Too many with UC

I believe that there are two "types" of Uc. Inherited and environmental. In the case of inherited, for instance, my great grandmother had some sort of bowel condition. Back then they didn't have a name for it - I'm talking late 1800's to early 1900's. My grandmother didn't have anything but my mother had Crohn's. So in my instance, I believe mine was inherited. As for the environment, things are going down hill fast. I sort of want to blame it on our compulsion for cleanliness. We use so many cleaning products that it wipes out the germs in our homes/work places and hospitals that our bodies don't get that chance to properly become immune to such things anymore.

The increase of cases can also be that many more people are realizing that things are not normal and are finally seeking care. Having an IBD can be an embarassing disease and many people wait until the very last minute to find the medical care they need.

Stats show the number is increasing...it also shows that pediatric IBD is on an alarming rise compared to years ago. There's 2 parts to having IBD, being predisposed to it and an environmental trigger in order to bring the disease "out".

Researchers believe there are alot of environmental triggers and food/diet is not ruled out as one, but they also strongly feel that it's more than likely a combination of environmental factors rather than just one that triggers a patients IBD.

Ah they have soooo much to learn still, I wish they'd figure it out already....but at least in Canada they have the GEM project;

"The GEM Project is a Canada-wide research study that will attempt to determine possible causes for Crohn's Disease by following healthy individuals who are at a higher risk for developing the disease over time....healthy individuals who have a sibling and/or parent with Crohn's Disease will join the effort to help find a cause.

This is the first study of its kind to try and understand the complex genetic, environmental and microbial interactions within our own bodies.  If you have Crohn's disease, we encourage you to ask your siblings and/or offspring to participate. If you have a full-sibling or parent that suffers from Crohn's Disease and are between the ages of 6 and 35."

I know this project is specific to crohn's but I wouldn't be surprised if they include UC or will do the same study at some point for UC as well.

When I spoke to a second cousin years ago, and told her of my gastro problems, she casually told me I had the family curse.

It took me a long time to find a doctor to properly diagnose my condition. I suffered for years not knowing what my problem was and how to treat it.

So in my case there is a genetic root, but I also feel that diet is also a factor.

Between additives, genetic engineering, preservatives, IMHO these all play a role in the various ailments people have today.