn
• Athletes foot
• Acne
• Migraines
• Menstrual Disorders
• Yeast Infection
• Constipation
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Stye

Forskolin also referred to as coleus forskohlii or C. Barbatus is a naturally-occurring chemical compound from the mint family and is commonly found in eastern hemisphere locations such as Brazil, Burma and India as well as Thailand and parts of Africa.

Pure Forskolin caught attention in the west by touting benefits with being a potential weight loss catalyst and muscle building accelerator.

What is in pure natural forskolin?

Pure forskolin is an exotically-acclaimed extract and multipurpose aromatic herbal ingredient (bioactive labdane diterpene) derived from the roots of the Plectranthus Barbatus/Lamiaceae plant. Natural, pure forskolin is in fact an exotically acclaimed extract and multipurpose aromatic herbal ingredient (bioactive labdane diterpene) derived from the roots of the Plectranthus Barbatus Lamiaceae plant.

Culturally forskolin is and has been an important cultural and medicinal plant throughout the world.

What is pro forskolin?

This plant specifically holds importance as a natural herbal supplement, especially in traditional Indian Ayurveda medicine.

Research has shown that forskolin has for many years expressed beneficial anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties along with diverse pharmacological benefits.

What is forskolin used for?

Forskolin has been used since ancient times to treat conditions such as:

• Heart disorders
• High blood pressure
• Chest pain
• Respiratory disorders such as asthma.
• Allergies
• Eczema and psoriasis
• Obesity
• Painful menstrual periods
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Urinary tract infections (UTI)
• Bladder infections
• Advanced cancer
• Blood clots
• Sexual problems in men
• Insomnia
• Convulsions

In essence forskolin increases the production of cyclic AMP, which increases the contractility of heart muscle.

What is pure forskolin extract?

Contractility is the inherent strength and vigor of the heart’s contraction during systole, the contraction phase of the cardiac cycle that results in the ejection of blood into an adjacent chamber or vessel of the heart.

According to Starling’s Law, the heart will eject a greater stroke volume at greater filling pressures.

This means that forskolin acts to increase not only the pump of the heart but also the cycle in which blood pumps throughout the heart.

For any filling pressure, the stroke volume will be greater if the contractility of the heart is greater.

Also read: Biotin Benefits for Thicker Hair, Skin and Nails

Although evidence for other actions is beginning and yet still inconclusive, research is being pushed to further certify the credentials that forskolin possesses.

There is however speculation that it may have effects in other cells of the body such as platelet and thyroid cells.

In fact forskolin may prevent platelet aggregation and adhesions, and it might even prevent tumor cell growth and cancer metastasis.

It should be noted that so far there is no evidence that it is clinically useful or safe for those purposes.

Traditional uses of Forskolin 

Forskolin and other related species were used in many traditional medical systems throughout history.

Traditional medical uses of forskolin include the treatment of digestive disorders such as stomachache, gastric and intestinal spasm, and as well as nausea.

As a purgative forskolin has also been used to treat skin conditions such as burns, wounds, insect bites, allergies, syphilis, and ringworm.

Other uses of forskolin also includes conditions such as neck stiffness, rheumatism, and to induce menstruation and as an oral contraceptive.

Forskolin has also been used to treat heart, blood, and circulation conditions, and certain cancers.

In the 1970s, the plant’s cardiovascular activity was investigated. A lot of promise early on was due to the result findings in research studies.

Forskolin spinoffs have been developed for use in heart and blood vessel conditions in more medical environmental surroundings that most pharmaceutical companies are in control of.

This has resulted in low quality clinical trials that are lacking to support claims made of the weight loss properties of forskolin.

These clinical studies also lack a research conducted with oral and inhaled forskolin in patients with asthma.

Although full research still needs to be made its still far better off when approaching a more holistic approach to our health’s.

Also read: Pure Garcinia Cambogia Reviews

Benefits of Forskolin

Majority of the benefits listed below have gone through some form of credibility finding within the studies conducted on forskolin.

It should be noted that increased cellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) results in a broad range of physiological and biochemical effects.

