Ulcerative Colitis Dietary Therapy

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) - The Gas

The H₂S gas is made in the colon. It is a nasty customer. It is mostly what gives flatus its foul smell. We avoid the smell when we can and make fun of it. But, there is nothing funny about H₂S. Consider these facts about H₂S, all medically documented.

• Half the normal population makes H₂S gas in their colon. The other half makes methane gas.
• However, 90-100% of ulcerative colitis patients make H₂S. That’s an interesting fact, isn’t it?
• H₂S is a toxic gas. In higher doses, it can irritate the eyes. In even higher concentrations, it is as toxic as hydrogen cyanide. In the normal colon, there are cells that contain an enzyme that detoxifies the H₂S gas.
• There is some evidence to suggest that this enzyme is deficient in ulcerative colitis patients, so that the H₂S may linger and damage the colon wall.
• Most patients have ulcerative colitis in the left side of the colon where the H₂S gas is mostly made.
• Certain bacteria in the left side of the colon use sulfur in our foods, especially in red meat, to make the H₂S gas.
• The good bacteria in the colon make certain acid substances, (see SCFA above) thereby acidifying the colon contents.
• Here is a possible key point. These H₂S producing bacteria do not grow in an acid environment. Keeping the colon acid may be important.