Page 39 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

What is known about the link between colorectal cancer and UC is that the longer one
goes with inflammation in the bowels, the higher the chances of developing cancer. This
is why it is important to do what you can to manage inflammation from the time you are
diagnosed. In addition, if your whole colon is affected by UC, you are at an increased risk
for developing cancer.

There are ways to manage inflammation and reduce your risk of developing any serious
complications from this disease. One major way is through diet. A diet rich in
antioxidants, flavonoids, omega 3 fatty acids, and fiber may help to curb inflammation.
Avoiding inflammatory foods like processed foods, white sugar, and processed flour may
help further your anti-inflammatory goals.

Another important step in making sure you are on top of any issues includes regular colon
cancer screenings. If you have been suffering from an inflammatory bowel disease like UC
for more than eight years, you should make sure and schedule yearly screenings. A
colonoscopy is a good way to screen for any issues.

A good offense is the best prevention when it comes to ensuring symptoms of UC do not
develop into life-threatening complications like cancer and severe blood loss. Managing
your diet at the earliest signs of the disease, as well as consistent cancer screenings,
significantly lower your risk of cancer progressing in the digestive tract.

Managing UC
There are natural ways one can help manage their UC by reducing inflammation and
promoting a healthy immune system. Exercise is one way that you can positively affect
your body. Yoga in particular can be beneficial for those with inflammatory bowel
conditions because it can promote relaxation and digestive health.

Exercising three to four days per week can result in increased muscle and bone strength,
a healthier immune system, and lowered stress levels. Stress in particular can wreak
havoc on many areas of the body, and the immune system is one of them. In addition,
higher levels of stress can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, leading to UC
flare ups. Besides exercise, consider lowering your stress levels with regular massages,
deep breathing techniques, and meditation.

Like stress, those with chronic anxiety can experience a flare up of symptoms when it
comes to autoimmune disease. It is normal to experience stress or anxiety from time to
time, but the key is not letting it get the best of you and affect you on an hourly or daily
basis. If you are experiencing anxiety to the point where it is affecting your life each day,
you may want to consider finding an outlet, such as therapy, to provide you with the tools
you need to tackle anxiety.

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