I’m a Gastroenterologist: Here Are 4 UC Alternative Therapies I Recommend (and the Ones I Don’t)

Written by Hallie Levine
Medically Reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD on March 09, 2026

By Jeffrey Berinstein, MD, MSc, as told to Hallie Levine

Jeffrey Berinstein, MD, MSc, is an assistant professor in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Michigan. He specializes in caring for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Here, he shares with WebMD what people need to know when it comes to alternative, or complementary, treatments. 

As a gastroenterologist who specializes in the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), I get asked about alternative therapies for ulcerative colitis (UC) almost every day. People often look for ways to help enhance their current treatment plan and better address symptoms.

When patients ask me, they seem shy and almost afraid. They worry that because I’m a medical doctor, I’m opposed to complementary treatments. I reassure them that I see them as an important part of their care plan. When they are used correctly, they can enhance therapy. They shouldn’t be used instead of medical treatment, but along with it.

I’m lucky enough to work at one of the biggest inflammatory bowel disease centers in the United States, where we can include complementary approaches. We have several gastrointestinal psychologists, dietitians, a gut hypnotherapist, and an acupuncturist in our practice. I’ve seen firsthand how they have been able to help my patients with ulcerative colitis better manage their symptoms. 

But there’s snake oil out there, too. There are certain over-the-counter supplements and probiotics touted to treat ulcerative colitis, for example, that aren’t well regulated. Patients need to be careful. That’s why you should always talk to your doctor before trying a complementary treatment.

Just like your overall treatment plan, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to complementary therapies and ulcerative colitis. Your doctor should take the time to talk to you and find out what you feel you need.

Conventional therapies like medications do a good job of addressing the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis. But often, patients experience lingering symptoms such as pain, fatigue, stress, and depression.

 

My first job as a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist is to calm down the inflammation in your gut to prevent disability, surgery, and even hospitalization. But I also want to know what you think worsens your ulcerative colitis. If it’s stress, then I guide them to mindfulness-based techniques, such as gut-directed hypnotherapy or progressive muscle relaxation. If diet seems to trigger flares, then I refer them to one of our center’s dietitians. If they still have pain and discomfort, then I recommend they try acupuncture.

All of these complementary therapies can help treat your ulcerative colitis, but they are most effective when they are used in these specific circumstances.

Here’s a closer look at some of the specific ones I suggest to patients, as well as a couple you should skip.

Your mind and gut share a very deep connection. We call this the gut-brain interaction. Many patients with ulcerative colitis report that stress makes their symptoms worse. This, in turn, worsens stress, which triggers more symptoms. It’s a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.

Mind-body techniques like guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, or hypnosis all offer ways to break these patterns. They offer you coping tools that can help you deal with stress and thus improve your UC symptoms. Some of my top choices are:

Gut-directed hypnotherapy. A trained therapist guides you into a focused state of awareness and then uses suggestion, imagery, and relaxation to help calm your digestive tract and reduce stress. One study found that patients with UC who did seven sessions of gut-directed hypnotherapy were able to stay in remission 78 days longer than a control group. Other research suggests that it may reduce certain markers of inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a hypnosis therapist. You can also find one at the Rome Foundation website.

Progressive muscle relaxation. It’s a relaxation practice where you tense up a specific muscle, then release it. The theory is that as you gradually move through the muscles of your entire body, you build awareness of how to recognize a tense muscle and a relaxed one. It’s been shown to improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall quality of life among patients with ulcerative colitis.

Guided imagery. It is another relaxation tool where you bring positive images to mind, such as a favorite object, place, or sound. It can be done by a therapist, through a recording, or even on your own once you’ve learned how to do it. A small study of 39 patients who did three training sessions and practiced at home found that it eased anxiety, pain, and stress and boosted mood.

Diet itself doesn’t cause ulcerative colitis. But certain foods for certain patients can make symptoms worse, especially during a flare-up. Common offenders are dairy, foods high in insoluble fiber (such as apples or raw kale), and drinks that contain caffeine. There’s also evidence that an inflammatory diet can raise the risk of developing an irritable bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis.

There’s no strong evidence that a specific eating pattern can improve UC symptoms and keep the condition in remission. But I still recommend that all my patients eat a plant-based diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, nuts, and flaxseed. These foods are rich in nutrients that help fight inflammation and keep your body working as it should.

I recommend that all my patients with ulcerative colitis meet with a nutritionist. They can help you design a specific eating plan and also identify foods that may worsen your symptoms. Many IBD centers have nutritionists on staff. Your doctor may also be able to recommend someone. 

I find that acupuncture is very helpful for my patients who still experience pain even with treatment. We honestly don’t know how acupuncture works to relieve UC symptoms. One theory is that it lowers the levels of inflammatory compounds called cytokines in your body. Another is that it changes your microbiome — the mix of bacteria in your gut. Research suggests that it can help improve symptoms and lower gastrointestinal inflammation when it’s combined with drug therapy.

My center has a part-time acupuncturist on staff. Your doctor may be able to suggest someone. You can also find a licensed acupuncturist in your area at the American Society of Acupuncturists website.

People with ulcerative colitis are at a higher risk of developing nutritional deficiencies. Three common ones are vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron. A lack of these nutrients can worsen pain and fatigue. Low vitamin D levels are also linked to more frequent flares and more severe ulcerative colitis.

Your doctor may recommend that you take certain vitamins or mineral supplements to guard against these deficiencies. It’s very important not to take them without a doctor's guidance. If you’re not low in certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12 or iron, then you won’t benefit if you take a supplement, and high doses could even harm you. Talk to your doctor about what blood tests you need and whether you’d benefit from a supplement.

The one supplement I get asked about a lot is curcumin. It’s a naturally occurring chemical found in the spice turmeric. It may help lower inflammation. Studies show that people who take very high doses (about 2 grams a day) along with medications such as mesalamine have less gut inflammation than those who take the drugs alone. But it’s not for everyone. Some patients experience side effects such as nausea or headache.

If you do want to try curcumin, always talk to your doctor first. It may not be safe to take it if you take other medications such as blood thinners.

These are often touted as a way to restore the balance of “good” bacteria in your gut and thus help manage ulcerative colitis. We do use them for ulcerative colitis patients who have pouchitis (inflammation of their pouch) after surgery, to help prevent future infection. But we use specific prescription products. There’s no good evidence that over-the-counter probiotics can help treat UC symptoms or lower the risk of flares.

You’re better off if you eat probiotics from food sources. Good sources include fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, and tempeh.

I used to get asked about cannabis (marijuana) a lot by patients. Now that it’s legal in many states, I hear about it less. In general, there haven’t been great studies on it for ulcerative colitis. There have been some small trials that show it can be helpful for pain.

If a patient feels that it helps relieve pain and improve their appetite, then I’m supportive. But I also stress the need for caution. Too much of it can cause harmful effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and trouble with memory and concentration. It can also worsen anxiety. There are other, better researched complementary therapies to try instead.

You and your doctor are a team. You should work together to find a tailored treatment approach that includes some forms of complementary therapy based on your needs. These include mind-body therapies, dietary changes, certain supplements, acupuncture, or even some mix of all four.

Remember, complementary therapies are in addition to — and not instead of — medication. When you combine them, you have tools to help you heal your gut, feel better, and live a full life.

Add WebMD as a Preferred Source to see more of our trusted content across Google Search, AI Overviews, and AI Mode