Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes sores in the large intestine or rectum. The common symptoms are diarrhea with blood, rectal pain, and weight loss. This condition is not curable, but specific treatments help long-term remission and reduce symptoms significantly. Along with treatments, a doctor may also suggest supplements or foods rich in probiotics. Learn how probiotics affect ulcerative colitis here.

1. How probiotics help ulcerative colitis
Probiotics are organisms that help improve the production of good bacteria in the gut. This helps balance the bad bacteria and good bacteria and keeps the gut healthy. It helps lower inflammation and soothes ulcerative colitis symptoms. Probiotics are usually taken orally, but the effects are much more significant if taken rectally. Before taking any probiotic supplements, one should talk to a doctor to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with other treatments.

2. How probiotics help flare-ups
Probiotics do not shorten the duration of a flare-up but do reduce the severity of symptoms. Moreover, it also helps reduce the number of occurrences of a flare-up.

3. Foods that are good sources of probiotics

• Yogurt
  Undoubtedly, yogurt is one of the healthiest and most readily available probiotic foods out there. It helps balance the good and bad bacteria in the gut, soothe and help manage symptoms of ulcerative colitis. While buying yogurt, one must make sure that the packet reads active or live cultures.
• Kefir
  Kefir is a fermented drink that is made by adding kefir grains to milk. This drink does not cause problems for those with lactose intolerance and helps aid symptoms of ulcerative colitis. It also protects against certain infections and improves bone health.
• Sauerkraut
  Unpasteurized sauerkraut is made by fermenting finely cut cabbage. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and contains probiotics that help improve gut health significantly. It is usually served as a side dish with meat.
• Selected cheeses
  Mozzarella, cheddar, Gouda, and a few other kinds of cheese contain probiotics that can help improve gut health. However, it is crucial to look for the words “active cultures” written on the packet. Cheese also contains vitamins, proteins, and minerals and makes a healthy addition to food when consumed in moderation.
• Pickles
  Pickles are essentially cucumbers pickled in water and salt. This process leads to fermentation, making them a good quality probiotic for those with digestive problems. They are rich in vitamins but high in sodium and must be consumed in moderation.

4. Side effects of using probiotics for ulcerative colitis
One must only use probiotics along with the treatment methods and medication recommended by a doctor. Moreover, one must always ask their doctor before consuming any probiotic food. This is because there are various strains of good bacteria, some of which may not be friendly for one’s specific condition. Consumption may worsen symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.