Ulcerative colitis can turn even a regular day into something unpredictable. From digestive discomfort to sudden urgency, the symptoms have a way of interfering with routines and slowing down the flow of life. While conventional treatment often plays a role in managing it, more people are now exploring natural ways to support their body’s healing. There’s a growing interest in gentle, long-term solutions that help manage inflammation, soothe the gut, and promote better balance overall.
Natural remedies aren’t about replacing traditional care overnight. They’re more about adding support—giving your body the tools it needs to function a little more smoothly. Places like Avena Natural Health focus on helping individuals find personalized, natural approaches that match their unique health picture. When the goal is to feel stronger and more in control, exploring some of the following options might be a meaningful step in the right direction.
Gut-Healing Foods That Work With You, Not Against You
Food can either feed inflammation or help calm it down. In ulcerative colitis, where the lining of the colon is inflamed and sensitive, the wrong meal can cause a spiral of discomfort. But with the right foods, many people find their gut starts to settle. It doesn’t happen overnight, but certain nutrients can start to rebuild and restore that protective layer of the digestive tract.
Think about warm, simple meals that are easy to digest. Cooked vegetables, soft grains like white rice or quinoa, and bone broths have been known to feel soothing for those with digestive inflammation. Fermented foods like plain yogurt or sauerkraut may offer benefits for some, although they’re not always tolerated during a flare. A registered professional can help sort through those food sensitivities and recommend when and how to introduce certain ingredients.
Some also turn to specific anti-inflammatory herbs in their cooking, like turmeric or ginger. These ingredients, while gentle, have been studied for their potential to reduce swelling in tissues and promote better digestion. Avoiding dairy, gluten, or high-sugar foods is sometimes helpful, depending on your body’s response. But the key is to take a personalized approach rather than following strict rules that may not apply to your system. This is where naturopathic consultations in San Diego can help, especially with providers who understand the day-to-day realities of living with IBD.
Herbal Support That Aligns With the Body’s Natural Rhythms
Herbs have long been part of traditional wellness systems across the world. For ulcerative colitis, certain herbs are believed to support the digestive tract gently without overstimulation. Slippery elm, for example, becomes a soothing gel when mixed with water. This texture is thought to help coat the lining of the colon and reduce irritation. Marshmallow root has a similar effect, offering comfort to those whose symptoms are flaring up.
Aloe vera juice, when used properly and under professional guidance, is another popular remedy. Its natural cooling qualities have made it a go-to for soothing inflamed tissues. Then there’s licorice root (deglycyrrhizinated, or DGL, form), which is often used in gut-healing protocols to help protect and support the lining of the digestive tract.
The important part about using herbs is timing, dosage, and sourcing. Quality matters more than quantity, and it’s essential to work with a practitioner who knows how to use them wisely. Many naturopathic doctors in San Diego blend modern science with traditional herbal knowledge to create plans that are tailored to the individual. And because no two digestive systems are alike, this kind of personalized care can make a real difference in how effective these herbs truly are.
Stress Management That Actually Affects The Gut
It’s easy to underestimate the impact of stress on the gut—especially when dealing with something as physically disruptive as ulcerative colitis. But the brain and digestive tract talk to each other more than most people realize. When the body’s nervous system is always on high alert, it tends to affect digestion, absorption, and inflammation in subtle but steady ways.
Learning how to dial down that constant background tension can go a long way in managing symptoms. Meditation, breathwork, and even simple stretching routines have been found to ease the nervous system and support more regular digestion. Some people lean into acupuncture or craniosacral therapy. Others find that regular walks in nature or journaling each morning do the trick. The method isn’t the most important part. What matters most is that it becomes consistent and easy to return to—especially during stressful seasons when flares tend to happen more often.
Natural clinics like Avena Natural Health often incorporate stress support into the bigger picture. Whether through adaptogenic herbs, calming techniques, or helping to rebalance the body through nutrient support, these approaches can help restore that mind-body connection. And when that starts to come together, the whole digestive system often responds in a calmer, more stable way.
Advanced Nutrient Support Through IV Therapy
Sometimes, even the cleanest diet and best intentions aren’t enough—especially if nutrient absorption is compromised. Ulcerative colitis often leads to deficiencies in things like iron, B vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin D. And when the gut isn’t absorbing well, taking supplements by mouth might not fully do the job. That’s where something more targeted can help.
IV therapy in San Diego is becoming more widely used by people dealing with inflammatory digestive conditions. It allows nutrients to bypass the gut and go directly into the bloodstream, where the body can access them immediately. The process is surprisingly gentle and often tailored to the individual’s current health needs. Some people report feeling more energized, mentally clear, or less inflamed after a few sessions.
This kind of therapy isn’t just about giving the body a boost. It’s about making sure it has the raw materials it needs to repair and rebuild. Especially after a flare or long period of digestive trouble, IV nutrient support can be a game-changer. Clinics like Avena Natural Health offer these services in a calm, supportive setting where patients are encouraged to ask questions and explore what’s right for their healing timeline.
The Takeaway
Finding natural ways to support ulcerative colitis doesn’t mean giving up on conventional treatments. Instead, it’s about adding layers of support—through diet, herbs, stress care, and personalized therapies—that allow the body to stabilize and recover more comfortably. Naturopathic medicine works by paying attention to the whole picture, not just one symptom at a time.
For those seeking a more balanced and natural approach, working with a team like Avena Natural Health may offer the guidance and support needed to navigate things in a thoughtful, grounded way.
Media Credit: All photos licensed from Adobe.
Dr. Laura Kostrzewski, a San Diego native, completed her undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University, earning a BS in animal science with minors in Spanish and Psychology. She then earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and taught fifth grade in the central coast of California for two years. After being extremely involved in her grandfather’s journey with Parkinson’s disease and end-of-life care, Dr. Kostrzewski decided to move back to San Diego and enroll at Bastyr University California. Dr. Kostrzewski received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University California in June of 2019, and then went on to complete her residency at Bastyr. Before AVENA Wellness, DR. K started her own private practice, focusing on management of neurodegenerative conditions, and continued teaching at Bastyr as adjunct faculty, until founding Avena Health.