Chronic inflammation of the large intestine, or  ulcerative colitis , is a devastating and exhausting disease that can wreak havoc on every aspect of one’s life. From physical health to mental well-being, ulcerative colitis can take a toll on overall health if left untreated. Here are simple ways to manage ulcerative colitis. By following them under a doctor’s supervision, you can take back control of life and manage the condition better.

What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. UC acts on the innermost walls of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It is a chronic condition that can last for months or even years.

Types of ulcerative colitis

• Ulcerative proctitis is the most common type and accounts for about two-thirds of all UC cases. People with this type have frequent episodes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Ulcers may form in the rectum or anus.
• Proctosigmoiditis is less common than ulcerative proctitis but affects more people overall because it causes more severe symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea that may lead to dehydration and malnutrition.
• Extensive colitis/pancolitis occurs when inflammation spreads beyond the rectum or anus to other parts of the gastrointestinal tract (large intestine and small intestine).
• Left-sided colitis is uncommon, but it happens when Crohn’s disease or another autoimmune disorder attacks one side of the colon.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis
Following are certain signs of the condition that need to be addressed as soon as it is experienced. 

• Persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t subside with rest or antibiotics
• Diarrhea that lasts more than three days
• Blood in your stool
• Fever
• Fatigue

Tips for managing ulcerative colitis

Get screened regularly
One of the most important steps you can take is to get screened regularly. To help manage UC effectively and prevent these complications, it’s essential to work with a team of specialists who can develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. By working with a team of specialists who can assess your symptoms and diagnose the condition early on, you’ll be able to get started on the best possible treatment plan as soon as possible.

Maintain healthy BMI levels
Maintaining a healthy body is the main way to prevent or treat ulcerative colitis. It can help reduce your risk of developing the disease, improve your symptoms, and increase your chances of remission.

Manage stress
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, relapsing condition that can be tough to deal with. It’s not always easy to know when a flare-up is happening, and it can be challenging to manage your stress levels. However, by staying positive and maintaining hope throughout the rough times, you’ll be able to manage stress and learn to recognize the signs of a flare-up. If you’re feeling particularly down about your situation, there are some things you can do to help yourself feel better.
For example, try focusing on activities that make you happy or spending time with loved ones who support you. And remember: even if ulcerative colitis doesn’t seem like it’s going well at the moment, it will eventually get better – so don’t give up on yourself.

Follow an exercise routine
If you’re looking for a tip to help manage your ulcerative colitis, here’s one that’s often overlooked: exercise. It may not seem like the most obvious choice, but staying active can help improve your overall health.
So if you can find ways to relax and take care of yourself, you’ll be in a better position to manage your ulcerative colitis. Exercise is an imposing way to do that. Not only does it release endorphins that can boost your mood, but it also helps increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.  

Avoid trigger foods
If you have ulcerative colitis, you know that managing the condition can be a challenge. One crucial aspect of managing UC is avoiding trigger foods. Trigger foods differ for everyone, but common triggers include spicy food, dairy, and caffeine.
Finding out what your trigger foods are can be a process of trial and error. If you notice a pattern of feeling worse after eating certain foods, try eliminating them from your meal plan to see if they make a difference.
It can be challenging to give up favorite foods, but remember that avoiding trigger foods is essential to managing UC. Talk to your doctor if you need help identifying them or making dietary changes.

Get enough rest
If you’re dealing with ulcerative colitis, you know that fatigue can worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it’s so crucial to get adequate sleep each night. Make sure to go to bed at a reasonable time and give yourself enough time to rest. Getting plenty of rest will help you feel better and manage your symptoms more effectively.

Eat a healthy meal plan
Of course, knowing what to eat can be tricky. So it’s essential to experiment and figure out what works for you. There are also some general guidelines that can be helpful.
For example, aim for a meal plan that’s high in fiber and low in fat. Eating right isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it when managing your ulcerative colitis. Following a healthy meal routine can help reduce your symptoms.

Stay hydrated
One simple tip can help reduce symptoms and keep your intestine lubricated: drink plenty of fluids. Sipping on fluids throughout the day can help achieve this, and staying hydrated during periods of high activity is imperative. This means drinking water regularly, not just when you feel thirsty. So make sure to drink enough fluids every day– it could be the key to managing UC effectively.

Opt for the right supplements
The most common supplements recommended for people with ulcerative colitis include probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Taking these supplements as prescribed by your doctor will improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing further complications.

Join a support group
It provides a safe space to convey your experiences to others who acknowledge what you’re going through. It’s an opportunity to learn from others about how they manage their condition and get tips and advice. It can also be comforting to know that you’re not alone in this journey.
There are many different types of support groups available, so there’s sure to be one that’s right for you. For example, you can find online groups or in person, and some may even be specific to ulcerative colitis.