Colitis

Symptoms

Colitis refers to an inflammation of the lower bowels or colon. There are several types of colitis, but ulcerative colitis is the most common and the most serious. The inflammation causes small ulcers to develop in the mucous membranes of the intestine. In most cases, the inflammation flares up and then recedes. Bouts of colitis typically cause relentless cramping pains and diarrhea, containing blood and mucus. The diarrhea often alternates with stubborn constipation and hard stools. Fever and fatigue are common during the attacks. Since an inflamed colon cannot adequately perform its function of absorbing water and minerals, nutritional deficiencies are likely to develop. Nausea and poor appetite provide additional hindrances. If intestinal bleeding occurs, even minimally, anemia results. Bouts of ulcerative colitis are highly individual and often dependent upon emotional stress. In long-standing, severe cases, the constant inflammation of cells in the colon increases the risk for colon cancer.

Causes

Ulcerative colitis can easily be confused with other inflammatory bowel problems, including irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. Diarrhea from inflammation of the colon can have many other causes, including a bacterial or parasitic infection, such as dysentery. For this reason, it is helpful to rule out all other causes.

Ulcerative colitis is thought to be an autoimmune disease, but it is strongly linked to a poor diet, low in fiber and high in sugar and other refined carbohydrates, including white flour, rice and pastas, which are deprived of their nutrients and fiber. There is a school of thought which believes that inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis is the result of an allergy or hypersensitive reaction to food by the colon. Salicylate (e.g. Aspirin©) sensitivity can be shown in some patients with ulcerative colitis. Some researchers have shown the existence of circulation antibodies to cow’s milk and other foods. The most common foods triggering
ulcerative colitis are milk, wheat and yeast
containing foods.

Colitis is also linked to an overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system caused by constant stress and unresolved emotional conflicts. Feelings of insecurity, anxiety, restlessness and constant hurrying affect the sympathetic nervous system, which can cause intestinal spasms. Antibiotics cause an imbalance in the intestinal flora of the colon by destroying friendly bacteria. Regular anti-inflammatory medications tend to increase the need for certain nutrients and contribute to deficiencies.

Nutrition

Adopt a natural foods, predominantly vegetarian diet, consisting mainly of vegetables, fruits and grains (but not wheat), which provide complex carbohydrates and mucilaginous, water-soluble fiber. Foods almost always well tolerated by colitis patients include rice, potatoes, rolled oats, noodles, asparagus, crispbread, rye bread, rusks, carrot juice, butter, flax seed and unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil. Fiber or roughage which is not water-soluble, like wheat bran, is too rough on the colon and should be avoided. Water-soluble fiber, like oat bran or apple pectin, softens the stools and binds and eliminates toxins. Flax seed is particularly high in mucilaginous fiber. It absorbs up to eight times its weight in water and is very effective in removing toxic metabolites. Soak two tablespoons of whole flax seeds overnight in half a cup of water; mix with buttermilk, natural yogurt or kefir in the morning for a healthy breakfast. Natural, unsweetened yogurt or kefir creates an environment of friendly bacteria in the intestines. Broil or bake foods instead of frying them. If you cannot tolerate raw vegetables, steam them lightly. Eat fruit at the end of a meal, not on an empty stomach. The pigment in blueberry juice or fresh blueberries has a medicinal effect on the colon, healing diarrhea due to bacterial infection. One in three persons with colitis is sensitive to milk, but even products made for the lactose-intolerant cause problems. Milk and dairy products have to be avoided. Lactic acid fermented vegetables such as raw sauerkraut or fermented beet juice also provide friendly bacteria.

Eliminate allergens and irritants from the diet; over fifty percent of people suffering from colitis cannot tolerate cola or alcohol. Over forty percent of people with colitis develop symptoms after eating beans, peas, French fries, bacon, sardines in oil, coffee, and white and red wine. Other common irritants are wheat, corn, nuts, seeds, citrus fruits, red meat, sugars and spicy foods. Keep a record of what you eat to determine particular irritants. Avoid commercially prepared foods containing carrageenan as a stabilizing agent, including cottage cheese, chocolate milk and whipped cream.

