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Ulcerative Colitis

Also indexed as:UC
Keeping an eye on your diet is essential to caring for colon inflammation. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
  • Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
  • For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

SupplementAmountWhy
Aloe
100 ml of an Aloe vera herbal extract twice a day2 stars[2 stars]
Drinking aloe juice may improve your symptoms and your chances for remission.
Boswellia
550 mg of gum resin three times a day2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with boswelia may help reduce severity and encourage remission.
Butyrate
Consult a qualified doctor2 stars[2 stars]
Butyrate, administered by enema, has been shown to improve ulcerative colitis symptoms in most studies.
DHEA
Take under medical supervision: 200 mg daily2 stars[2 stars]
In one trial, 6 of 13 people with ulcerative colitis went into remission after taking supplementing with DHEA.
Fish Oil
5.4 grams daily of omega-3 fatty acids2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with fish oil may help reduce inflammation and prevent relapses.
Folic Acid
Consult a qualified doctor2 stars[2 stars]
People with ulcerative colitis may be at a higher risk of colon cancer, supplementing with folic acid may reduce the risk.
Probiotics
10 to 600 billion colony-forming units per day of probiotic bacteria, or 250 mg of Saccharomyces boulardii three times daily2 stars[2 stars]
Supplementing with probiotics has been shown to help people with ulcerative colitis.
Psyllium
Refer to label instructions 2 stars[2 stars]
Taking psyllium may help people with ulcerative colitis maintain remission.
Wheat Grass Juice
20 ml per day initially; increased by 20 ml per day to a maximum of 100 ml per day2 stars[2 stars]
In one trial, supplementing with wheat grass juice improved symptoms in 78% of people with ulcerative colitis.
Calendula
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Calendula is an anti-inflammatory and soothing herb that may be effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Chamomile
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Practitioners of herbal medicine often recommend chamomile to people with colitis.
Flaxseed
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Linseed is an anti-inflammatory and soothing herb that may be effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Liquorice
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
liquorice is an anti-inflammatory and soothing herb that may be effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Marshmallow
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Marshmallow is an anti-inflammatory and soothing herb that may be effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Molmol
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Myrrh is an anti-inflammatory and soothing herb that may be effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
St. John’s Wort
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
St. John’s wort, administered as an enema, may be beneficial for people with ulcerative colitis.
Turmeric (Curcumin)
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Curcumin, a compound in turmeric, is anti-inflammatory and may improve symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
Yarrow
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Yarrow is an anti-inflammatory and soothing herb that may be effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.