Is Ulcerative Colitis an Autoimmune Disease?

Introduction: Why Ulcerative Colitis Needs a New Approach

Ulcerative colitis (UC) isn’t just a digestive disorder—it’s an autoimmune condition that stems from deeper imbalances within the immune system, gut, and microbiome. At Patients Medical in New York City, we combine conventional care with functional and holistic medicine to help patients manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and address the root causes behind flare-ups.

We treat the whole person—not just the colon.

What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum. It’s classified as an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own intestinal tissue, triggering inflammation.

Common Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis symptoms can range from mild to severe and may flare periodically. Common signs include:

Is Ulcerative Colitis an Autoimmune Disease?

Yes. Ulcerative colitis is widely recognized as an autoimmune condition. It arises when your immune system attacks healthy cells in the digestive tract, mistaking them for foreign invaders. This immune dysfunction leads to chronic inflammation, ulceration, and often systemic symptoms beyond the gut.

But what triggers the immune attack? That’s where functional medicine steps in.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Ulcerative Colitis?

While UC can have genetic links, most patients develop symptoms due to environmental and internal triggers that disrupt immune regulation. At Patients Medical, we look deeper.

Common root causes include:

  • Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability): Allows toxins and bacteria into the bloodstream, triggering immune responses.
  •  Food Sensitivities: Gluten, dairy, and processed foods can fuel inflammation.
  • Gut Dysbiosis: An imbalance in gut bacteria may activate autoimmune reactions.
  • Toxin Overload: Heavy metals, pesticides, and mold exposure can provoke chronic inflammation.
  • Chronic Stress: Alters gut motility, disrupts immune function, and increases permeability.
  • Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Leads to cellular fatigue and impaired healing.
  • Genetic Predispositions: Especially in combination with lifestyle/environmental triggers

Diagnostic Testing We Use

Our team uses advanced functional and integrative diagnostics to assess your whole-body health and the immune triggers contributing to ulcerative colitis.

Stool analysis for microbiome health, parasites, candida

Leaky gut and zonulin testing

Food allergy and sensitivity panels

Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, calprotectin)

Autoimmune panels (ANA, anti-dsDNA, thyroid antibodies)

Heavy metals and environmental toxin testing

Adrenal and cortisol testing

Genetic testing (MTHFR, HLA markers)

Integrative Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis

Instead of suppressing symptoms with long-term steroids alone, we help you rebalance your immune system, repair your gut, and reduce inflammation naturally.

Nutritional Therapy

  • Anti-inflammatory, gut-healing diets (AIP, low FODMAP, Paleo)
  • Elimination diets to identify food triggers
  • Bone broths, fermented foods, and prebiotic-rich meals

IV Vitamin Therapy

  • IV glutathione, vitamin C, magnesium, and B vitamins
  • Supports tissue repair, detoxification, and immune balance

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

  • Curcumin, boswellia, slippery elm, aloe vera
  • Butyrate, L-glutamine, and zinc carnosine for mucosal healing
  • Probiotics and antimicrobials for gut microbiome support
    All therapies are prescribed and monitored by our physician team.

Mind-Body & Stress Support

  • Adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola)
  • Meditation and vagus nerve activation techniques
  • Acupuncture and craniosacral therapy

Hormone & Immune Modulation

  • Addressing thyroid, cortisol, and DHEA imbalances
  • Modulating overactive immune responses without full suppression

Real Case Study: Sophia’s Remission from Flare-Ups

Sophia, 33, came to us with frequent flare-ups, extreme fatigue, and dependency on prednisone. After evaluating her case, we uncovered:

  • Candida overgrowth and severe dysbiosis
  • Gluten sensitivity and leaky gut
  • Elevated cortisol levels
  • Low levels of vitamin D and zinc

Our 4-month integrative plan included:

  • Gluten- and dairy-free nutrition
  • Gut-healing protocol with L-glutamine and probiotics
  • IV nutrient therapy
  • Stress management with adaptogens and acupuncture

Sophia is now medication-free and has been symptom-free for 10+ months.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

 Yes. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the lining of the colon.

 Yes. With gut healing, diet changes, and stress management, many patients achieve long-term remission.

We never ask you to stop medications abruptly. Our goal is to support your healing so that—with your doctor—you can reduce or eliminate them safely.

 Absolutely. Eliminating triggers and supporting gut repair is foundational in autoimmune recovery.

Yes. Even long-standing cases can improve with an integrative approach.

 Yes, our protocols support both UC and Crohn’s as part of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

 Some testing may be partially reimbursable. We are out-of-network but provide superbills for insurance submission.

 Most patients notice improvement within 4–8 weeks, though full healing may take months.

 Our care is complementary. We can support your healing while you’re on conventional therapies.

 Yes, we offer nationwide telehealth for gut and autoimmune conditions.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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