Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the large intestine. People with UC often have symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. These symptoms can come and go over time and can have a major impact on daily life. Although there are many medical treatments available, some patients do not respond well, experience side effects, or prefer to avoid long-term use of medications that affect the immune system. Because of this, many people with UC seek care from naturopathic doctors.
This study aims to better understand how naturopathic care is used to treat UC and whether patients experience changes in their symptoms over time. In this study, adults with UC who are already receiving care from a naturopathic doctor will be followed for 12 weeks. The treatments will not be standardized; instead, each naturopathic doctor will provide individualized care based on their usual practice.
Participants will complete a questionnaire that measures UC symptoms at the start of the study and again after 12 weeks. The study will compare symptom scores before and after treatment. Researchers will also collect information about the types of treatments used and any side effects or adverse events.
This is an observational study, meaning there is no comparison group and no changes are made to participants' usual care. The goal is to gather early information about naturopathic care for UC and to help guide future, more rigorous studies.