Medical Concerns You Should Have About Ulcerative Colitis

Liver Problems

Ulcerative colitis may increase the risk of gallstones, pancreatitis, fatty liver disease, and primary sclerosing cholangitis, which causes scarring and inflammation of the bile ducts both inside and outside of the liver. Research shows that as many as seventy-five percent of individuals with primary sclerosing cholangitis also suffer from some form of irritable bowel disease. The only known cure for sclerosing cholangitis is a liver transplant. Liver function can be protected by eating an anti-inflammatory diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in junk food, refined sugar, gluten, and fatty meats.

Colon Cancer

Unlike irritable bowel syndrome, people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have a higher risk of developing colon cancer. The longer a patient has the disease, the higher the risk of developing cancer. A study conducted a few years ago stated there is a two percent increased risk after ten years, eight percent after twenty years, and eighteen percent after thirty years. Eating a diet high in antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, and anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric, may be able to lower the risk of developing colon cancer.