These effects include inhibition of platelet activation, which results in decreased likelihood of blood clots.

Increased cellular cyclic has also reduced the release of histamine resulting in decreased allergy symptoms and increased force of contraction of the heart,.

This plays in the fact that relaxation of the arteries and other smooth muscles, increased thyroid function, and increased lipolysis (fat burning.)

A number of diseases are characterized, in part, by decreased intracellular levels of cyclic AMP or also known as “cAMP.”

Forskolin also appears to have actions that are not due to this mechanism, but are due to its ability to alter a number of membrane transport proteins that ultimately affect this mechanism.

Forskolin for Asthma

Forskolin appears to be more effective at suppressing asthmatic symptoms than other nutraceuticals needed for asthmatic conditions.

The mechanisms that work in order to treat asthma may be related to beta-adrenergic compounds, due to the increasing cAMP and inducing of bronchiole dilation within the respiratory tract.

In fact many drugs used to treat asthma and allergies are designed to increase cAMP levels.

Usually they inhibit the enzyme called phosphodiesterase that breaks down cAMP, which induces a mechanism flip that allows forskolin to act directly in increasing the cAMP.

This mechanism is the “flip side” of Forskolin ability to act directly to increase cAMP.

What that results to is forskolin being used by itself, or in addition to phosphodiesterase-inhibiting drugs in the prevention and treatment of many allergic conditions, including asthma.

Forskolin for Weight Loss

Forskolin weight loss has gained popularity in the fact that it has been promoted and noted to drive and boost weight loss.

In vitro studies have shown in that Forskolin stimulates lipolysis, which is the breaking down of fats in fat cells.

Historically forskolin has been promoted to weight loss and has been used to treat conditions of weight gain.

Additionally researchers and scientists at the Penn State University College of Medicine have also found that many obese people have lower than normal cAMP production.

This lower level of cAMP showed initially the power that forskolin could have in driving up the cAMP production in forskolin for weight loss.

Based on these findings and in vitro studies, scientists hypothesized that Forskolin might be an effective weight loss agent, especially for those with reduced cAMP level production.

There was more evidence that showed weight loss due to the fact that forskolin boosted up cAMP levels in patients who conducted the weight loss experiment.

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A recent small study also appeared to confirm this assumption. In the study conducted six overweight women took 25 mg of Forskolin 250 mg capsules of 10 percent standardized Forskolin extract twice daily for eight weeks.

At the end of this eight-week trial, the participants lost a mean of ten pounds, and reduced their percentage of body fat by nearly 8 percent.

This was one study conducted that showed promise in the extraction of pure forskolin for weight loss.

These same studies also showed blood pressure levels trended lower during the trial.

These preliminary results indicate that Forskolin for weight loss may be a safe, useful adjunct to losing weight and maintaining normal body composition weight and composition.

Forskolin for Hypothyroidism

Another added benefit in the supplementation of forskolin is the impact it can have on conditions of hypothyroidism.

In fact Forskolin has demonstrated the ability to increase thyroid hormone production and stimulate thyroid hormone release.

This mechanism of stimulating the thyroid to enhance metabolism may be one way in which Forskolin promotes normal body weight, ultimately having a positive effect on hypothyroidism.

Forskolin effects in normalizing thyroid function may also contribute to its antidepressant effects, as depression is a common feature of hypothyroidism.

In fact historically forskolin has also been used to treat anxiety as well as improve mood elevation.

Forskolin for Depression

Forskolin has long been used to treat conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Depression is believed to be due to the process of an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain most commonly either inhibitory or stimulatory.

Forskolin asserts through this basic foundation of the process in which our biochemistry alliance in our emotional health and well being

The response we have to various antidepressants depends on which neurotransmitter system has deviated farthest from the norm set standard.

If the inhibitory neurotransmitters are most deficient, serotonin precursors like 5-HTP or L-tryptophan, or the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Paxil, and Prozac have formulated to work best for patients with depression.

This elated those who are more found of a holistic approach to our wellbeing in the fact that forskolin act to prevent emotional breakdown in any chemical breakdown.

