​Here at The Healthy Juice and Diet Life we pride ourselves on our mission to help as many people as possible with our combined knowledge of healthcare and nutrition. Being in good health in general, alongside having an understanding of how this plays an important role in our mental processes such as decision making and emotional harmony, has been shown to have a strong positive correlation with key indicators of a positive, happy and fulfilled life.

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that affects between 250,000 and 500,000 people across the USA and just shy of 150,000 people in the UK. These are not small numbers!

With something as important as quality of life at stake for this many people we know just how frustrating it can be trying to find reliable, accurate and trustworthy information to point you in the right direction for specific ailments and conditions when it comes to not just medication but also, more importantly, effective, natural and nutritious goodness!

So, if you're sick of feeling sick, this article will set you well on your way to a full and well rounded understanding of Ulcerative Colitis, what it is, what it means for you and what you should (and shouldn't!) be doing. We also give you some great examples of juice recipes for Ulcerative Colitis to get your taste buds tingling and have found some of the best resources available online to assist in maintaining a, flare-free, full and rewarding life with Ulcerative Colitis. 

Let's get to it!

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic (long term) condition whereby the colon (large intestine / bowel) and rectum become inflamed. Ulcers can develop on the lining of the colon as with other similarly affecting Gastro-intestinal diseases such as Diverticulitis and Chrohn's disease, these can become infected, bleed and ooze puss into the affected areas.

The main symptoms of Ulcerative colitis include:

• Abdominal cramping and stomach pains
• Frequent diarrhoea, often containing blood, puss, or mucus
• Feeling the need to empty your bowels more than usual

Sufferers also note other symptoms including fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.

When a 'flare up' occurs some people also encounter symptoms in other areas of the body including:

• Mouth ulcers
• Arthritis (Painful and swollen joints)
• Irritated, itchy, red eyes
• Patches of red, painful, swollen skin

Having to empty your bowels 6 or more times a day is defined as a serious case of Ulcerative Colitis and has been documented with additional symptoms such as:

• Fever and having a high temperature
• Shortness of breath
• An irregular or fast heartbeat
• More prominent blood in stools

Depending on the extent of the affected area, Ulcerative colitis is identified in differing terms: Ulcerative Proctitis refers to when just the area inside the rectum is affected, Proctosigmoiditis involves the rectum and the Sigmoid colon (the lower end of the colon), Distal (or commonly 'left-sided') colitis includes the rectum and up the left side to the Sigmoid and descending colon, and finally, Pancolitis refers to when the entire colon is affected - at this stage one should absolutely seek both medical and nutritional intervention if not already doing so.

Progression from Pancolitis to the more life threatening Fulminant colitis is absolutely avoidable with a diligent focus on diet, which we highly recommend as further progression from this stage can lead to severe and lethal conditions including toxic megacolon and bowel perforation! Not to get the wind up your back!

While it's no 'Cotton-eyed Joe' the exact cause of Ulcerative colitis is unknown. However, as an autoimmune condition, the leading theory is that the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy gut bacteria as a threat, thereby attacking the tissues of the colon leading to inflammation. Experts point to both underlying genetic and environmental factors that cause the immune system to act in this way.

Ulcerative colitis is a tricky condition to tackle with a 'one size fits all' approach. While there are certain preferences in terms of food groups and types, lifestyle factors including stress and more typical factors such as local infection, Ulcerative colitis 'flare ups' can come and go with almost very little to no warning and often with seemingly no identifiable cause.

​The coming and going of Ulcerative Colitis flare ups (relapses) and subsequent periods of milder symptoms (remission) can make life particularly troublesome if a good understanding of the nutritional and medical requirements during each phase is not in place.

While a specific diet has not been linked to the cause of Ulcerative colitis, it is clear that dietary changes will help to manage the condition once acquired and also minimise the impact and duration of flare-ups. On an individual basis you will find specific or alternative foods that work best for you which may not necessarily exactly match someone of a similar condition. Remember this is your journey and your body and while you won't be able to gorge on too many 'cheat foods' there will certainly be a healthy selection for you to enjoy!

