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Managing digestive health can be challenging, especially when symptoms are unpredictable and disrupt daily life and activities. Finding the right balance of nutrition, lifestyle support, and targeted solutions is key to feeling your best. Alongside medical guidance, turning to colitis supporting supplements that help support gut function, calm inflammation, and promote overall digestive resilience may be beneficial.

Let's delve into the world of colitis and explore effective conventional and natural solutions to support your body so you can feel more in control of your health. 

What is Colitis?

Colitis, by definition, is an inflammation of the colon. The most common form is ulcerative colitis, when small ulcers develop on the mucous membrane lining of the intestine. When this occurs, the colon becomes unable to properly absorb nutrients and water, its two main functions. The ulcers can also bleed and produce excess mucous, resulting in nutrient loss. There are a few different types of colitis, and they are categorized based on the cause of the inflammation. Colitis is one of the two main diseases covered under the term "Inflammatory Bowel Disease" (IBD).

What Causes Colitis?

The underlying cause of colitis is not yet fully understood, although current theories attribute it to either infectious or autoimmune reactions, depending on the type of colitis. One type, known as pseudomembranous colitis, is caused by an overgrowth of C. difficile in the colon. Ulcerative colitis is generally thought to be an autoimmune condition, which is when the body attacks its own cells. Other proposed causes include: low dietary fibre, high dietary sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, food allergies, stress, unresolved emotional conflicts and antibiotic use.

How To Spot The Signs and Symptoms of Colitis?

The most common colitis symptoms are: cramping abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood and/or mucus passed with the stool. In some cases, fever, fatigue, and alternating constipation and diarrhea also occur. Individuals suffering from colitis will have varying periods of remission and periods of aggravation of symptoms, known as "flares". Diagnosis of colitis must rule out other causes of cramping and diarrhea, including acute infections, crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The gold standard for diagnosis of colitis requires a colonoscopy with biopsy of the ulcers.

Complications

During a flare, the body can become malnourished due to nausea and low appetite, as well as anemia from blood loss. Over time, chronic colitis increases the risk of developing colon cancer because of the increased cellular turnover caused by inflammation.

Conventional Colitis Treatment Options

Conventional treatment of colitis involves the use of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant medications. Although these medications may decrease the symptoms, they do not address the root cause of the problem. They may also contribute to nutrient deficiencies. Signs of nutrient deficiencies can include: clouded thinking, dizziness, hair loss, brittle hair and nails, flaking skin, and fatigue. Some medications have side effects associated with suppression of the immune system, such as increased risk of bacterial and viral infections.

Natural Colitis Remedies: Diet, Supplements & Lifestyle Tips

Following a colitis–friendly diet is often the only way to completely resolve the symptoms of colitis. This often involves eating a hypoallergenic diet to eliminate common allergenic foods.

Results are usually seen within six months, but some patients must remain on the diet for several years before being able to tolerate the restricted foods. The most common food triggers are milk products, wheat, corn, yeast, alcohol, caffeine, night shades (tomato, potato, and peppers) and salicylates (found in aspirin and the mint family). Foods containing these substances should be avoided. In addition, the Colitis Diet makes these recommendations:

Foods to avoid: beans, peas, French fries, bacon, sardines, corn, nuts, seeds, citrus fruits, red meat, sugar, spicy food, carbonated beverages, carrageenan (a stabilizing agent used in cottage cheese, chocolate milk and whipped cream) and refined carbohydrates.

Avoid non-water-soluble fibre like wheat bran, seeds, and raw vegetables. Avoid any other foods that you think may be causing you sensitivity reactions.

By following a diet that is low in inflammation, you can reduce symptoms of colitis. The optimal diet to follow is one that is mostly vegetarian; red meat is incredibly inflammatory in the body. If you can’t eliminate red meat, at least reduce your intake for the associated benefits. Consume a large amount of fruits and vegetables, rice, potatoes, gluten-free grains, filtered water, carrot juice and other vegetable juices, green drinks, kefir, sauerkraut, butter, flaxseed oil and kefir. If you are going to eat meat, consider baking or broiling it instead of frying, and be sure to lightly steam or eat your vegetables raw. Fruit will be optimal if taken with a meal and not on an empty stomach. Some water-soluble fibres include oat bran, chicory root and apple pectin.

Mind- Connection

Many colitis sufferers will mention stress, worry, and a mental-emotional connection to their symptoms. Tackling the emotional aspects of colitis should also be a priority. Reducing stress and increasing exercise promotes proper bowel functioning. Abdominal massage and hydrotherapy can be helpful in the healing stages of colitis.

Key Colitis Supporting Supplements

There exists a wide variety of supplements that can benefit colitis patients. It is very important to time them appropriately. Supplements that are beneficial during remission can be problematic during a flare. In general, treatments targeted at reducing leaky gut syndrome /articles/health-concerns/leaky-gut/, can also significantly help to reduce colitis flares. See below for a step-by-step guide at repairing the gut lining. Be sure to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure you are using the right supplements for your specific case.

