Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “I have been suffering for over 15 years with mucus colitis. I have frequent watery bowel movements with heavy bleeding. I have not been able to make any progress in finding a solution for my condition. Is there a natural solution?” Jackie H, Boulder, CO A. Dear Jackie, I will offer you a few suggestions that may be of some help to you, but I ask you to work closely with your doctor regarding your condition, and if you should try a natural solution, make your doctor aware of what you’re doing. With that said, I would highly recommend that you take a combination of boswellia and curcumin. These two Indian plants have a significant effect reducing inflammation and healing the mucus membrane. Boswellia in particular regulates the level of leukotrienes in the body, otherwise known as the 5-LOX enzyme system, which are connected to over 60 health disorders. You would want to make sure that you select a boswellia product that is high in AKBA but standardized for no more than 15%, and guaranteed to be free of beta boswellic acid, which can be pro-inflammatory. Using a blend of boswellia and curcumin at a dose level of 700 to 800 mg combined would probably benefit you significantly. Using one or two doses per day would be helpful to support the health of the mucus membrane in the intestinal tract. Also, in addition to this combination, I would select a very high quality probiotic (Jarrow is a good quality product) that is specifically designed to support the digestive system. I would suggest to eliminate from your diet all wheat and gluten bearing grains, and dairy products. Eggs and butter are acceptable.