Integrative approaches to sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis

Andrew Weil, M.D. interviewed Dr. Abramson for an article on drweil.com: 'My husband has been diagnosed with sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis. What supplements or nutritional approaches could help him?'

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic, progressive disorder that causes inflammation, scarring and damage to the bile ducts inside and outside the liver. If these changes block the flow of bile, the liver and gallbladder can be damaged, leading over time to liver failure. The cause is unknown.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that usually accompanies primary sclerosing cholangitis. This autoimmune condition affects the lining of the large intestine, leading to bouts of inflammation, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.

While diet and supplements can help with management of these diseases, conventional gastroenterologists are key to effective treatment since pharmaceutical drugs, diagnostic imaging, endoscopy, and even surgery may be needed.