Colitis Supplements To Reduce Inflammation

There are a number of supplements that can reduce gut inflammation, but some of the best are:

1. Fish Oil: This oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve mood, thin the blood, and reduce blood pressure.
2. Boswellia: This herb is renowned for its ability to reduce systemic inflammation in the body. Although it has been most thoroughly researched for the treatment of arthritis, its use can be expanded to other inflammatory conditions.
3. Curcumin: Another herb that has been established for its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin (tumeric) can be added to your cooking or supplemented directly as a great way to reduce any inflammation in your gut.

Colitis Supplements To Heal The Gut

There are a number of supplements that can help to reduce inflammation and speed the healing of the gut lining.

1. L-Glutamine: This amino acid can be considered the single most important supplement for restoring the integrity of the gut lining. It is a major food source for the enterocytes, and providing food allows them to replicate and heal regions of damage.
2. DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice): Licorice is a soothing and healing herb that can soothe the intestinal lining directly and also acts to regulate the immune system and help calm any ongoing inflammation.
3. Demulcents: This class of herbs coat and protect the intestinal lining from any further damage. By protecting the lining, they give the enterocytes time to heal. Some examples are marshmallow and slippery elm.

Colitis Prevention Tips

Once the gut has been repaired, it is important to help it maintain its integrity after this intensive healing regimen. One important means of doing this is by supplementing with a probiotic. Probiotics help the body to properly digest food and protect against colonization with "bad" bacteria and yeast. They can also help reduce the immune response to gut contents, thus helping to keep the immune system in check.

In addition to preventative supplementation, diet and lifestyle changes are essential to maintaining periods of remission for as long as possible. Reducing or better coping with stress, eating well, and exercising are all essential to maintaining health in those with colitis.

This often mysterious illness can at times become debilitating due to the vertigo and nausea that it produces in those afflicted with it. While conventional treatments focus primarily on symptomatic relief, many nutritional supplements and herbs can help to get to the root of the problem. Discover supplements that provide Meniere's Disease support so you can feel your best.

What is Meniere's Disease?

Meniere’s disease is an inner ear condition that is characterized by episodes of hearing loss, dizziness and ringing in the ears. Nausea, vomiting and a feeling of pressure within the ear may also occur. The exact cause is unknown. Researchers postulate that Meniere’s disease may be due to increased fluid volume in the inner ear or dental and jaw problems. Attacks can be triggered by stress, decreased circulation to the ear, toxin accumulation or food sensitivities.

Meniere's Disease Support Options

Conventional Support

Conventional treatment of Meniere’s involves a variety of medications. Promethazine is used to treat nausea and vertigo. Diuretics may be used to decrease fluid accumulation. Valium is often used to lessen anxiety and sedate the balance system. Prescriptions for antihistamines, steroids or calcium channel blockers may also be used. Surgical procedures are reserved for severe cases. Some techniques destroy the balance centre while others physically drain the ear’s fluid.

Meniere's Supplement Support

Nutritional support for Meniere’s can include several nutritional supplements:

Manganese - Clinical studies have shown that a deficiency of this vital trace mineral contributes to the onset of Meniere’s disease. Since it is often difficult to get from the diet, supplementation is usually the only practical route for ingesting a significant enough dosage for a therapeutic effect.

Ginkgo - This herb helps to improve circulation through small blood vessels. Poor circulation to the ear and head contributes to the often debilitating symptoms of Meniere’s.

CoQ10 helps to improve circulation and oxygen utilization.

B complex - These vitamins are crucial for your body to cope with stress effectively. Stress can play a role in the onset of a Meniere’s attack.

Ginger - This herb’s nausea-fighting effects are widely known. Use it at the onset of an attack to settle the stomach.

St. John’s wort - The frustration of dealing with a potentially debilitating illness like Meniere’s can often lead to subsequent depression. St. John’s wort has been clinically proven to reduce anxiety and elevate mood.

Lecithin or PhosphatidylSerine both help to optimize neurotransmitter production and brain & nerve health.

Lifestyle Support Options

Stress reduction is an important part of preventing Meniere’s attacks. To decrease symptoms during an attack, lie with the unaffected ear against the floor and look in the direction of the affected ear. To decrease vertigo, restrict your head movement and look at a stationary object a comfortable distance away from you. Increase circulation to the affected ear by massaging the head and ears.

Following a hypoglycemic diet helps some individuals because it keeps insulin levels in check. High insulin levels impair circulation. Dietary changes should also support the cardiovascular system so that vessels remain healthy. Avoid the following things; saturated fats, fried foods, salt, monosodium glutamate, alcohol, sugar and caffeine. Avoid any foods that you are sensitive to. Eat foods that are high in B vitamins because they help with stress. For example, eat whole grains, green vegetables, white beans and nutritional yeast. Vitamin C and bioflavinoids are antioxidants which protect the vessels. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, especially green, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, kiwis, currants, and dark coloured berries.