In fact scientist stopped short within clinical studies in calling Forskolin for the treatment of depression.

Those scientists stated clearly that elevated brain cAMP levels are closely linked to antidepressant activity in animal models of depression.

Earlier research conducted on weight loss patients also revealed a lot of the patients to report elevated moods, which at first was asserted to the health benefits the patients were experiencing.

Also read: Castor Oil Uses

Forskolin for the Heart and Cardiovascular Health

It is well know that forskolin has traditionally long been used to treat hypertension, congestive heart failure, and angina.

Treating these conditions may be among the most useful uses for Forskolin as a herbal supplement moreover then all the other health benefits it promotes.

Forskolin basic cardiovascular action is in fact to lower blood pressure, while simultaneously increasing the contractility of the heart increasing blood circulation and pump.

This is what is believed to be due to Forskolin cAMP-elevating ability, which results in relaxation of the arteries, and increased force of contraction of the heart muscle.

This increased contraction of the heart muscle works to improve heart health as well as cardiovascular health.

One study involved seven patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, a very particularly difficult condition to treat in of itself.

In fact studies have shown that forskolin supplementation dramatically improved left ventricular function and overall cardiovascular performance.

Forskolin also acts to increase cerebral blood flow, demonstrating that it may be beneficial in cerebral vascular insufficiency and in enhancing post stroke recovery time.

The platelet aggregation inhibiting effects that forskolin provides, also adds to its value in cardiovascular health and disorders.

Forskolin for Cancer

Forskolin helps in treating cancer by attacking free radicals as well as working with other parts of the body to fight of certain cancers.

Cancer is a dangerous disease that can have onset symptoms at any age and does not discriminate on any race, gender, or region.

The causes of cancer can stem from many complications, forskolin through use of the substance, have shown that the supplement can help in reducing chances of cancer in individuals.

In fact forskolin works in a natural processes where it will help you get rid of cancer without any side effects as well as provide a holistic approach to the problem.

This is a great benefit that you will enjoy in case you were in the risk of contracting cancer as it can lower the chances of getting cancer to begin with.

Forskolin is also a cheaper option to getting rid of cancer then chemotherapy and other forms of fighting cancer.

However it should be noted that obtaining advice from your doctor is necessary before you decide to make use of Forskolin, as it might counteract other medications that your doctor might prescribe.

There are different types of cancers and forskolin will have different effects on whichever different cancers you might posses or get.

In fact after you get advice from your doctor you will be in a better position of knowing the right way for you to treat your cancer as well as the use of herbal supplements such as forskolin.

Also read: How to Get Rid of Bruises

Pure Forskolin

Pure forskolin is in fact the best variety of forskolin you can obtain. Exact amounts of pure forskolin vary but majority of pure forskolin supplementation attribute about 20% of pure forskolin extract.

In fact great supplementation of pure forskolin extract and pure forskolin has measure indicating around 250mg of pure forskolin extract.

Finding a good source online is crucial if you plan on shopping online. Your local whole foods or organic store should carry more potent varieties of forskolin.

Forskolin Side Effects

The side effects of forskolin can vary and changes between different people.

One of the first side effects that were mentioned by certain individuals stated that forskolin might lower your blood pressure.

This potentially dangerous side effect, called hypotension, may induce dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, diminished concentration, pale skin, fatigue or loss of consciousness.

If you have such side effects, you may be at risk of sustaining an injury from tripping or falling down.

Severely low blood pressure levels may prevent your vital organs from getting the oxygen they need to function normally and efficiently.

The last side effect that we found on forskolin is the increased heart rate. This is most likely due to the effect that cAMP has on driving up the contractions of the heart and pump of the blood.

For that reason people who suffer from conditions such as tachycardia may experience worsened conditions of elevated heart rate. This can result in a number of other side effects such as shortness of breath, lightheadedness, heart palpation, chest pain, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness.

Key Takeaways

Forskolin is a natural herbal supplement derived from the root of a plant called Coleus forskohlii.

Traditionally this herbal treatment has long been used to treat a variety of health conditions including insomnia, convulsions and heart and lung diseases.

