Colitis

Inflammation of the colon. The mucous membranes of the colon become inflamed, and small, pouch-like areas are formed. This condition may be acute or chronic. It often strikes young and early middle-aged adults. There are several types of colitis, and they range from mild to serious. Enteritis and ileitis are types of inflammation of the small intestines often associated with colitis. Severe colitis is called ulcerative colitis. With this condition, the colon is both inflamed and lined with ulcers. Colitis is a particularly painful and temporarily disabling condition.

Causes

Some of the causes of colitis are poor eating habits, stress, and an allergy to certain foods. A food sensitivity test is advised. Diet is probably the most significant factor in the remission of colitis.

Symptoms

Cramps in the abdominal area, diarrhea, and an almost continual need to eliminate. Often there is blood in the stool. Passage of offensive watery stools with mucus and pus. Abdominal pain, tenderness, or colic. Intermittent or irregular fever. Hemorrhage and perforation may occur.

Nutrients

Proteolytic enzymes, 2 tablets between meals, is vital for proper digestion. Multidigestive enzymes, 2 tablets after meals, are anti-inflammatory enzymes. Acidophilus, twice daily on an empty stomach, normalizes the intestinal bacteria. (Use milk free product if you have a milk intolerance) Alfalfa capsules, 3 times per day as directed on label, supplies needed vitamin K and chlorophyll for healing. Protein supplement (free form of amino acids), twice per day on an empty stomach. Vitamin A capsules, 25,000 IU per day, is needed for tissue repair. Vitamin E capsules, 800 IU per day. Vitamin B complex, 50-100 mg. per day in divided doses, is essential for the breakdown of fats, protein, and carbohydrates and for proper digestion. Garlic capsules, 2 capsules with meals, is a natural antibiotic. Mineral supplement with extra calcium, chromium, magnesium, and zinc, taken as directed on the label. Raw thymus glandular, 500 mg. twice per day, is important in immune function. Unsaturated fatty acids, taken as directed on the label, is important in cell formation. (Linseed oil and primrose oil are good sources) Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 3,000-5,000 mg. daily in divided doses, is needed for immune function and healing of the mucous membranes. (Use a nonacid-forming brand)

Herbs

Aloe vera
Alfalfa
Angelica
Barley
Basil
Bayberry bark
Bilberry
Castor bean
Cayenne pepper
Chamomile
Clover, red
Collinsonia
Columbo
Comfrey
Dandelion
Elm, slippery, bark
Feverfew
Fireweed
Five finger grass
Fleabane
Garlic
Ginger
Golden seal
Hops
Indigo, wild
Linseed oil
Lobelia
Marshmallow
Mugwort
Myrrh
Oak, white, bark
Oat bran
Papaya
Pau d'arco
Pepper, black
Peppermint
Plantain
Pomegranate
Primrose oil
Psyllium
Ragwort
Raspberry, leaves
Rhubarb
Senna
Sumac
Valerian
Vervain
Wheatgrass
Yam, Mexican wild
Yarrow extract

Recommendations

Dietary directions: Put oat bran, steamed vegetables, or raw vegetables through the blender. Add 1 tbsp. of oat or rice bran daily to cereals, juice, etc. This will add the bulk needed for cleansing the colon. Eliminate any grain, seeds, or nuts except for well-cooked brown rice. Drink plenty of liquids. Do not eat any dairy products. red meat, sugar products, fried foods, spices, or processed foods. A low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet from a vegetable source is preferred.

Use cleansing enemas with two quarts of lukewarm water. This will help rid the colon of undigested foods and relieve pain. Lobelia tea is a good drink which may also be used as an enema.

Stretching exercises are important for improved digestion. Partially digested starches may allow food to pass through the colon too rapidly. When magnesium is given intravenously with vitamin B6, it relaxes the muscles in the walls of the bowels and controls the attack of a spastic colon. For less severe attacks, use oral magnesium and vitamin B6.

A vitamin K deficiency has been linked to gastrointestinal disorders and ulcerative colitis. Sulfa drugs and mineral oil destroy vitamin K. Vitamin K is found in alfalfa and dark green leafy vegetables. Don't wear clothing that is tight around the waist. Have a regular colonoscopy. See the doctor regularly.

Suggestions

The most important thing to do is keep a daily record of what has been eaten. Thus being able to note which foods have aggravated or improved the condition. Sensitivity to certain foods, such as yeast products, wheat products, or dairy products may be discovered this way. By checking the daily record, note which food caused a flare-up or made you feel great. Eat a high-fiber diet. Oat bran, brown rice, barley and other whole grains, lentils, and related products such as rice cakes should be included. Eat a low-fat diet. Fats and oils exacerbate the diarrhea that comes with colitis. Keep fats and oils out of the diet, and stay away from high-fat milk and cheeses. Spicy foods and coffee will also irritate colitis. Eat broiled or baked foods, not foods that are fried or sautéed. Avoid sauces made from butter.

Find nonfat dairy foods or lactose-free milk. Try low-fat cheese or soy-based cheese. Try soy milk instead of dairy milk. Obtain protein from turkey or chicken without skin. Eat baked or broiled seafood, not fried or sautéed.

Drink spring water, club soda, or seltzer water to make up for the fluid lost with diarrhea. Aloe vera juice is very good, especially for ulcerative colitis (and regular ulcers, too). It is a natural juice made from the aloe vera plant.

If you want to eat fruit, do not eat it on an empty stomach; eat fruit at the end of a meal. Fruit juice should be diluted with spring water or club soda and taken during or after a meal. Eat lots of vegetables. If you cannot tolerate raw vegetables, steam them.