Supporting brain and nerve health is essential for maintaining mobility, cognitive function, energy, and overall quality of life. When the nervous system is under stress, it can affect many aspects of daily functioning and long-term wellness. Alongside medical care, many individuals are exploring natural approaches and targeted nutrients to promote balance and resilience within the nervous system. As awareness grows, neurological support has become an important focus in holistic health, with strategies aimed at supporting brain function, nerve communication, and overall well-being. 

How Does The Nervous System Work?

The central nervous system contains the brain and spinal cord. It receives and obtains information via nerve impulses from all areas of the body. The somatic nervous system receives information about pain, temperature and input from the five senses. It sends the information to the brain and, if necessary, the brain responds by sending a signal to muscles via peripheral nerves.

The body then performs an appropriate action. Most of these actions, except for reflexes, are under our control. The autonomic nervous system is beyond our conscious control. It is involved in regulating internal organs and maintaining a stable inner environment.

The primary component of brain tissue is fat. Picture your brain as a firm jelly, bathed in fluid and protected by a membranous coating. The coating provides a barrier that allows only certain substances access to the central nervous system. The nerves are like very thin wires that are sheathed in fat to insulate them. The nerves run through the spinal column, entering and exiting at different levels, depending on the area they innervate.

Types of Neurological Degeneration & How To Support The Brain

There are many degenerative conditions that affect the brain. Three of the more common conditions are described below:

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive loss of mental function that interferes with one’s ability to function. A decrease in cognitive ability is quite common as we age; however, Alzheimer’s disease involves actual degeneration of nerve cells in the brain.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis causes a breakdown of the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves of the brain and spinal cord. Without a sheath, the nerve cannot effectively conduct information around the body.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain disease that results in the death of cells responsible for the production of dopamine and acetylcholine. These chemicals transmit nerve signals, and when they are lacking, one loses involuntary muscle control.

Neurological Toxicity Support

The brain and nervous system resist many external threats. However, this protection can allow toxins and harmful substances to accumulate. Because it contains a significant amount of fat, fat-soluble toxins like heavy metals and environmental chemicals, like DDT, can concentrate in the brain.

The symptoms of brain toxicity vary depending on the area of the brain that is affected and the agent involved.

Poor diet hampers the functioning of the central nervous system because it is an extremely vital area that has high metabolic requirements. The brain uses only the sugar, glucose for energy. Unlike other body cells, it cannot use protein or fat if sugar is unavailable. Everyone has felt the foggy feeling in their head when their brain is lacking sugar. And then, after consuming a sugary snack or drink, you feel a temporary increase in alertness you feel.

Fluctuating blood sugar is not conducive to optimal brain functioning and can become a more serious medical concern in the conditions of hypoglycemia and diabetes.

Fats, amino acids and vitamins must also be in abundant supply for nervous system functioning. Fats form the brain and protective nerve sheaths. Many people do not consume enough of these fats. This deficiency may impair nerve signaling and brain cell communication. Dietary protien provides amino acids The body uses amino acids to produce neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are nervous system hormones that coordinate brain cell functions. Several vitamins, especially B vitamins, are important for the production of neurotransmitters and the efficiency of nerve transmissions.

Stress and emotional upset impact on brain functioning in several ways. Firstly, it depletes neurotransmitters. Stress also keeps the body in a sympathetic state; the body is on alert. The body heightens all senses during this state. At the same time, it reduces digestive efficiency and nutrient absorption. Finally, stress leads to a buildup of damaging agents called free radicals. Free radicals may contribute to nervous system degeneration.

The brain develops rapidly during fetal life and childhood. Neural pathways form and mature throughout these stages. As we age, declines in brain function are normal, but there are many preventative and natural therapies one can use to maximize brainpower and memory.

• As they say, “if you don’t use it, you will lose it.” Keeping mentally busy and learning new things has been found to sustain brain functioning.
• Regular exercise and deep breathing increase circulation to the brain.
• Make time in your schedule for enjoyable activities and sufficient rest.
• Undergo regular detoxification to rid the body of toxins.
• Drink 2L of filtered water daily to help to flush toxins from the system.
• Essential fatty acids stabilize the nerve sheath. Flax, pumpkin and sunflower seed oils should be a daily addition to the diet. Fish provide essential fatty acids. However, some fish may contain heavy metals and other contaminants.
• Animal fats, margarine, and shortening can interfere with essential fatty acid utilization. Limit or avoid these fats whenever possible.
• Consume foods that are high in lecithin and B vitamins, including green, leafy vegetables, nutritional yeast and soy products.
• Eat more fibre and protein, as it helps to stabilize blood sugar.