Wondering which ulcerative colitis vitamins and herbs to take? Well, here is list of vitamins and herbs that research shows to be beneficial in patients with ulcerative colitis.*
Vitamin B12 and Folate
Most people with ulcerative colitis develop deficiency of vitamin B12 and folate. Therefore, they should take a supplement that contains B12 and folate. ZARY is one such supplement. It contains methyl B12 and methyl folate which are active forms of these vitamins. What does it mean? Active forms are ready to be utilized by the body. Additionally, it comes as a chewable tablet.
Vitamin D3 with K2
Vitamin D3 is important for the health of our immune system. As you already know, ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disorder. In other words, your immune system goes haywire. Then, it starts to attack your own intestinal lining as if it does not belong to you. For this reason, you have a lot of inflammation in your intestines.
Scientific studies have shown that Vitamin D3 may be able to calm down your revved-up immune system. In this way, it may help to relieve excessive inflammation.* In one such study, researchers gave Vitamin D3 as 7.5 mg (300, 000 IU) to patients with ulcerative colitis. At three months, researchers saw a marked reduction in the markers for inflammation in those patients who had received Vitamin D.1
Vitamin K2 should be taken along with D3 as these two vitamins reinforce each other’s action.
Calcium
Most patients with ulcerative colitis avoid milk and other dairy products. Consequently, they are at risk for calcium deficiency. Therefore, they should take a calcium supplement. For this purpose, calcium phosphate powder is an excellent choice.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Ulcerative Colitis
Herbs – in addition to diet – is the main stay of ulcerative colitis treatment in India. Recent research testifies to the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment of ulcerative colitis. In one such study, forty three patients with ulcerative colitis were treated with Ayurvedic herbs for one month. The results were amazing! There was a marked improvement in the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. In addition, patients were able to cut their dose of steroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs by more than 75%.2
1. Kutaj
The most popular Ayurvedic herb for treating ulcerative colitis is kutaj. As its botanical name (Holarrhena antidysenterica) implies, it helps to treat dysentery.* In addition to controlling loose stools, it also heals ulcers, stops bleeding and minimizes inflammation.*
2. Arjuna
Another Ayurvedic herb is Arjuna that is extensively used in treating ulcerative colitis. It helps to heal the ulcers in the intestinal lining as well as treat inflammation.*
3. Pitta Colon
According to Ayurveda, ulcerative colitis is a manifestation of too much fire – pitta – in your intestines. For this reason, Pitta Colon is a good herbal combination. It helps to pacify aggravated pitta.
4. Other herbs
Some of the other Ayurvedic herbs that help ulcerative colitis include Bilva, Musta, Nagakesara, Lodhra, and Mukta panchamrut rasa.* In addition, fennel , coriander, and cardamom are useful in soothing the inflamed intestines.
Planet Ayurveda is very useful resource for “Ayurvedic treatment of ulcerative colitis”
In Conclusion
Vitamins and herbs play a significant role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. In general, these vitamins and herbs are safe.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product in not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31274211/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22048543/
Ulcerative Colitis Diet That Can Heal – What to Eat and Avoid
