Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is chronic inflammation* of the large intestine** where the outer layer becomes inflamed and develops ulcers that produce pus and mucous. It develops when the body’s immune system reacts to food, bacteria or other materials in the colon creating an atmosphere of inflammation and ulcerations. It appears that UC is caused by a complex interaction of genetics, immune dysfunction and environmental factors and can be debilitating and life threatening if not properly treated. If ongoing it can increase the risk of colon cancer.
Symptoms of UC can be mild or severe. They include loose and urgent stool progressing to persistent, bloody diarrhea often with mucous and accompanied by abdominal pain and cramping. People suffering from ulcerative colitis can experience loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue and anemia. Symptoms can flare and wane where there are periods of no symptoms at all.
Conventional treatments include anti-diarrheal medications, 5-Aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids and in sever cases surgery to remove the affected part of the colon.
The doctors at Boulder Natural Health treat Ulcerative Colitis by first stabilizing the disease using diet and herbs that soothe and support the digestive tract. Next, using natural therapeutics, such as nutrition, herbs, and Biotherapeutic Drainage, they work on calming the chronic inflammatory response and restoring normal immune function seeking to halt the disease process.
*Inflammation- an immune response by the body when it attempts to heal and repair either a real invasion i.e. infection or injury or a perceived one i.e. auto-immunity.
**Large Intestine- the last section of the gastrointestinal tract that absorbs water, electrolytes and houses most of the good gut bacteria in the body.
Dr. Cheri King is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. She graduated from National College of Natural Medicine with a doctorate in naturopathic medicine and honors in research for her work investigating detoxification diets. During her time at NCNM she also co-founded the Naturopathic Medical Student Association. She received multiple achievement awards for outstanding performance in the field of natural medicine and for applying holistic healing principles in her own life as well as the lives of others.
Dr. King practices at Boulder Natural Health treating men, women and children. She specializes in chronic conditions such as Allergies, Anxiety, Asthma, Autoimmune Conditions, Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia, Diabetes, Digestive Disorders, Infertility, Menopausal symptoms as well as other chronic conditions.
She teaches nutrition at Community College of Denver and speaks on natural health.
