Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the large intestine, leading to chronic inflammation and painful ulcers.
In this article, you’ll learn what ulcerative colitis is, what causes it, what happens if it’s left untreated, and how plant-based strategies can help support your gut alongside medical treatment.
I’m Manny, founder of Fifth Ray and a certified Gut Health Coach. I rebuilt my own gut health through a plant-based approach after having Crohn’s disease and now help others do the same.
What Is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your colon and rectum. This creates open sores or ulcers, that may bleed.
Most people experience flare-ups, where symptoms worsen followed by periods of remission. Unlike Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis only affects the large intestine.
Ulcerative Colitis Causes
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s linked to an overactive immune response.
Your risk may increase based on age, genetics and your gut microbiome. Most diagnoses occur between 15-30 and you’re much more likely to have it if a family member has it.
Imbalances in the bacteria in your gut, called dysbiosis, may also play a role.
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
Initial symptoms can include diarrhoea, urgency, mild cramping, and increased bathroom visits.
As the condition progresses, symptoms may involve bloody stools, severe cramping, fatigue, weight loss and fever. Symptoms may ease during remission but the underlying immune dysfunction persists.
During a flare, inflammation triggers painful cramping, urgent bowel movements and often blood or mucus in the stool. If you're experiencing a flare, our guide can support you through it.
Without proper treatment, flare-ups will become more frequent and more severe over time.
Lifestyle Changes To Help Ulcerative Colitis
Recovery means calming the flares and building simple habits that help you heal long-term.
Keep your actions simple, routine consistent and focus on steady days rather than perfect rules.
Eat Well
Go for cooked, easy-to-digest meals like oats, rice, soups, stews and peeled fruit. Dial down rough skins and insoluble fibres during flares, then reintroduce slowly as symptoms ease.
Try and eat plenty of cooked veg, whole grains and soluble-fibre foods, with less ultra-processed foods and alcohol.
Keep a short food and symptom log so you can spot your personal triggers and wins.
Rest Well
Prioritise good sleep and light walking to get your system into a regular schedule.
Short breathing breaks, gentle movement and consistent sleep reduce stress signals to the gut and support bowel rhythm and mood. Small, regular practices beat big, sporadic efforts.
Conclusion
Ulcerative colitis occurs when the immune system attacks the colon lining, causing inflammation and ulcers that impact digestion and daily life.
While medical treatment helps manage flares, herbal teas with anti-inflammatory properties can provide gentle, complementary support.
After recovering from Crohn’s disease myself through the power of plants, I created Cosmic Hue to help others living with inflammatory bowel conditions find balance and care for their gut health.
Author Manny is the founder of Fifth Ray and a certified Gut Health Coach. After battling Crohn's Disease for 16 years, he transformed his gut health through plant based healing. His story has been featured on BBC, ITV, and Daily Mail.
Disclaimer This information is for education only. Cosmic Hue is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always speak to your healthcare provider before changing your routine.