In general, people with Ulcerative colitis will benefit from dietary changes including:

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals. 5-6 smaller meals is preferable over 3 main meals.
• Hydration is key make sure you do not become dehydrated especially during bouts of severe diarrhoea. Water, water, WATER is your go-to.
• Nutritional supplements. As a condition of the intestine, often our nutritional uptake is negatively affected - be sure to keep on top of your daily vitamin and mineral intake! Your GP should be able to advise if this course of action is likely to benefit you. Typically the increased intake of magnesium and potassium is advised to recover those nutrients lost from the body during diarrhoea.
• Blackberries, raspberries and blueberries contain phyto-nutrients are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants which induce intestinal anti-inflammatory responses.
• Apple, pears, guavas, plums, gooseberries and oranges, along with other citrus fruits contain large amounts of pectin which soothes the intestinal mucous membranes.
• Apricot, beetroot, carrot and papaya are high in beta-carotene which heals inflamed intestinal mucous membranes.
• Cabbage, dandelion, and garlic are high in organosulfur (organic sulphur/sulfur) which plays an important part in the effective protection of the liver function while healing the bowel.
• Leafy, green, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, spinach and pak choi (bok choy) are high in vitamin K which strengthens the immune system positively enhancing natural gut bacteria decomposition.

• Fiber. Whilst the intake of a certain amount of fiber aids smooth digestion, those suffering from severe Ulcerative colitis want to avoid a high-fiber diet as this will help reduce the frequency of bowel movements and abdominal cramps.
• Most high-fructose corn based products, processed fruit juice, honey and molasses are poorly absorbed leading to typical digestive irritation including bloating, gas and diarrhoea.
• Caffeine. Found in chocolate, coffee, tea and many carbonated drinks. Caffeine has been identified and pointed to as a potential cause of irritation and flare-ups across the globe.
• When looking for pectin, be aware soft fruits such as grapes, cherries and strawberries only contain small amounts. See above for high-pectin foods.
• Dairy products are well-documented as an 'avoid' food group for many digestive disorders. The consumption of too much lactose can negatively affect digestion and can cause or develop symptoms including diarrhoea, gas, and cramping.
• Alcohol. On the best of days alcohol doesn't do wonders for our digestion. As a rule it is best avoided or consumed in regulated quantities in line with a balanced lifestyle.
• Nuts and Seeds can cause cramping, abdominal pain and, bloating and diarrhoea. Small seeds may become lodged in the intestine and can cause, or irritate, a flare-up.
• Gluten - found in wheat, rye, barley and many processed white-bread products can trigger symptoms of Ulcerative colitis.

So now we have a good understanding of Ulcerative colitis, what food groups are potential triggers and which food types and groups can counter the symptoms, you can see the endless possibilities for delicious, mouth-watering concoctions! Of course, you don't want to overdo it on any drastic diet changes as this can cause inadvertent upset so we recommend a gradual shift so as not to force the natural transformation of the gut to a healthier state.

So, here are three fantastic juicing recipes for Ulcerative Colitis pain management for you to get whipping up!

​*PLEASE NOTE* As fiber is not our intended goal here please ensure you use a pulp-separating juicer and not a blender when following the recipes below.

• THE CRUCIFEROUS BETA-CRUNCH!
• THE BANANA, ORANGE, AND RASPBERRY DELIGHT
• DOUBLE APPLE AND PEARS PAIRED WITH CARROT

There are many many more great smoothies and juices we whole-heartedly recommend too so don't feel limited - use the category headings on the right hand side of this page to click on an ingredient to see all our recipes containing that particular ingredient if you have a preference or see our links below to some of the best resources online for Ulcerative colitis treatment, natural remedies and management strategies! 

With an improved diet and the inclusion of smoothies and juices packed with nutritional goodness we have every confidence that in no time at all you will feel like a totally new you! Good luck!

To see the best results from any diet plan, you’ve got to know the “5 Diet Commandments”. These guidelines are essential for superior results. They will take you to the Promised Land, flowing with good health and energy.

Sadly, many dieters miss out on one or more of these rules, and it costs them their success.

So buckle up because here we go!

Of all the foods you might eat while on a fat loss diet, protein is probably the most important. Protein combats hunger, stabilizes blood glucose levels, and prevents lean muscle loss. The result is raised metabolism and accelerated fat loss.
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Don’t let your protein intake fall short. Aim to consume some in every meal and snack. For some unexpected sources of protein, consider quinoa, bulgur, avocado, and whole wheat bagels.

You may have heard that metabolism increases the more often you eat. That’s somewhat misleading. Actually, the boost you get from a meal is directly related to meal size — eating regularly does help keep hunger at bay.
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Feed your body frequently throughout the day to avoid food cravings and energy lows. Those who follow this guideline are more likely to stick to their diet or weight loss program.