Many colitis victims can control their symptoms simply by eliminating lactose (milk sugar), starches, grains, yeast and refined carbohydrates from the diet. The salicylate-free diet and the Gottschall “Specific Carbohydrate Diet” have a high success rate in both Chrohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Some patients need only follow these diets for six months while other must follow them for years before being able to eat the disallowed foods without symptoms.

Often these diets are the only treatment that reversed chronic diarrhea, irritable bowel disease and other digestive problems. Aside from treating Chrohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, this diet is recognized for its beneficial effects with celiac disease, diverticulitis, cystic fibrosis and other chronic diarreheal disorders.

Nutritional Supplements

In chronic colitis, supplementation should focus on soothing and healing the mucous membranes as well as replenishing the nutrients that are lost. Be sure to take supplements that are most easily assimilated.

Lactobacillus acidophilus combination supplements are beneficial in keeping the bowel flora well balanced, since the friendly bacteria are often disturbed in colitis.

The essential fatty acids are necessary for rebuilding cells and providing energy. As precursors for the body’s own prostaglandins, they serve as anti-inflammatories that are easy on the system. Essential fatty acids are available in evening primrose oil, fish oils and cold-pressed flax seed oil.

Medicinal clay treatment for at least a week is most beneficial for intestinal inflammation by lining the walls of the colon and protecting it from irritation by toxins and abrasive matter. Add the medication you are taking to clay water. Clay helps absorb toxic waste from the intestines and is excellent in promoting
healing.

Beta-carotene and vitamin E promote mucous membrane healing and are often poorly absorbed by those with intestinal problems. To prevent scarring, vitamin E should be continued even when improvement is noticeable.

The B vitamins are often deficient and supplementation with folic acid has reduced diarrhea in cases of deficiency.

Magnesium is helpful to calm spasms. Lack of this mineral can lead to irritability, cramps and weakness.

Find a good multivitamin that has a complete supply of vitamins and minerals.

Glutamine will help in the regeneration of colon cells.

The plant enzymes bromelain and papain restore digestion.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Lactobacillus acidophilus combination, 3 capsules or 1 tsp.

Evening primrose oil, 1-2 capsules three times daily

Beta-carotene, 25,000 IU

Vitamin B complex with extra folic acid, 5 mg daily (folic acid and B12 should be no less than 1 mg)

Multivitamin, as directed on the label

Glutamine, 500 mg three times daily

Helpful

Medicinal clay, as recommended on the label

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU

Magnesium, 500 mg, preferably in divided doses

Digestive enzymes, three times

Herbal Remedies

Use herbs that nourish the mucous membranes, glands, improve digestion, circulation and intestinal health, and strengthen the nerves.

Aloe vera juice heals and aids in the smooth functioning of the colon. Take 1/2 cup daily for at least six months. After improvement, take 1 tbsp. daily for maintenance.

A combination of burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm and Turkish rhubarb effectively treats intestinal inflammation. Take 2 oz. twice daily.

Stinging nettle helps to reduce inflammation. For a couple of weeks, take 2 tbsp. stinging nettle juice with some water three times daily fifteen minutes before meals.

Sufficient silica in the intestines will reduce inflammation, and strengthen and rebuild connective tissue. Take 2-4 capsules of vegetal silica from spring horsetail twice daily with food.

Hops is nerve calming, sleep promoting and strengthens the stomach and intestinal tract in nervous-based colitis. For stomach discomfort, add 2-3 tbsp. whole hops soaked in 1 cup of cold water and sip slowly throughout the day, just before meals. To soothe nerves, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tbsp. of whole hops, valerian and lemon balm and drink before going to bed.

Camomile enemas help remove bacterial toxins.

Comfrey enemas fight bacterial infections and aid in the healing of bleeding ulcers.

Echinacea has an excellent effect on the intestinal bacteria. Add 10-20 drops of echinacea tincture to enema water.

Psyllium seed husks help soften stools and soothe bowel irritation. Take 1 tbsp. in a glass of water or juice before bedtime. Psyllium forms a soft, gelatinous bulk substance which attaches itself to the trapped matter in the bowel pockets and eliminates it in hard, rope-like fecal waste. Sometimes this encrusted waste will be pulled from the colon wall much like pulling off a scab, causing bleeding. The colon will clear up if the herbal treatment is continued.

