What is ulcerative colitis and how does it relate to anemia? Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic inflammation and ulceration of the colon and rectum. It affects the innermost lining of the large intestine and causes symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. UC can lead to […]
Ulcerative Colitis
5-ASA, Mesalamine and Asacol
Chances are, if you or someone you care about is suffering from Ulcerative Colitis, you have come across or have been prescribed some dosage of Asacol. Asacol is a brand name version of Mesalamine, a commonly and successfully prescribed medication used to treat and maintain Ulcerative Colitis. It is an anti-inflamatory drug that helps reduce […]
Kefir – What is it and what’s all the fuss about?
Kefir (kuh-feer’) is a drink cultured from milk using kefir “grains.” It is originally from the Caucasus Mountains in Southern Russia and Georgia between the Caspian and Black Seas. The culture was traditionally kept in skins hanging by the door where family members would turn them as they entered and left. While it has been […]
Caveat Emptor – Especially with UC and Crohns
So, you have just been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) or Crohn’s Disease, or maybe your doctor just said you have Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). The doc sent you on your way with a prescription for an anti-inflamatory, a cortico-steroid and a few pamphlets on your particular affliction. He may have told you you can […]
Lost in the Woods With a Torn Map and a Broken Compass
It can be very discouraging to not have all of the tools you need to find your way out of the forest only to discover there is something missing that prevents you from using them to actually find your way out of the forest. You wind up walking around in circles and are never really […]
Ulcerative Colitis: The Treatment Problem
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is one of a subset of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) conditions that also includes Crohn’s Disease (CD). While Ulcerative Colitis is confined to the large intestine (colon), Crohn’s Disease can affect both the colon and the small intestine. When the bowels become inflamed, for whatever reason, they are not able to properly […]