When selecting your foods, remember processed foods are a sin. Eating fresh is a must. In our world, processed foods are around every corner, waiting to cause weight gain and thwart our efforts for a healthy life.

Eliminate processed food and give your diet a major boost. Focus on natural foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and oils, and lean proteins. This isn’t the Garden of Eden—reaching for the apple is the right choice.
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You could call this commandment the Golden Rule of dieting. If you make only one change to your diet plan, make this one.

One diet rule that you should abide by is to continually set short term goals. Think about your strategy in the here and now, not months ahead. If your goals can only be achieved far down the road, it becomes too easy to lose sight of them.
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You should also ensure that you put your goals in writing and tell a friend or family member about your intentions. The accountability will redouble your commitment.
Try thinking in two-week segments. Two weeks is generally the period necessary to form good habits, so it’s the perfect amount of time to build behaviors that stand the test of time.

This is precisely why The 2 Week Diet was created. It will help you stay motivated and consistent until good decisions become automatic. We'll be releasing more about this amazing weight loss program in the articles to come but for more information on achieving your goals throughout life in general you might be interested in our article: Tear Down These 3 "Success Floodgates" To Flood Your Life With Success!

Finally, stop comparing yourself to others. Realize this is your journey. Your body is unique and you won’t see the same results as everyone else, so don’t expect to.

Instead, start comparing yourself today to yourself from yesterday. That will give you everything you need to know. If you improve every day, or hold fast to your diet program, then you are already a success.
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Keep these diet commandments in mind. Focus on them and be confident you are on the track to building a truly righteous body!

Interested in learning more about The 2 Week Diet Program? Going the Paleo route and looking for a 1000 recipes at your fingertips? Generally browsing? Use the buttons below to choose your next destination.

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So you're starting to get serious about getting that juicer you've always talked about, huh? Time to kick the regime into gear and finally get on top of those nutritional habits to turn them into something wonderful!

So now begins the decision process! Now let's not kid ourselves a decision like buying a juicer is definitely going to require a little consideration, but where to start? Whether you are a complete newbie to the world of juicing or a hardened vegetation veteran this quick run down of things to consider when  buying a juicer will certainly help get you looking at and thinking about the right things for your (next) juicing machine.

We want to make sure you are as happy as possible whichever way you decide to go so you don't end up with the all too familiar situation of a shiny new piece of kit being banished to the back of the cupboard to gather dust!

Coming in first on our list of things to consider when buying a juicer has to be the primary intended use for your piece of machinery. It goes without saying that no matter what all the other factors may be you want your juicer to be able to do the things you were hoping to use it for!

Essentially this boils down to one question - what are you intending on using your machine for?

If the answer to this is for day to day on-the-go type juice-making of typically juicy fruits and vegetables then you'll most likely be looking for a Centrifugal Juicer. ​However, if you have in mind the idea of hard veggies, leafy greens such as kale, and wheatgrass, along with further use such as nut butter grinding and pasta extruding then you'll be needing a Masticating Juicer (also known as a Slow Juicer or Cold Press Juicer).

Definitely high on the list of considerations is how easy the juicer actually is to use. The biggest cause of juicers being relegated to the forsaken back of the cupboard isn't down to how well they perform, it's simply down to the machine being to cumbersome and difficult to use.

While a flashy big piece of kit with all of its many compartments and various accessories might seem like a step in the right direction to taking your juicing seriously, it might just do more harm than good. Are you realistically going to have the stamina to keep putting together the equivalent of a small car just to make that quick drink? Ok, perhaps we're taking it a little far with that example, granted, but the ease of assembly even before the ingredient preparation is certainly something that shouldn't be considered lightly.

Not only the assembly of your machine but the actual functionality itself is also crucial. If you have big plans for exquisite juices with subtle nuances of flavors then a simple 'on-off' button isn't going to cut it. Strike a nice balance between what you know you need and what you think you might want to try out once you are more familiar with your machine.

Of course, after the juicing is complete you'll need to clean your machine! Going hand in hand with the ease of assembly and operation is how easy is it to clean your machine. After all  is said and done everyone's favorite part cleaning up! - said no one, ever. No, this one's a biggie too. Obviously the more functions and jobs you do with your juicer the more compartments you will inevitably have but if you can do your best to minimize unnecessary additions in the washing up bowl, then why not.

