Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

Ulcerative Colitis is a disorder of the colon that is characterized by the inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine. It is a chronic condition that can last for decades. Approximately 20 million people world wide are affected by this disease. It usually strikes at adolescence and early adulthood; however it can also begin during childhood and later in life.

Ulcerative Colitis is considered as an autoimmune disease. The abnormal activation of the immune system causes inflammation within the tissues of the colon. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include inflammation of the rectum, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, rectal pain, tenesmus, abdominal cramps, weight loss, night sweats, low-grade fever, fatigue, and colon perforation. If left untreated, ulcerative colitis may lead to rheumatoid arthritis, low-back pain and colon cancer. The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis relies on a combination of family history, stool specimens, blood tests, liver function test, C-reactive protein test and colonoscopy.

Treatments for ulcerative colitis include medications and surgery. Medications help reduce inflammation, maintain periods of remission (resolution of inflammation), improve the quality of life and minimize the risk of colon cancer.

The sufferers of ulcerative colitis should also use a dietary supplement that helps support bowel health. Optibac Bowl Calm S. boulardii Probiotics is a popular brand on the market that contains pure Saccharomyces boulardii, a natural probiotic yeast that helps relieve the symptoms of diarrhoea, reduces discomfort and urgency, and restores regular bowel movements. This unique probiotic strain also supports the digestive health of people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, Candida overgrowth, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease or IBD is a painful condition that occurs due to inflammation of small or large intestine. It is neither a contagious disease nor is a form of cancer. There are two types of inflammatory bowel disease: 1) Crohn’s Disease 2) Ulcerative Colitis. Crohn’s Disease can start anywhere in the gut, while Ulcerative Colitis starts in rectum and spreads upward.

IBD is characterized by symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps, intestinal obstruction and rectal bleeding. Diagnosis is made on the basis of X-ray, family history, current medications and colonoscopy. The exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease is still unknown and a lot of research is being carried out in this regard.

Treatment options include medications to reduce inflammation and consumption of soft food items to eliminate intestinal swelling. However, severe cases of IBD often need a colon surgery.

It makes a good idea to regularly consume a dietary supplement that helps maintain the health of gastrointestinal tract. HealthAid Acidophilus Plus 4 Billion is a popular brand that is formulated using special strains of probiotics cultures. Fructo-Oligosaccharides help support the growth of bacterial strains in the intestinal tract. People suffering from yeast infections, indigestion or stomach discomfort should include Acidophilus Plus in their daily dietary routine.

Moreover, it also makes an excellent gift for people who regularly suffer from trapped wind or bloating problems and those with persistent bowel discomfort. Take one capsule daily to maintain the general health of the digestive tract or overcome momentary stomach disorders.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common bacterium that has many strains. Some strains are harmless and are naturally found in the intestinal tract of humans. However, certain strains of E. coli are pathogenic and they cause serious illnesses such as diarrhoea and other digestive tract infections. Moreover, they also infect the urinary tract and genitalia.

Harmful E. coli strains produce toxins that damage the lining of the intestines. A severe bacterial infection may lead to nausea, vomiting, low grade fever, abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. E. coli spreads from drinking sewage-contaminated water and consuming contaminated meat and vegetables. If hygiene is inadequate, it can also be spread from the stool of an infected individual to healthy people. Moreover, unpasteurised milk and juices also contain E. coli. Always boil the milk before drinking.

The presence of bacteria can be confirmed by stool testing. There is no specific treatment for E. coli infection and most sufferers recover on their own in 6-7 days.

There are certain supplements on the market that help maintain intestinal health. Health Plus Cantrol Pack 28 day 155g is a popular brand that makes the best and foremost programme for providing the correct balance of healthy bacteria and to maintain the health of intestine. It provides outstanding levels of antioxidants, probiotics, garlic and Caprylic Acid to reduce the instance of digestive infection. You should use 1 sachet with main meal. Make sure that you avoid the consumption of diets high in sugar. Moreover, you should follow a low-yeast diet.