Ulcerative Colitis is a fairly common condition, with an estimated 1 in every 600 people suffering from ulcerative colitis in the Western world. In the UK alone there are thought to be around 100,000 known cases of the disease.

The incidence is far lower in ‘less-developed’ nations, which may indicate that our refined diet may play a large role in the incidence of ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative Colitis is a digestive disorder and a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that’s common to the large intestines or colon.

Ulcerative Colitis is similar to Crohn’s Disease but sometimes confused with Irritable Bowel Syndome (IBS), which is a less problematic and less serious digestive disorder.

Symptoms Of Ulcerative Colitis

Diarrhea with traces of blood can be the first sign of the disease. If left untreated the amount of blood may gradually increase. Ulcerative colitis could also be present if there is an abnormal increase in the frequency of bowel movements, along with abdominal pain.

The condition can cause the colon to become extremely painful and inflamed and in some cases tiny ulcers can form on the colon lining. These tiny ulcers can become aggravated and bleed,  causing mucus, pus and a great deal of discomfort.

For Some, ulcerative colitis is just a minor inconvenience. For others it can have a serious impact on the quality of their life.

Causes Of Ulcerative Colitis

The exact cause of the disease is unkown but thought to involve a few key factors:

• Genetically inherited – it could be a gene that is passed on by parents or grandparents.
• Environment – built up, over crowded areas seem to have a percentage of UC suffers than other areas
• Immune System – our immune system fails to recognise its own cells, and causes inflammation in the colon.
• Dietary Factors – diets high in sugar, salt and saturated fats seem to increase the risk of UC

Who Is Most At Risk

There are many possible factors involved and identifying a high risk group is an impossible task – although recent research has shown people of European descent are more likely to suffer from Ulcerative Colitis than any other group.

Treatment For Ulcerative Colitis

Unfortunately there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, although there are a number  of treatments that help ease the symptoms; and in many cases can control the advance of ulcerative colitis, depending on the severity of the condition.

If you suspect you may be suffering from UC, you should visit your GP as soon as possible, to get an accurate diagnosis. Although there is no absolute cure, they can make a diagnosis, or refer you to a specialist, so treatment can be prescribed.

Most treatments are in the exploratory stage and should be taken under supervision from a professional medical practitioner.

Alternative Treatment Using Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can aid, soothe and treat many skin conditions and disorders. The intestines are part of the largest human organ – the skin. This explains why aloe vera is so effective both for external skin conditions and ‘internal skin conditions’ - digestive conditions, IBS and so on.

Recently clinical trials have taken place to assess the response of using Aloe Vera to treat Ulcerative Colitis. The initial results were extremely positive – although it must be stressed that this is not a cure but more a step to soothe, reduce pain and improve the quality of life.

Aloeride is phamaceuatically produced but natural Aloe Vera tablet containing 100% pure aloe vera.

Visit Aloeride Website

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]]> http://www.purealoevera.co.uk/ulcerative-colitis/ulcerative-colitis-and-aloe-vera.htm/feed 0 http://www.purealoevera.co.uk/aloe-vera-immune-system/can-aloe-vera-help-the-immune-system.htm http://www.purealoevera.co.uk/aloe-vera-immune-system/can-aloe-vera-help-the-immune-system.htm#comments Wed, 14 May 2008 15:53:59 +0000 Admin http://www.purealoevera.co.uk/?p=13 Aloe Vera And The Immune System

Aloe Vera and the benefits of Aloe Barbadensis Miller (pure Aloe Vera) works to improve the body’s immune system. The human immune system is incredibly complex, and when you think of the billions if not trillions of cells which go to make up our bodies, and how they work together to protect us via an organised communication and response system, it’s almost mind-boggling.

The Immune System

Essentially the immune system works through triggering a wide array of chemical processes. The simple job is to discriminate between ’self’ and ‘non-self’ cells and organisms; ie. things that belong in body and things that don’t.

Examples of some the things which don’t belong are viruses & bacteria. When our immune system is working correctly, it reacts swiftly to the foreign particle in our bloodstream, usually by detecting certain proteins or chemicals on the cell wall of the potential threat.

There are times when our immune system won’t work quite as it’s supposed to; and when this happens, the immune system becomes less able to discriminate between ’self’ and ‘non-self’. It begins to see certain types of normal cells as foreign, and so reacts against them.

Autoimmune Disease

These types of diseases are known as autoimmune diseases. A few examples are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosis, and ulcerative colitis. All of them very different, with different symptoms and treatments; but all similar in that the immune system is no longer recognising certain of the body’s own cells as normal. The effects can be quite devastating and debilitating for people.

There are certain substances which can be called immune system modulators or enhancers, because they help the immune system react as it should do; and helps regulate the cellular response of the immune system. They either work by helping the body to identify its own cells as ’self’, or by helping moderate the response to perceived threats. Clearly, immune system modulators could be very valuable.

Aloe Vera is one such substance. It gives our immune system the boost it needs to ensure it can continue to differentiate between ’self’ and ‘non-self’ and react accordingly. Scientists are still divided in the mechanism of how Aloe Vera works – whether it helps the immune system recognise its own cells; or it works by helping to modulate its response. But the weight of evidence seems to indicate that Aloe Vera works primarily in helping the immune system respond appropriately to threats.

There are hundreds of testimonials of people who swear by Aloe Vera, and say that it has helped with a range of auto-immune diseases, from arthritis to ulcerative colitis and lupus. It also helps in less severe conditions, but where the immune system is over-reacting – in things like asthma and allergies.

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