Make sure the juicer you go for is easy to dismantle and has parts that make for easy washing. Most of the top juicing brands recognize this isn't the most glorious aspect of the job and do try to make our lives easier with the way they make their machines but only you know what you'll be happy putting up with having to clean at the end of the day!

Instead of looking at something you have to do, now let's look at what you get out of it - the juice yield!

One of the most overlooked aspects of buying a new juicer is the amount of juice you can actually extract from your raw material. In general across the best brands when it comes to juicy fruits and vegetables there really isn't that much in it but vary that slightly into the realms of soft fruits and vegetables, leafy greens and wheatgrass the difference in yield can result in significant increases in terms of both cost of ingredients and machine maintenance.

Centrifugal juicers are fine for firmer-fleshed fruits and vegetables but typically start to meet their match at soft fruits and vegetables due to the consistency created. They will also not be able to work with leafy greens, spelt and wheatgrass type ingredients - as such a masticating juicer would be required here.

In general masticating juicers are known to extract more juice from raw materials, leaving a drier remaining pulp once all material has been processed but this typically comes with a trade-off in terms of speed and ease of use.

A less 'functional' property to consider with your juicer. The overall amount of noise created for some might be enough to send them over the edge, you have been warned.

Imagine waking up in the morning knowing you will have to face that obnoxious piercing sound to bring you to your senses just to get a cool refreshing drink? Yeah, it's not pleasant. You just want to go about your business but the whole family has just been woken up along with the neighbors and don't get started on the cat down the street...

The noise level might be the least controllable feature but it shouldn't be overlooked. Generally speaking this is correlated with the price you'll spend. Cheaper range and low-budget juicers will make the most noise with noise decreasing as the price rises, reflecting the increased quality, precision and efficiency of the higher-end juicers. Slow, masticating juicers tend to have lower operating noise, too.

So how big is this thing actually going to be!? You'd be surprised at the number of people who buy a juicer and then realize all-too-late that the little bit of space they'd created on the side just isn't even enough for the veggies to sit. No, seriously these things need a bit of room. While they certainly aren't fridge/freezer/oven ballpark, they do need their space - not just for the actual piece of kit but space enough to be able to safely prepare your ingredients nearby too.

In terms of weight, remember these things are machines! They can easily weigh a few kilos and some. Not a big deal if they sit on the side all the time, but if you know you'll need to keep reaching down and picking it out of a cupboard everyday, perhaps you might go for something a little less weighty.

Strike a nice compromise between the space you have at your disposal, how portable you need it to be and the amount and types of ingredients you want to be able to put into your juicer at the same time.

No pre-purchase guide would be complete without mentioning the bottom line, and this is no different! Hopefully you realize at this stage that picking a juicer is more than just a 'check out the price tag on this' game. One person's perfect juicer might be a nightmare for someone else, so buying on price alone is a big no-no!

Once you have a decent idea about all the other considerations you'll probably find the juicers you shortlist are more or less in the same price range. There will of course be some variation and this is where you have a little wiggle room but exercise fair judgement, you don't want to potentially lose half the functionality to save 10% against the next choice up.

As a simple rule of thumb, never spend more than you are comfortable with. If it feels wrong, don't go with it - kick back and do more research! Figure out what you really do / don't need and go from there

If you're looking at the top-of-the range anyway then chances are your juicer comes with a long-life or lifetime warranty. It's always essential to make sure there is some kind of warranty in place to protect you against defects or in the unfortunate situation where something breaks.

Generally the cheaper brands offer shorter warranty periods, if at all, or offer replacements for specific parts so this is something to consider in terms of price, too.

There is nothing wrong with a cheaper, budget juicer by any means but be prepared to consider an upgrade if your juicing becomes a more serious endeavor. As an entry level juicer, budget and less known brands to tend to suffice for the vast majority of people's needs and serve as a stepping stone into the world of juicing.

You made it - congratulations! Now you can go about your juicer search knowing you have the most important bases covered. Be sure to refer to this list of considerations when it comes to seeking out your next juicer and you won't be disappointed! Sometimes it's the simplest things that get overlooked and usually price tends to dictate our every move - hopefully with this list we've shown you there's a lot more to it than the upfront outlay if you want to know you are getting the right machine for you.

Thanks for reading - if you would like to see the best juicers and best juicer brands on the market be sure to check out our Juicer Buying Guide for a rundown of the best juicers on the market and the best juicers by brand.

The diet of our ancestors is completely different from what we are so accustomed to these days. With the advancement of technology, the types of foods we consume are dragged along. A trip to the modern grocery store would shock you with its aisles and aisles of processed food items and animal products. You will not have a hard time finding fast food when eating out as practically every corner of the street has some form of take-away. 

