Alternative treatments for colitis

[Ahab]

A few years ago I read about two alternative, or nonmedical, treatments for colitis which were successful.  As I remember it the studies were well designed controlled studies. One  involved treatment by probiotics to prevent flareups.  The other involved a combination of fish oil, calcium, vitamins, and selenium as a means to shorten the length of ay flareup.  The old web sites are no longer up and I can no longer find any information on either of these.

My question has two parts:

First, is there any follow-up on these?  Have the results been replicated?  Any new elaborations that we should know about?

Second, are there any other useful scientific studies about diet, vitamins, probiotics, etc., that lead to clear recommendations to patients, that have come out recently?

Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are indeed some studies with probiotics and ulcerative colitis.  However, they are small studies and more investigation is needed before recommendations can be made.  

The controlled trial that included 116 patients with active ulcerative colitis who received standard medical therapy plus a one-week course of oral gentamicin, and were randomly assigned to receive an enteric coated E. coli capsule or mesalazine.  After 12 months the rate of relapse was similar in the two groups (67 versus 73 percent), suggesting that the E. coli were as effective as mesalazine for maintaining remission. The rates of induction of remission were also comparable (68 versus 75 percent).

There is also a study involving fish oil. In a placebo-controlled trial, fish oil was effective as an adjunctive therapy in ulcerative colitis. Another placebo-controlled trial found that, among 18 patients with active colitis, four months of fish oil was associated with decreased leukotriene B4 levels in the rectal dialysate, improvement in the histology index, weight gain, and a reduction in the steroid dose.

However, most of these studies are small, and as mentioned above, there are not enough data to provide consensus recommendations.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

Bibliography:
Peppercorn.  Medical management of ulcerative colitis.  UptoDate, 2004.

[kimbacat]

I know that studies have shown that the probiotic product VSL#3 reduces the incidence of pouchitis in ulcerative colitis pts that have J-pouches.  you might want to check out the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation website:  ccfa.org

or go to medscape.com to the IBD center on the gastroenterology page

or IBDwatch.com

I have Crohn's disease, I take probiotics, omega 3, and calcium supplements (due to the increased incidence of osteoporosis).  I had stopped taking probiotics after I got my ileostomy because the docs didn't really know if there was any benefit if you don't have a colon.  but, I recently had a nasty c. difficile infection (rare if you don't have a colon) and I've started taking them again.  don't know if they are helping, but I'm willing to incur the cost of the supplement if there is a possibility that it might help.  

[jakey2]

Hi Ahab,

For a few month now I have been struggling with IBS/IBD, doctors are still running test to determine my abdominal pain and discomfort.  After 1 month of severe abdominal pain, 4 hospital visits and all my test coming back normal, and the pain medicine not working.  I decided to do things naturally.

This is what I do and I can honestly tell you I am 100% better than how I was in Dec.  Back in Dec, I couldn't get out of bed and had to take a leave from work.  

I take Vitamin C once a day, (I may skip a day)
Digestive Enzymes, before every meal to break down the food, (Had gallbladder removed in 98)
Acidophilius Probotic (liquid, without milk or soy) 2 times daily.  I take 2 Tablespoons, 1/2 hour or more before breakfast and 2 tablespoons before I go to bed.
2 Fiber Supplements before or after lunch and dinner, just to add fiber to my diet.
Also, I take a liquid mineral vitamin, SeaSilver.  
****PLENTLY OF WATER**** you should drink 1/2 your body weight a day.  Water is the Key, it is very important.

My suggestion is speak to your doctor, about these natural remedies.  I just saw my doctor today, he said he was very much in favor of what I am doing and believe in Probotics, you might want to try the acidophilus probotic, at least.
I'll keep you in my prayers as well.  I hope you feel well soon

[brama]

How bad is ileostomy?  I too have Chron's and was considering it.  What is the recovery period?  Are there any after effects?
I also have terrible cramping - too gassy... Please help !