When using this herbal supplement the treatment with forskolin may also aid in weight loss and weight management.

Make sure to discuss the potentially dangerous side effects of forskolin with your medical provider (doctor) before beginning treatment or use of forskolin supplement.

How have you used forskolin? Share with us below!

The New York Times called argan oil “liquid gold,” with proven benefits and an amazing smell its no wonder why it’s a massive hit throughout the world.

It’s created from the kernels of the nuts of the argan tree. The tree called “the tree of life” by Moroccans is uniquely exclusive to the region.

Scientist named this region the “Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve.”

The region is protected by UNESCO and is considered to be one of the purest oils in the world.

What’s even more surprising is that local Berber women work in cooperatives and control the argan oil industry.

These cooperatives share profits among the local Berber tribes, aiding in health care, education, and creation of jobs.

The profits from the argan oil industry have also been invested in establishing ecosystem reforestation, insuring that supply won’t run out.

It doesn’t stop there! 10% of the Moroccan population is fed through this industry as well.

How do you use Argan oil for your face?

Argan oil can be used on your face throughout the day. Not only is it great for the skin, but it also provides protection from harsh weather such as winter time.

Can I ingest Argan oil?

Argan oil is rich in vitamin A and vitamin E; it also packs antioxidants, Omega-6 fatty acids, Omega-3 fatty acids, and linoleic acid.

There are 2 ways to use argan oil, cosmetic usage and culinary usage. Whether you use it to cook, or use it for cosmetic purposes, it has many benefits.

Argan’s oil rich unsaturated fatty acids contain omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which all Doctors recommend should be 30% of your diet.

The reason being is that it comes from mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which is far healthier then saturated fats from meats and butter.

What is medium chain triglycerides?

Medium-chain triglycerides (also known as MCT oil) have numerous health benefits ranging from improved cognitive function to weight loss.

What is MCT oil?

Before we break down the health benefits MCT oil has for you, its best to first understand what makes it great.

For this I went on a long journey reading through numerous research papers in order to provide the best information for you.

High quality MCT oil can be found in Organic Coconut oil or high quality coconut oils. Basically MCT oil is a concentrated form of coconut oil. Although coconut oil is great on its own, MCT is the (MVP) of coconut oil.

MCT gets those abbreviations because of the length of its chemical structure. Medium-chain triglycerides are a from of saturated fatty acids that are great for the health. Unsaturated fatty acids that we get from our conventional diets are what give us the compilations we have.

Fats are categorized by how many carbons they have. Short chain fats have about 6 carbons; while medium chain fats have between 6-12 carbons, and long chain fats like omega-3s (EPA and DHA) have between 13-21 carbons. Which is why MCT oil is an essential healthy fat.

Research has shown that medium chain fatty acids can be healthier and more effective then long chain fatty acids, which were believed to be better.

How do you get liquid coconut?

You get liquid coconut through the coconut oil being a saturated fatty acid, and comprising about 50% of coconut oil, once it is removed you are left with a liquid oil with a much lower melting point. It should be noted that it is a highly refined product, and that it is missing coconut oil’s star component: lauric acid which gives so much benefit. 

What is MCT powder? 

MCT powder is the condensed powder form of MCT oil benefits. Although MCT powder is great for bullet proof coffee and such, it tends not to carry as much nutritional benefits that normal mct oil would.

What ultimately makes MCT oil great is that it is uniquely metabolized as well as easily digested. For this reason it plays a vital role in not only weight loss but also health issues and complications that we will further breakdown in this article.

Also read: Benefits of Turmeric

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disorder of the GI tract characterized by mucosal inflammation of the rectum that extends proximally through the colon, in a continuous fashion, but to a variable extent.

Although ulcerative colitis is usually only in the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum, its forms range from mild to severe.

The problem with having ulcerative colitis is that it puts a patient at increased risk of developing colon cancer in the long term.

Is ulcerative colitis fatal?

In essence ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease of the colon, also known as the large intestine, in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed and develops tiny open ulcers, or sores, that can eventually produce pus and mucous.