Even fad diets are partly to blame, for introducing a whole new approach to eating, treating drastically ever-changing diets as the norm. In the recent years, consumption of animal products and refined food items has increased, as more and more people leave out the daily supply of fruits and vegetables in their diet. 

It comes as no surprise why, these days, many are suffering from different types of allergies, bone diseases, heart problems and many others. Some health experts link these diseases to the type of foods we eat. There are certain types of food that disrupts a certain balance in our body that, during such instance, health problems arise. If only we could modify our eating habits, it's not unlikely that prevention of diseases and restoration of health is achieved. ​

The Importance of Alkalinity 

Our bodies need to maintain a healthy and steady alkaline to acid ratio, which is signified by the pH level of our body. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, and anything lower than 7 is considered acidic. Processed food items, meat and meat products, sweets, and some beverages and condiments generally produce excessive amounts of acidity in the body. 

Acidosis, abnormally high acidity level in the blood and other tissues of the body, is the one thing that several different diseases have one thing in common. And many health experts believe that acidosis is responsible for a lot of fatal diseases that many people are afflicted with these days. 

Alkaline, on the other hand, naturally occurs in the body to neutralize excess acidity in the body, which is its main role. However, alkaline also becomes depleted at times – especially when there's too much acid it needs to get rid of, and we do not consume foods that replenish our body's alkalinity. 

Maintaining a Healthy pH Level 

As mentioned earlier, acidosis leads to many health-related problems. Dangerous levels of acid get to circulate in our body and break into tissues and organs when not properly neutralized. To prevent this, one must see to it that a healthy pH balance in the body is maintained. To offset the excessive amounts of acid is to increase your body's alkalinity. 

Determining whether or not your pH levels are prevalently alkaline may be done with easy-to-use pH level strips which you can purchase in drug stores or medical supplies stores. There are pH level strips meant for testing using your saliva, and there are those for using your urine. 

Basically, a saliva pH level strip will determine how much acid your body is producing; normally it's between 6.5 and 7.5 throughout the day. While a urine pH level strip will tell how well you excrete excess amounts of acid; you should get between 6.0 and 6.5 in the morning and between 6.5 and 7.0 at night. ​​

The Dangers of Excessive Acid 

If you constantly experience exhaustion, headaches and having frequent colds and flu, then that could mean you have high acid levels in your body. But the ill effects of acidosis in the body don't stop there; you might be surprised at the wide-ranging types of diseases you could get with dangerous levels of acid in your body. 

Depression, hyperacidity, ulcer, skin dryness, acne and obesity are some of those linked to excessive acid levels in the body. Then there are those that are more serious such as joint diseases, osteoporosis, bronchitis, frequent infections and heart diseases. 

Even if you begin to take medications for these illnesses, the symptoms may be masked, but they will still continue to affect your health as you are not attacking them from their roots. No matter what medications you take - pills, anti-inflammatory and the like - your body will only become more acidic because of these medications. 

Alkaline Diet Approach 

To get to the roots of these health problems, the body's pH level must be brought back to normal. There are alkaline foods that can help replenish the depleted alkaline levels in the body while neutralizing excess amounts of acid. Through an alkaline diet, sufficient amounts of alkaline are re-introduced into the body, thus bringing back the pH level to predominantly alkaline. 

So how do you incorporate an alkaline diet into your eating habits? First, you can start by cutting down your intake of processed foods. These type of foods contain chemicals that only increase the acidity of your body ones they're digested. Second, steer clear of meat and meat products, dairies and alcohol. Third, load up on fresh fruits and vegetables, as they naturally are high in alkalinity. 

Even acidic fruits like oranges and lemons become alkaline after they have been digested and absorbed by the body. As a general rule, 75% of your daily food consumption should consist of alkalizing foods. The more alkaline foods we provide our bodies with, which form the basis of the healthiest foods by no mere coincidence, the more efficient the neutralization of excess acids will be.

Originally designed to reverse heart disease, The Alkaline Diet has been extensively studied and recommended by experts. This diet is low in salt, low in fat and high on vegetables and whole grains. The Alkaline Diet is a fantastic way to get your body working in its optimum state by focusing a keen eye on your dietary intake to lead you on a clear roadmap to a healthier you.

Discover how you can kick start your alkaline diet with Emma Deangela's program by clicking below now.