Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is now a significant global health concern, affecting over 0.3% of the world’s population. Among its types, Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is rapidly emerging as a major health challenge. While the prevalence of IBD in India may be lower compared to Western countries, the sheer size of India’s population means that millions are now struggling with Ulcerative Colitis symptoms and its impact on daily life. Many patients face a critical crossroads in their healthcare journey when conventional treatments start losing their effectiveness.¹

For those battling ulcerative colitis, the decision about surgery might be the last step. However, did you know that functional treatment can be a better alternative for this? How? This comprehensive guide will explore the complex decision-making process surrounding ulcerative colitis and how functional nutrition can be a great choice. 

Statistics of Ulcerative Colitis

Global

Recent studies analyzing global health data have shown a sharp increase in IBD cases over the past three decades. Between 1990 and 2019, the number of people living with IBD jumped from 3.3 million to 4.9 million. China now has the highest number of cases, followed by the United States. While some countries have seen a plateau in cases, newly industrialized nations, including India are experiencing a rise in Ulcerative Colitis cases. ¹

India

The latest data estimates that there are 2.7 lakh IBD patients in India, up from 1.3 lakh in 1990. However, clinical observations suggest that the real number may be much higher. Some earlier studies estimated that 1.4 million people in India were affected by IBD in 2010, placing India second only to the United States in terms of disease burden.¹

What is Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?

Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the colon and rectum. This condition causes inflammation and painful ulcers in your large intestine, leading to discomfort and digestive issues. Unlike sudden illnesses, Ulcerative Colitis develops gradually, often making it difficult to pinpoint when the symptoms started.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

• Persistent diarrhoea (sometimes with blood or mucus)
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Fatigue and weakness
• Unintended weight loss
• Urgency to use the bathroom
• Fever and loss of appetite

Types of Ulcerative Colitis

1. Ulcerative Proctitis

In this type, inflammation is limited to the rectum (the last part of your digestive tract). If you experience rectal bleeding, urgency, or difficulty passing stool, this could be your diagnosis. 

• Less severe than other forms of UC but still disruptive
• Rectal pain, discomfort, and occasional bleeding
• Can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes

2. Left-Sided Colitis

Here, inflammation spreads from the rectum up through the sigmoid and descending colon. You may experience:

• Bloody diarrhoea
• Belly cramps and pain on the left side
• A constant urge to pass stool (tenesmus)

3. Widespread Colitis (Pancolitis)

This is the most severe type of UC, affecting the entire colon. It often leads to:

• Frequent bloody diarrhoea (sometimes severe)
• Severe abdominal cramps
• Unintentional weight loss & extreme fatigue

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

1. Immune System Issues

One major theory is that an abnormal immune response plays a big role in Ulcerative Colitis. Normally, your immune system protects you from harmful bacteria and viruses. But in people with Ulcerative Colitis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy cells in the digestive tract, leading to chronic inflammation.

2. Genetic Factors

If you have a family member with Ulcerative Colitis, your risk is higher. Scientists have found specific genetic markers linked to the condition. While genetics alone may not cause Ulcerative Colitis, it does make some people more susceptible.¹

3. Environmental Triggers

Certain environmental factors, such as infections, pollutants, and even lifestyle choices, may contribute to Ulcerative Colitis. While diet and stress do not cause the disease, they can definitely make symptoms worse.

What Complications Can Arise?

• Severe bleeding
• Perforated colon (a hole in the colon)
• Toxic megacolon (dangerous swelling of the colon)
• Anaemia (low red blood cells)
• Osteoporosis (bone loss)
• Colon cancer risk increases
• Inflammation of the skin, joints, and eyes
• Blood clots in veins and arteries
• Delayed growth in children

Conventional Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis

When diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, the first thing most doctors do is prescribe medications. But do they really solve the problem? Or do they just suppress symptoms while creating new issues? Let’s take a closer look at the conventional treatment for Ulcerative Colitis and their drawbacks.

1. Aminosalicylates: Temporary Relief, Long-Term Dependence

These are commonly given for mild to moderate Ulcerative Colitis symptoms. While they may reduce inflammation, they don’t stop the disease from progressing. Many people find themselves taking higher doses over time, leading to dependency without addressing the root cause of Ulcerative Colitis.

2. Corticosteroids: A Short-Term Fix with Heavy Side Effects

For moderate to severe Ulcerative Colitis flare-ups, corticosteroids like prednisone are often used. While they may provide quick relief, they come with serious side effects like weight gain, weakened bones, high blood sugar, and even dependency. Many patients end up feeling worse in the long run.

3. Immunosuppressants: Lowering Immunity, Increasing Risks

These drugs aim to calm down the overactive immune system, but they also leave your body defenceless against infections. If your immune system is already struggling, why weaken it further? Many people experience fatigue, nausea, and a higher risk of infections while on these drugs.

4. Biologics: Expensive, Risky, and Not Always Effective

Biologics target specific immune pathways to reduce inflammation. But they don’t come without risks- serious infections, allergic reactions, and even increased chances of certain cancers have been reported. Plus, they’re incredibly expensive, making them an unsustainable long-term option for many patients.

5. Ulcerative Colitis Surgery: A Last Resort with Risks

When medications fail, doctors often suggest Ulcerative Colitis surgery as the next step. But surgery is not a cure, it comes with risks, complications, and a long recovery period. While some people do experience symptom relief, others struggle with post-surgical complications, digestive issues, and even the need for additional surgeries.

Functional Medicine: The Best Approach for Ulcerative Colitis Management

Unlike conventional medicine, which focuses on suppressing symptoms, Functional Medicine takes a root-cause approach to Ulcerative Colitis treatment. Instead of just calming inflammation, it identifies WHY the inflammation is happening in the first place and works on reversing it naturally.

1. A Holistic Perspective: Healing, Not Just Managing

Functional Medicine looks at the entire body, not just the gut. It considers factors like nutrition, gut health, stress, toxins, and lifestyle to create a customized healing plan. Instead of relying on medications with side effects, it focuses on real solutions that bring long-term relief.

2. Gut Health Optimization: Fixing the Root Cause

Your gut microbiome plays a huge role in Ulcerative Colitis management. Instead of damaging the gut further with medications, Functional Medicine aims to restore balance naturally:

• Probiotics & Prebiotics: Replenish good bacteria and heal the gut lining
• Elimination Diets: Identify and remove trigger foods causing inflammation
• Nutrient-Dense Foods: Strengthen digestion and reduce flare-ups

Conclusion

Living with Ulcerative Colitis can be overwhelming, but the right approach can change everything. We’ve explored different Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Options, including diet, medication, and lifestyle changes. 

If you’re looking for a way to avoid surgery and manage your symptoms naturally, Functional Nutrition could be your best bet. Instead of just treating symptoms, it focuses on finding and fixing the root cause of your condition. With a personalized plan, you can improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and support gut healing without immediately jumping to Ulcerative Colitis surgery alternatives that may not be right for you.