Natural Remedies For Colitis
Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract. There are four types of Colitis, but Ulcerative Colitis is the most common of them all. It affects the innermost lining of your large intestine/colon and rectum. The symptoms usually develop gradually over time.
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Colitis is often very painful and debilitating, and if left untreated, can lead to a number of life-threatening complications, such as rectal bleeding, dehydration, an increased risk of colon cancer, etc. Unfortunately, like many other disorders and diseases, there is no known cure. But early diagnosis and treatment will significantly reduce signs and symptoms of the disease, providing long-term remission from flare ups. The signs and symptoms vary with each type of Colitis and each individual, including the afflicted area and the intensity. Most cases are mild-moderate, yet some have it severe.
The exact cause of colitis remains unknown. It was previously believed that diet and stress were to blame, but now doctors know that these factors only aggravate the already existing condition, they don’t actually cause the disease. One possible major culprit of colitis is an immune system malfunction. When your immune system tries to fight off an invading virus or bacterium, an abnormal immune response causes your white blood cells to attack the cells in the digestive tract as well. Sometimes, heredity/genetics may also play a role. However, most patients with colitis have nobody in their immediate family with this condition.
Various medical treatments are available to manage ulcerative colitis (UC) and all other forms of colitis. The purpose and aim of modern therapy is to prevent flare-ups and extend the time between them, also referred to as remission, at least temporarily. But the problem with those medications is that they often come with serious side effects, especially when taken for extended periods of time. For example, “corticosteroids” can cause a slew of dermal, psychological, and hormonal problems. Many people’s bodies and digestive systems simply can’t tolerate these medications. Children in particular may have issues with standard medications.
Foods To Avoid To Minimize Colitis Symptoms
Because of the many adverse side effects that commonly come with the use of traditional ulcerative colitis medications, many people turn to alternative therapies, such as natural remedies, to manage their Colitis. Whatever your habits or lifestyle, when it comes to the foods you consume, following the anti-inflammatory diet is a must in order to successfully treat and manage Colitis.
With that being said, these are the foods that you need to eliminate as much as possible in order to reduce the severity and frequency of your colitis symptoms:
• alcohol
• some kinds of dairy
• red meat
• processed foods
• high-carbohydrate foods
• sugar alcohols
That list above might seem impossible, but with a little guidance and willpower, you will achieve success. Apart from foods, there are also various lifestyle changes and natural remedies you can try to fight colitis and improve your overall quality of life.
Listed below are some of the best natural remedies for colitis that have been tested and approved by the experts and professionals in the field.
Supplement- Probiotics
Probiotics in food or pill form are very important because they introduce good, healthy gut bacteria to restore and maintain a natural microbial flora in the gut. This has been shown to result in a reduction of harmful inflammatory reactions and extend the length of remission time. You can find a rich source of very helpful probiotics in yogurt and miso soup.
Supplement- Vitamin C
Increasing your vitamin C intake, whether via pills, chewables or fresh food, may have a protective effect for your colon. Vitamin C-rich foods have also been linked with a longer remission phase. Some of these foods include berries, spinach, bell pepper and parsley.
Herbal Remedy- Bromelain
Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, may help ease colitis symptoms and reduce the frequency of flares because it’s a proteolytic, which means that it helps break down proteins. Additionally, Bromelain has also been shown to decrease intestinal inflammation and enhance intestinal cell function, which helps to reduce colitis symptoms.
Herbal Remedy- Psyllium Seed/Husk
Psyllium seed/husk enhances gut motility, alleviates the symptoms of constipation, and improves the elimination of waste. For those who suffer from colitis or other digestive problems, this is a must have in every kitchen.
Lifestyle Change- Stress Management
Both physical and emotional stress are often responsible for worsening colitis symptoms, because stress is well known to negatively affect and irritate your digestive system in general. Therefore, it’s strongly recommended to prevent relapses with the help of calming and stress-relieving exercises such as physical therapies, yoga, and meditation.
Lifestyle Change- Review Your General Drug And Medication Regimen
Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be associated with colitis flare-ups. If you have colitis, consult your doctor before using an NSAID.
Final Thoughts
If you have been diagnosed with a type of colitis or some other digestive disease, try not to panic. You are not alone. There are many gastrointestinal doctors and treatments available to help fight it. While the aforementioned natural remedies have been proven to help, never replace professional help. Always be sure to consult with a trusted doctor for further health and medical advice.
