Some supplements can worsen ulcerative colitis (UC) symptoms.Experts advise against NSAIDs, laxatives, high-dose probiotics and iron supplements without guidance.For personalized advice, work closely with your health care provider.<\/p>\n
In the United States, over a million people live with ulcerative colitis (UC), a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation and ulcers<\/a> in the large intestine. When UC isn\u2019t well-managed, it can increase the risk of complications like anemia, unintentional weight loss, weakened bones and even colorectal cancer.\n<\/p>\n The good news? With the right treatment plan, many people with UC can achieve remission and enjoy life with minimal symptoms or pain.\n<\/p>\n Managing UC is a team effort that goes beyond medication. Diet and lifestyle<\/a> play an important role, too. \u201cNutrition can help support overall health and symptom management, but people with UC often have unique food tolerances and nutrient needs compared to the general population,\u201d says Jessie Wong, M.Acc., RDN, LD<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s especially important to take a close look at supplement use, since some products can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms, interact with medications or further irritate an already sensitive gut, particularly during UC flares.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Read on to discover four supplements gut-health experts recommend avoiding if you have ulcerative colitis and what to look for instead when choosing a safer option for your needs.\n<\/p>\n 1. Anti-Inflammatories <\/p>\n NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-inflammatory supplements<\/a> are commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation\u2014and because many are available over the counter, they\u2019re easy to reach for. But if you have UC, it\u2019s worth thinking twice before taking one.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n \u201cNSAIDs, as well as NSAID-like \u2018anti-inflammatory\u2019 herbal supplements, can irritate the lining of the digestive tract, particularly in the small intestine (the ileum),\u201d says Ekta Gupta, M.D., FACG, AGAF<\/a>. \u201cThis irritation can worsen diarrhea and increase blood in the stool by further aggravating inflammation.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Research backs this up: A 2023 study found that long-term NSAID use was associated with higher odds of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), underscoring why these medications may not be the best choice for people managing UC. For anti-inflammatory supplements, like turmeric and green tea extract, caution is warranted, as more high-quality research is needed to understand their role in managing UC.\n<\/p>\n If you\u2019re experiencing pain, speak with your health care team to find safe, effective alternatives that won\u2019t aggravate your gut.\n<\/p>\n 2. Laxatives <\/p>\n Constipation is a common issue<\/a> for people with ulcerative colitis, especially during flares, when a low-residue diet<\/a> is often recommended to ease symptoms. This reduced fiber intake can make stools harder to pass.\n<\/p>\n In these situations, both Gupta and Wong advise against turning to laxatives or supplements marketed as detoxes or cleanses. \u201cThese products can trigger cramping, diarrhea and electrolyte imbalances that may mimic a flare, and they can also cause injury to the intestinal lining,\u201d says Gupta.\n<\/p>\n Wong echoes this caution, noting that many herbal or \u201cnatural\u201d remedies claim to support digestion but often contain stimulant or laxative ingredients. \u201cThese compounds may increase bowel urgency, cramping or diarrhea, symptoms people with UC are already sensitive to,\u201d she explains. \u201cBecause these effects haven\u2019t been well studied in UC and can mimic or worsen flares, they should be avoided unless a clinician specifically recommends them.\u201d\n<\/p>\n 3. High-Dose Probiotics <\/p>\n Probiotics are often touted as a must-have for gut health, and while they can be helpful for some people, they\u2019re not a one-size-fits-all solution for ulcerative colitis. Both Wong and Gupta caution against reaching for high-dose probiotic supplements<\/a> to ease symptoms.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n The research on probiotics in UC is mixed and highly strain-specific, with only a few formulations showing benefits for maintaining remission. \u201cMany probiotics products simply don\u2019t have strong evidence behind them and in some people, can actually worsen symptoms by causing gas, bloating or increased discomfort,\u201d shares Wong.\n<\/p>\n Safety is another concern. High-dose probiotics aren\u2019t recommended during flares or for people who are immunosuppressed\u2014a situation that\u2019s not uncommon in inflammatory bowel disease. \u201cIn those cases, introducing large amounts of live bacteria into the gut may increase the risk of bacteremia,\u201d explains Gupta., This is a serious condition in which bacteria enter the bloodstream.\n<\/p>\n For these reasons, experts recommend using probiotics only under the guidance of a health care provider who understands your specific treatment plan and disease status.\n<\/p>\n 4. Iron Supplements <\/p>\n