This combination of inflammation and ulceration can cause abdominal discomfort and frequent emptying of the colon for most people who suffer with ulcerative colitis.

What causes ulcerative colitis in a nutshell is that there is an abnormal response by your body’s immune system.

The cells and proteins that make up the immune system protect act to protect you from infection. This same system is what will ultimately cause ulcerative colitis.

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Ulcerative colitis can be hindering and occasionally can lead to life-threatening difficulties.

While ulcerative colitis has no known cure, treatment can greatly reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease and even bring about long-term remission.

Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

Ulcerative colitis symptoms can vary, depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs.

Therefore, doctors often classify ulcerative colitis according to its location.

About half of all patients with ulcerative colitis experience mild symptoms.

Be sure to consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Bowel movements become looser and more urgent
• Persistent diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain and blood in the stool
• Stool is generally bloody
• Cramping abdominal pain
• Rectal pain Rectal bleeding — passing small amount of blood with stool
• Urgency to defecate
• Inability to defecate despite urgency
• Weight loss Fatigue
• Fever In children
• Failure to grow

How does ulcerative colitis affect the digestive system?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This can affect the digestive system chronically or on and off depending on each individual. 

A feeling of low energy and fatigue is also common. Among younger children, ulcerative colitis may delay growth and development.

Individuals suffering from ulcerative colitis often have occurrence of loss of appetite and may lose weight as a result of the loss of appetite.

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis do tend to come and go, with fairly long periods in between outbreaks in which patients may experience no symptoms at all.

These periods of remission can span months or even years, although symptoms do eventually return and without warning.

The problem with the unpredictable course ulcerative colitis usually has may make it difficult for physicians to evaluate whether a particular course of treatment has been effective or not.

The type of ulcerative colitis is classified according to how much of your colon is affected.

The condition can be mild and limited to the rectum or it can affect additional parts of your colon, unfortunately with more severe symptoms.

People who develop ulcerative colitis at a younger age are more likely to have severe symptoms.

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

Although the exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown, considerable research has been made in the IBD causes.

Previously, diet and stress were suspected, but now doctors know that these factors may aggravate but don’t actually cause ulcerative colitis.

Studies indicate that the inflammation in IBD involves a complex interaction of factors.

These factors state that the genes the person has inherited, the immune system, and something in the environment ultimately is what causes ulcerative colitis.

One of the possible causes is thought to be an immune system malfunction. In other words the same response of the immune system chooses to protect also can cause the problem.

In fact when your immune system tries to fight off an invading virus or bacterium, an abnormal immune response causes the immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract as well, causing ulcerative colitis.

Foreign substances in the environment may be the direct cause of the inflammation, or they may stimulate the body’s defenses to produce an inflammation that continues without control.

Researchers believe that once the IBD patient’s immune system is “turned on,” it does not know how to properly “turn off” at the right time.

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As a result, inflammation damages the intestine and causes the symptoms of IBD.

Inheritance also seems to play a role in that ulcerative colitis is more common in people who have family members with the same disease.

However, in most cases people with ulcerative colitis don’t have this family history.

Other research sponsored by researchers has led many scientists to believe that ulcerative colitis may be the result of an interaction of a virus or bacterial infection of the colon and your body’s natural immune system response to that virus or bacterium. .

In normal cases your immune system will cause temporary inflammation to combat an illness or infection, and then the inflammation will be reduced as you regain health.

However in people with ulcerative colitis, this inflammation can persist long after your immune system should have finished its job, causing ulcerative colitis.

Research has shown that ulcerative colitis may affect as many as 700,000 Americans yearly.

Ulcerative colitis does not discriminate when it comes to the sex of who gets the diseases as men and women are equally likely to be affected.

The same studies have also shown that most people are diagnosed in their mid-30s.

The disease however can occur at any age and older men are more likely to be diagnosed than older women.

While ulcerative colitis tends to run in families, researchers have been unable to establish a clear pattern of inheritance.

Studies also have shown that up to 20 percent of people with ulcerative colitis will also have a close relative with the disease.

What causes ulcers in the colon?

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon.

