When used along with traditional treatments, complementary therapies such as mindfulness and turmeric may help you manage your ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers, or open sores, on the inner lining of the colon. Symptoms of UC include:

  • abdominal pain and cramping
  • diarrhea
  • rectal bleeding
  • blood, mucus, or pus in your stool
  • a constant urge to have a bowel movement, even if your bowel is empty
  • an urgent need to have a bowel movement
  • fatigue
  • nausea or vomiting
  • unintended weight loss

While UC can’t be cured with medications, some treatments such as immunosuppressants, biologics, and JAK inhibitors can help reduce inflammation, ease symptoms, and prevent flares.

If you have UC, you may also consider trying complementary therapies. These are nutritional, psychological, and physical therapies that can be used along with traditional treatments for UC. While complementary therapies won’t treat the underlying cause of UC, they may help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.