Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation of the lining of the colon and/or rectum(1). UC is known to involve three main issues: low levels of oxygen in intestinal tissue (hypoxia), increased activity of pro-inflammatory marker T17, and issues with gut flora(2,3,4). These issues result in intestinal sores and ulcers, as well as bloody stool, abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea and weight loss (5). Typical treatment starts with 5-aminosalicylic acid, and progresses to corticosteroids, immunomodulators, TNF-inhibitors, and/or colectomy if symptoms persist. These treatments all have adverse side effects, some of which are very severe (5).

 

Extivita Therapies for Ulcerative Colitis:

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Extivita Therapies for Ulcerative Colitis Recovery:

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Neurofeedback for Ulcerative Colitis

Neurofeedback

Supplements for Ulcerative Colitis

Supplements

IV Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis

Nutritional IV Therapy

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) for Ulcerative Colitis

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy

Listen to Bryce’s experience with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to treat Ulcerative Colitis

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis:

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - Chapel Hill

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may significantly improve ulcerative colitis symptoms with a low risk of adverse side effects(6). HBOT works by increasing tissue oxygen levels (thus combating hypoxia) and is known to reduce inflammation, two main issues implicated in UC patients(7).

 

Existing studies have found that HBOT is well tolerated by patients with UC and that the positive response rate is roughly 88%(8). HBOT was found to decrease the need for potentially harmful “second-line” therapies such as surgery and biologic therapy in patients whose symptoms were not responding to previous treatment(2). Lastly, HBOT has the potential to heal damaged intestinal tissue by mobilizing stem cells from the bone marrow to the intestines(10).

Learn more about HBOT

Effects of HBOT on Ulcerative Colitis:

Decreases Inflammation

Decreased Inflammation

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces systemic inflammation by increasing anti-inflammatory gene expression and decreasing proinflammatory genes.
Increases Stem Cell Production

Increased Stem Cell Activity

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy mobilizes stem progenitor cells (SPCs) from the bone marrow, creating the opportunity for tissue regeneration.
Grows New Blood Vessels

New Blood Vessel Formation

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, healing injured tissues that were unable to get nutrients and oxygen.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - Chapel Hill

Neurofeedback for Ulcerative Colitis:

Psychological and emotional stressors can trigger inflammatory responses that affect the whole body. In patients with UC, these stressors can cause “flares” resulting in mucosal inflammatory response and UC exacerbations(9).  In addition, there has been a significant amount of research showing clear connections between the gut and the brain. Stress, anxiety, and depression can send signals to the gut and vice versa causing brain remodeling and alterations. Neurofeedback can enhance functional connectivity in specific brain regions to reduce the negative effects of psycho/emotional stress responses.

Learn more about Neurofeedback

IV Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis:

Research has shown that individuals with IBD have lower circulating levels of total antioxidants in their blood during both the active and asymptomatic stages of disease(11). Inflammation from reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, coupled with depletion of antioxidants, contribute to damage of the intestinal walls in patients with IBD. The Myer’s cocktail provides higher serum levels of antioxidants (compared with oral supplementation) which can decrease inflammation, especially that in IBD. When given with glutathione, the Myer’s cocktail can have a powerful synergistic effect on decreasing inflammation and improving the body’s response to stress.

Main IV Effects:

  • Decrease Inflammation
  • Increase Stress Response
  • Improve Nutrient Deficiencies
  • Prevent Tissue Damage
Learn More About Nutritional IV Therapy
Nutritional IV Therapy in Durham, NC
BEMER Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Durham, NC

Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis:

In chronic inflammatory disease like ulcerative colitis, pulse electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy can be an effective addition to dietary interventions. PEMF therapy helps by correcting imbalances in the immune system, counteracting inflammatory responses, and supporting healing processes(12).

Main Effects of PEMF:

  • Improves Circulation
  • Increases Delivery of Oxygen and Nutrients to Tissues
  • Aids in Removal of Toxins
  • Activates Repair Proteins to Help Damaged Tissue
Learn More About PEMF Therapy

News & Research for Ulcerative Colitis:

References
  1. Mattos, Bruno Rafael Ramos de, Maellin Pereira Gracindo Garcia, Julia Bier Nogueira, Lisiery Negrini Paiatto, Cassia Galdino Albuquerque, Caique Lopes Souza, Luís Gustavo Romani Fernandes, Wirla Maria da Silva Cunha Tamashiro, and Patricia Ucelli Simioni. “Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Overview of Immune Mechanisms and Biological Treatments.” Mediators of Inflammation 2015 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/493012.
  2. Dulai, Parambir S., et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Is Well Tolerated and Effective for Ulcerative Colitis Patients Hospitalized for Moderate-Severe Flares: A Phase 2A Pilot Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial.” The American Journal of Gastroenterology, vol. 113, no. 10, 2018, pp. 1516–23. PubMed, doi:10.1038/s41395-018-0005-z.
  3. Magalhães, José, et al. “Acute and Severe Hypobaric Hypoxia Increases Oxidative Stress and Impairs Mitochondrial Function in Mouse Skeletal Muscle.” Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md.: 1985), vol. 99, no. 4, Oct. 2005, pp. 1247–53. PubMed, doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.01324.2004.
  4. Semenza, Gregg L. “Oxygen Sensing, Homeostasis, and Disease.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 365, no. 6, Massachusetts Medical Society, Aug. 2011, pp. 537–47. Taylor and Francis+NEJM, doi:10.1056/NEJMra1011165.
  5. “Ulcerative Colitis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 24 Dec 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353331.
  6. Heyboer, Marvin, et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Side Effects Defined and Quantified.” Advances in Wound Care, vol. 6, no. 6, June 2017, pp. 210–24. PubMed Central, doi:10.1089/wound.2016.0718.
  7. Thom, Stephen R. “Hyperbaric Oxygen – Its Mechanisms and Efficacy.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, vol. 127, no. Suppl 1, Jan. 2011, pp. 131S-141S. PubMed Central, doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181fbe2bf.
  8. Dulai, P. S., et al. “Systematic Review: The Safety and Efficacy of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.” Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, vol. 39, no. 11, 2014, pp. 1266–75. Wiley Online Library, doi:10.1111/apt.12753.
  9. Mawdsley, Joel E et al. “The effect of acute psychologic stress on systemic and rectal mucosal measures of inflammation in ulcerative colitis.” Gastroenterology vol. 131,2 (2006): 410-9. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2006.05.017
  10. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Stimulates Colonic Stem Cells and Induces Mucosal Healing in Patients with Refractory Ulcerative Colitis: A Prospective Case Series – ProQuest. search-proquest-com.go.libproxy.wakehealth.edu, https://search-proquest-com.go.libproxy.wakehealth.edu/docview/2311947674?rfr_id=info%3Axri%2Fsid%3Aprimo. Accessed 7 Aug. 2020.
  11. Moura, Fabiana Andréa et al. “Antioxidant therapy for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: Does it work?.” Redox biology vol. 6 (2015): 617-639. doi:10.1016/j.redox.2015.10.006
  12. Kubat, Nicole J et al. “Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field treatment on programmed resolution of inflammation pathway markers in human cells in culture.” Journal of inflammation research vol. 8 59-69. 23 Feb. 2015, doi:10.2147/JIR.S78631