Natural remedies to help ease ulcerative colitis symptoms may include probiotics and herbal products such as aloe vera and wheatgrass. Dietary changes, exercise, acupuncture, and stress management may also help.
Although natural remedies cannot cure ulcerative colitis (UC), they may help a person find relief from symptoms and flare-ups. A person can try natural remedies alongside standard treatments that a doctor prescribes.
This article highlights several natural remedies that may help alleviate UC symptoms.
Probiotics are living bacteria or microorganisms that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
According to a
Additionally, an older 2011 study found that VSL3 was beneficial in treating mild to moderate UC when people used it alongside standard treatment. VSL3 is a probiotic mixture containing three strains of bifidobacteria, four strains of lactobacilli, and one strain of Streptococcus salivarius spp. thermophilus.
Some foods contain natural probiotics. Examples include:
- yogurt
- kefir
- aged cheeses
- fermented foods, such as:
- kimchi
- kombucha
- sauerkraut
- miso
- pickles
- apple cider vinegar
Learn more about probiotic foods.
Alternatively, a person can purchase probiotic supplements over the counter at most large food shops and drugstores.
It is important to note that supplements are not medications and that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate them. This lack of regulation means that quality can vary significantly among brands or even among batches of products.
Before purchasing any supplement, a person should check the label to find out what is in the product. They may also wish to research the company’s reputation and check its reviews.
A person who is interested in probiotics should talk with a healthcare professional. Healthcare professionals can often recommend reputable supplement brands. However, a probiotic supplement cannot replace medication. People should continue to take any current medications according to their prescriptions.
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- Andrographis paniculata extract
- aloe vera gel
- wheatgrass juice
- Plantago ovata seeds
- Boswellia serrata gum resin
The authors suggest that specific compounds in these herbal substances support immune system activity and provide antioxidants that can reduce inflammation.
However, the authors do not recommend any of these substances as a stand-alone treatment. They suggest that people with UC use these products only as supplementary treatments alongside traditional treatments.
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There is no research supporting a specific diet plan for UC. However, some dietary changes may help reduce UC symptoms and flare-ups. These changes include:
- drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration, particularly during a bout of diarrhea
- drinking electrolyte beverages, which can help a person maintain an electrolyte balance if diarrhea leads to dehydration
- taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to avoid calcium deficiency and bone loss, as many people with UC do not absorb enough of these nutrients
- eating several small meals each day rather than three large ones
- eating well and avoiding restrictive diets — even fast food is preferable to no food at all for people with UC, particularly those experiencing malnutrition
- eating a low fiber diet
- reducing consumption of greasy, buttery foods
- avoiding milk products, as many people with UC have lactose intolerance
Some people may find it helpful to record their food intake and symptoms in a food journal. Doing so can help a person work out which foods trigger flare-ups and then eliminate those foods from their diet.
Learn moreLearn more about diet and UC:
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation encourages people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to take part in low impact or moderate exercise. Examples include:
- brisk walking
- swimming
- yoga
- rowing
- using an elliptical machine
- bicycling
Exercise can help manage mental health issues associated with IBD, such as anxiety and depression.
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However, the authors of the 2024 study suggest that before instructing a person with IBD to engage in physical activity, healthcare professionals should consider factors such as:
- disease activity
- fatigue levels
- the person’s quality of life
It may be best to let the body rest during flare-ups. A person can limit exercise during these times and resume activity once the flare-up has subsided.
Tips for exercising with UC include:
- talking with a healthcare professional about which exercises are best
- drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
- trying different types of exercise to figure out which ones are most enjoyable
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If possible, a person with UC can try to manage their stress levels. To do so, a person can try the following strategies:
- Exercise: Being active can help ease the emotional effects of stress.
- Connect with others: A person can try talking with loved ones and spending time with them to ease stress.
- Make room for enjoyable activities: These activities can vary from person to person. People may enjoy spending some time alone to recharge, socializing with others, or engaging in hobbies.
- Avoid unhealthy habits: Smoking and drinking alcohol may result in temporary relief, but they are not long-term solutions to stress.
Learn more about UC and mental health.
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The researchers found that mindfulness interventions led to:
- a decrease in stress levels
- a decrease in stress response among people with inactive UC
- a significant decrease in the incidence of flare-ups over 12 months
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Additionally, in a 2022 study, a combination of mindfulness meditation and empowerment education helped improve negative emotions and quality of life in people with IBD.
Learn moreLearn more about mindfulness and meditation:
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves inserting very thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body.
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The authors found that acupuncture combined with mesalazine showed improvements in the following areas:
- clinical symptoms
- colonoscopy results
- stool examination results
How do I heal my gut if I have ulcerative colitis?
There is no cure for UC, but there are various treatment options, such as medications and surgery. A person can also try making dietary and lifestyle changes to ease symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Natural remedies, such as probiotics and herbal products, may also help.
How do you calm inflammation of colitis?
To ease inflammation relating to colitis, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. A person can also try adding certain foods to their diet, such as soft fruits, and avoiding foods that are high in fiber and added fats.
How do you self-manage ulcerative colitis?
A person can try to manage UC by making certain dietary and lifestyle changes. Natural remedies, such as probiotics, may also help.
However, those who want to try natural remedies should consult their doctor first and should use natural approaches alongside standard treatment options, not as a substitute for them.
What is the permanent solution for ulcerative colitis?
Many people with UC can manage their condition with medications. However, medical therapy is not completely successful for some people. In these cases, a healthcare professional may consider surgery to remove the colon.
A person may be able to relieve their UC symptoms by using some natural remedies alongside conventional treatments. Making dietary changes, taking probiotics, and exercising regularly can often help.
However, a person should always take medication according to their doctor’s instructions. If a person experiences any unwanted side effects from medications, they should talk with their doctor about their symptoms.