The inflammatory disorder, ulcerative colitis (UC) affects the colon and rectum. While certain teas, like as chamomile or ginger, may help some people with UC symptoms, further study is needed to prove their effectiveness.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a gastrointestinal inflammatory disease that lasts for years. Crohn’s disease, which affects any part of the gastrointestinal system, and ulcerative colitis, which usually affects the colon and rectum, are the two most common kinds of IBD.
The actual cause of these illnesses is unknown, however they might be caused by immune system malfunctions, genetics, or environmental factors. Abdominal discomfort, bleeding, and diarrhea are all symptoms of UC.
Many prescription medicines, such as aminosalicylates and corticosteroids, are available to treat UC. These drugs can help with the symptoms of the disease, but they won’t be able to cure it.
Tea has several chemicals that can aid people with arthritis by reducing inflammation. Continue reading to learn more about how tea might assist with UC symptoms.
Tea for ulcerative colitis
UC has no cure, and current medication treatments aren’t always successful. Some people may experience adverse effects from these medications. With this in mind, several experts are looking at how natural ingredients could aid in the treatment of the disorder.
Many research have been undertaken that have showed promising effects when natural substances were used to treat UC. However, the majority of them were animal research, with relatively tiny sample sizes in human trials.
Tea consumption may protect against the development of UC, according to a 2016 China study. However, it is yet unknown which variety of tea is best for UC patients.
Some natural products that show potential in helping with gastrointestinal issues are included in the research below. These studies, however, do not employ these products in their tea form.
Chamomile
Chamomile has a long history of usage for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and relaxing benefits, according to a 2010 study. There are, however, few studies that look at how the drug can aid people with UC in particular.
A mouse research conducted in 2016 looked at the impact of chamomile in eliciting an immunological response. Chamomile extract reduced oxidative stress indicators in rat colons, according to the study.
Ginger
According to a 2019 study, ginger supplementation reduces the severity of UC and enhances quality of life. However, the authors stress that further study with various doses and formulations is required for more solid results.
A randomized controlled experiment testing ginger in 44 people with UC is also awaiting findings.
Curcumin
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is an anti-inflammatory chemical.
Curcumin, green tea, and selenium were used for 8 weeks in a small 2018 research of 20 people with mild-to-moderate UC. This medication, with or without mesalamine, relieved symptoms and lowered disease activity, according to the research.
Curcumin has been demonstrated to have comparable positive benefits in other minor studies in UC. The chemical, in conjunction with 5-aminosalicylic acid, is helpful in sustaining remission in people with UC, according to a study of six randomized controlled studies.
Green tea
Polyphenols are plant-based chemicals found in green tea. Green tea polyphenols were observed to lower disease activity in 20 people with UC in a 2013 pilot trial when compared to a placebo compound.
More investigation into green tea’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects for treating UC is also recommended in a 2019 literature review.
Pomegranate or berry
Berries, pomegranates, and grapes all contain resveratrol. Resveratrol supplements were proven to lower disease activity and enhance quality of life in 56 people with UC in a 2016 experiment.
What role does tea play in the treatment of UC in people?
The components listed above are derived from plants and are accessible as teas. Alkaloids, phenols, and polyphenols are just a few of the chemical substances found in plants that might help with gastrointestinal symptoms.
These substances have an impact on how the immune system functions, as well as protecting cells from oxidative stress and cell damage.
In addition to their anti-inflammatory effects, a warm cup of tea provides hydration, replenishing fluids that people might lose from diarrhea. It may also relieve an upset stomach.
Diet is an environmental component that has an impact on the development and progression of UC. Green tea was recently recommended as part of an anti-inflammatory diet for IBD by nutritionists.
Risks and factors to consider
When utilizing natural products, there are a few things to keep in mind. According to an older research from 2010, chamomile can induce allergic responses in rare cases. Additionally, heartburn, indigestion, and flushing are also common adverse effects of ginger.
People with bile blockage or gallstones should avoid turmeric and curcumin since they might increase bile output. They have the potential to reduce blood sugar levels, which might have an influence on diabetic treatment.
Long-term consumption of green tea can have negative side effects, such as acting as a diuretic and causing dehydration. Long-term usage can also cause bile acid production to be disrupted.
Conclusion
Some herbal substances may be helpful in the treatment of UC. The majority of the existing studies, however, focused on animals rather than humans. The few human studies that have been conducted have only used tiny samples and have looked at these components in forms other than tea.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of teas for treating UC, larger, well-designed human studies are required. While herbal medications are typically safe in small amounts, please see a physician before using them to address a medical issue.
Sources
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