Ulcers form where inflammation has killed the cells that usually line the colon, then bleed and produce pus. Inflammation in the colon also causes the colon to empty frequently, causing diarrhea.

Risk factors of Ulcerative Colitis

The disease is more common among white people of European origin and among people of Jewish heritage.

Risk factors may include:

• Ulcerative colitis usually begins before the age of 30. But, it can occur at any age, and some people may not develop the disease until after age 60.
• Race or ethnicity. Although whites have the highest risk of the disease, it can occur in any race. If you’re of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, your risk is even higher.
• Family history. You’re at higher risk if you have a close relative, such as a parent, sibling or child, with the disease.
• Isotretinoin use. Isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret; formerly Accutane) is a medication sometimes used to treat scarring cystic acne or acne. Some studies suggest it is a risk factor for IBD, but a clear association between ulcerative colitis and isotretinoin has not been established.

Acute Ulcerative Colitis

Acute ulcerative colitis is a disorder characterized by a relapsing and remitting course of variable severity.

The majority of patients can sometimes present with a left-sided or distal disease of mild-to-moderate severity.

Most remain in remission for long periods with maintenance medical therapy.

10% of patients initially present with severe disease, additionally approximately 15% of patients will develop a severe flare during the course of their lifetime.

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Acute severe UC can be defined according to the original criteria set up by the researchers. This criteria which states that a person has acute ulcerative colitis if they present symptoms of six or more stools per day, with either a body temperature of more than 37.8°C, a pulse rate of more than 90 bpm, large amounts of blood per stool, a hemoglobin level of less than 10.5 g/dl or an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of more than 30 mm/h.

In most cases patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis require hospitalization for optimal management to the degree of the seriousness of their illness.

Although rates of death in acute ulcerative colitis have dropped by up to 25% with the implementation of more aggressive monitoring and treatment, acute ulcerative colitis is still unfortunately associated with a measurable mortality.

Acute ulcerative colitis should be considered a medical emergency for all patients, and patients are required to have close monitoring of stool frequency and vitals symptoms.

Close observation acts to allow early identification of patients with complications (notably toxic dilatation and perforation), which require immediate colectomy a surgery.

The making of an early decision about either proceeding to surgery or stepping up to rescue medical therapy is a key aspect of ensuring favorable outcomes, so discussion of the options should be initiated at an early stage.

Early identification of patients who are likely to fail steroid therapy is also vitally crucial.

Most doctors and health care professionals have recognized for some time that monitoring of basic clinical and laboratory indices can be helpful in predicting which patients with acute ulcerative colitis are likely to require colectomy during the same hospital admission.

Medical treatment of steroid-refractory acute ulcerative colitis has expanded somewhat in recent years with the availability of both ciclosporin and infliximab as rescue agents.

In most cases however surgery still remains the only beneficial option.

Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Ulcerative colitis treatment in most cases usually involves drug therapy or surgery, as well as a holistic approach for those who seek a natural approach.

When it comes to western medicine several categories of drugs may be effective in treating ulcerative colitis.

The type of medication you take will depend on the severity of your condition in response to ulcerative colitis.

In some cases the drugs that work well for some people may not work for others, so it may take time to find a medication that helps you.

In addition to the different forms of medicine, some drugs come with and have serious side effects.

Each person must decide and weigh the benefits and risks of any treatment for ulcerative colitis or acute ulcerative colitis.

Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis

Surgery can often eliminate ulcerative colitis. But that usually means removing your entire colon and rectum as well which can be tough for most people to consider.

In most cases, this involves a procedure called ileoanal anastomosis that eliminates the need to wear a bag to collect your stool.

Most surgeons and doctors will construct a pouch from the end of your small intestine.

The pouch is then attached directly to your anus, allowing you to expel waste relatively normally, rather then the usually way your body expels its waste.

In the cases that surgery is not possible surgeons instead create a permanent opening in your abdomen through which stool is passed for collection in an attached bag.

Anti-inflammatory drugs for Ulcerative Colitis

Anti-inflammatory drugs are often the first step in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

They include Aminosalicylates. Sulfasalazine can be effective in reducing symptoms of ulcerative colitis, but it has a number of side effects, including digestive distress and headache.

