Ulcerative colitis is a tough condition to live with. It’s not so easy to diagnose or treat either. People with this condition, along with their doctors, are always grateful for new insights or information that can help, so here it is:
A recent European study has discovered an exciting clue. In their meta-analysis of data from more than 200,000 people, ranging in age from 30 to 74, researchers found that the heaviest consumers of foods containing omega-6 fatty acids were 2.5 times more likely to develop ulcerative colitis than those who ate fewer such foods. Omega-6 fatty acids include red meats and certain vegetable oils like corn and safflower. In contrast, those whose diets were heavier in omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and fish oils, had less risk for ulcerative colitis.
It’s Big News
“Wow!” is what Daily Health News contributing editor Andrew Rubman, ND, had to say about these findings. He believes the discovery is so significant that people with this incurable disease should consider changing their diet accordingly. Dr. Rubman said that meta-analyses (conclusions reached from a large number of studies) such as these are generally used to find associations. These associations are used to conduct further research; however, Dr. Rubman feels that this particular finding is so dramatic that it should be paid attention to now.
It’s not that omega-6 fatty acids are all bad, Dr. Rubman said. They consist primarily of linoleic acid, which is protective against colon cancer. Balance is key to getting the full benefit. Excessive amounts of omega-6 acids in the colon can trigger a process that converts the beneficial linoleic acid into harmful inflammatory compounds. These compounds contribute to disease, including it now appears, ulcerative colitis.
What to Do
Dr. Rubman suggests that most of us should follow a diet that is about half raw foods. This is by weight and not calories. Aim to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables each day. You can get omega-3s by eating cold-water fish twice weekly like salmon and mackerel. Dr. Rubman often prescribes a teaspoon per day, or three to four capsules, of a high-quality fish oil or krill oil supplement as “insurance” for his patients.
Dr. Rubman noted that while everyone can benefit from this healthier way of eating, it’s especially important for people who have ulcerative colitis to limit their intake of red meats and vegetable oils. You want to tip the balance toward omega-3s. It’s a strategy that has the potential to make a big difference in your quality of life.
Source(s):
Andrew L. Rubman, ND, director, Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines, Southbury, Connecticut. www.southburyclinic.com.
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Reprinted with the permission of:
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