Frequent stomach pains and diarrhoea that contains mucus, pus and blood are the symptoms experienced by those suffering with ulcerative colitis. Sometimes the sufferer doesn't experience any symptoms and at other times there is a great deal of discomfort.

The symptoms do vary from patient to patient though and for those who only have the disease in the rectum, this means their symptoms can be fairly mild. In some patients the disease affects the lower intestine and in others, it affects the whole intestine.

Some other symptoms that may be experienced include:

• Anaemia
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Joint Pain
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of nutrients

It has been suggested that this disease may also cause other health problems such as liver disease and some arthritic conditions. This may be due to the inflammation which is triggered by the immune system and these may ease when the colitis has been treated.

Whilst ulcerative colitis is not caused by an allergy to certain foods or by emotional stress, they may aggravate the symptoms. Even the stress of actually living with the disease can make the symptoms worse.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for colitis however there may well be alternative therapies that can help to heal and complement traditional care and these include the following:

Meditation

Meditation is renowned for helping to remove stress and anxieties from all who practice regularly. It is very effective in helping to boost inner healing and instilling a sense of deep peace and relaxation into all who try the gentle techniques.

Probiotics

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that live in the gut and these may be effective in managing colitis. They can help reduce the inflammation and control any harmful bacteria. There appears to be no known side-effects and as such they are safe to take.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega -3 fatty acids can be very beneficial to anyone suffering from colitis and it can be found in fish oil capsules so is readily available from health shops.

Aloe Vera Gel

Taken orally, Aloe Vera can help to reduce the inflammation caused by colitis. One hundred millilitres has been found to be effective. Aloe Vera has so many therapeutic qualities that it is worth purchasing some to see whether it can help.