Certain 5-aminosalicylates, including mesalamine, balsalazide and olsalazine are available in both oral and enema or suppository forms.

Which form you take depends on the area of your colon that’s affected. Rarely, these medications have been associated with kidney and pancreas problems.

Another anti-inflammatory drug that is used to treat acute ulcerative colitis is Corticosteroids.

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These drugs, which include prednisone and hydrocortisone, are generally reserved for moderate to acute ulcerative colitis that doesn’t respond to other treatments.

Most patients are given the medication orally, intravenously, or by enema or suppository, depending on the location affected.

Corticosteroids unfortunately have numerous side effects, including a puffy face, excessive facial hair, night sweats, insomnia and hyperactivity.

More-serious side effects of Corticosteriods include high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, bone fractures, cataracts, glaucoma and increased chance of infection.

Another way ulcerative colitis is fought is with Immune system suppressors.

These drugs also reduce inflammation, but they do so by suppressing the immune system response that starts the process of inflammation.

Research has shown that for some people, a combination of these drugs works better than one drug alone.

Corticosteroids also may be used with an immune system suppressor, in which case the corticosteroids can induce remission, while the immune system suppressors can help maintain it.

Immunosuppressant drugs include Azathioprine and mercaptopurine. These are the most widely used immunosuppressant’s for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease as well as acute ulcerative colitis.

Taking these medications requires that you follow up closely with your doctor and have your blood checked regularly to look for side effects, including effects on the liver and pancreas.

Additional side effects include lowered resistance to infection and a small chance of developing cancers such as lymphoma and skin cancers.

This drug is normally reserved for people who haven’t responded well to other medications.

Cyclosporine has the potential for serious side effects, such as kidney and liver damage, seizures, and fatal infections, and is not for long-term use for majority of patients.

There’s also a small risk of cancer with some of these medications, so it is vital that you let your doctor know if you’ve previously had cancer.

They are for people with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis who don’t respond to or can’t tolerate other treatments.

People with certain conditions can’t take TNF-alpha inhibitors. Tuberculosis and other serious infections have been associated with the use of immunosuppressant drugs.

These drugs also are associated with a small risk of developing certain cancers such as lymphoma and skin cancers.

Alternative Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Herbal and alternative treatment plans can work to restore long-term remission of ulcerative colitis.

In fact there are a few herbal and lifestyle choices that can impact ulcerative colitis as well as the development or remission of it.

Probiotics for Ulcerative Colitis

Researchers suspect that adding more of the beneficial bacteria of probiotics that are normally found in the digestive tract might help combat the disease.

Although research is limited, there is some evidence that adding probiotics along with other medications may be helpful, but this has not been proved.

Fish oil

Fish oil acts as an anti-inflammatory, and there is some evidence that adding fish oil to aminosalicylates may be helpful, but this has not been proved. However a side effect is that Fish oil can cause diarrhea.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera gel may have an anti-inflammatory compounds that can have a positive effect for people with ulcerative colitis, but it also can cause diarrhea as a side effect.

Also read: Argan Oil Benefits

Turmeric

Curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric, has been combined with standard ulcerative colitis therapies in clinical trials. There is some evidence of benefit, but more research is needed and will be gathered as time progresses.

Key Takeaways

In essence ulcerative colitis is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory bowl disorder that can generally be managed successfully with maintenance oral medications and lifestyle changes.

However, roughly 15% of all patients with ulcerative colitis will develop a severe exacerbation and require hospitalization.

While many patients with acute ulcerative colitis will respond to a short course of intravenous corticosteroids, up to a third will fail to improve.

In these patients with steroid-refractory colitis, the choice is between rescue medical therapy with ciclosporin or infliximab, or surgery.

Although surgery is unavoidable in some cases, it is however the treatment of choice for most of the other patients.

Have you dealt with ulcerative colitis? What worked or hasn’t worked for you? Leave a comment in the below comment sections, I would love to hear your experiences with Ulcerative Colitis.