Take 4 capsules of slippery elm daily to help control diarrhea and soothe inflamed tissue in the colon.

Goldenseal is a natural antibiotic and will help stop bleeding. Take several times a day for not more than two days, during acute flare-ups. Combine with myrrh to reduce inflammation.

Yucca saponin reduces the tendency to develop accumulations of undigested toxic waste which decomposes in the colon, producing foul-smelling gases. Putrefaction in the intestinal tract becomes a fertile field for parasites, worms and harmful bacteria.

Homeopathy

Take one of the following remedies in the 6c strength, every 2 hours for up to 10 doses during an acute attack. Consult an experienced homeopath for more extensive treatment.

Arsenicum album is recommended when the person feels chilly, restless and anxious, burning pain in the abdomen accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, symptoms worse after midnight, wanting warm drinks.

Take Mercurius corr for cutting abdominal pain not relieved by passing stool, with hot offensive stools accompanied by blood and mucus.

Tissue Salts

Tissue salts can help ease symptoms of colitis, especially during periods of aggravation. Take 4 tablets under the tongue four times daily, or every hour if needed.

Nat sulph is recommended for diarrhea when the stools are green-colored from too much bile. The diarrhea is chronic, worse in the morning and in rainy, wet weather. It can alternate with constipation.

Kali mur is indicated for stools containing some blood and mucus. they can be lighter in color, and rich food aggravates.

Use Kali sulph when the stools are slimy
yellow in color with much gas and occasional abdominal cramping. The diarrhea can alternate with constipation. there is an absence of thirst and symptoms are worse in the heat.

Kali phos can be of use when diarrhea is associated with fright, worry or emotional exhaustion. The stools are very smelly, golden yellow, possibly containing blood. Chilliness and fatigue are typical.

If the main problem is sharp cramping and gas, and warmth is helpful, choose Mag phos.
This tissue salt can be used in combination with others if necessary.

External/Physical Therapies

Hot body wraps and dry brushing and, later in the healing stage, sauna and swimming help increase circulation and promote healing.

Bedrest, warmth and relaxation will help improve this condition.

Abdominal exercises strengthen muscles; start gently and gradually build up strength.

Walking helps to stimulate the bowels.

Acupressure

Apply deep thumb pressure on points every other day, as illustrated.

Reflexology

Work the areas corresponding to the colon, liver, gall-bladder, lower spine, solar plexus and adrenal glands, as illustrated.

Other Suggestions

More difficult cases require help from a natural health care practitioner for treatment of hidden food allergies, candida (yeast) infections, bacterial flora imbalances and parasite infestations. Diet therapy can then be more specifically tailored to account for the individual food allergies or infections. (For more information, see Appendix 1.)

Take a hair mineral analysis test to determine mineral deficiencies and heavy-metal poisoning and Comprehensive Digestive and Stool Analysis (CDSA) for parasites. (For more information, see Appendix 1.)

With ulcerative colitis, avoid Aspirin©, ibuprofen, and drugs that cause more damage to the intestinal lining.

Do not eat when upset or angry. Chew food thoroughly.

Do not use over-the-counter laxatives, which irritate the colon. Use only flax seeds as a laxative.

Available Brand Name Products

Nutrition

Inca Rice-Golden Quinoa (Artesian Acres)

Nutritional Supplements

Silicea Gel (Anton Huebner)

Flax Oil (Flora)

Flax-O-Mega 1000mg (Flora)

FloraSil (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend Capsules (Flora)

Bentonite Clay, Hydrated (Inno-Vite)

L-Glutamine (Klaire Laboratories)

Magnesium Complex C

(Klaire Laboratories)

Acidophilus & Bifidus (Natural Factors)

Beta Carotene (Natural Factors)

Beta Green (Natural Factors)

E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)

Ester-C (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil 1000mg (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)

Mega Acidophilus Powder

(Natural Factors)

Megazyme (Natural Factors)

Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil

(Natural Factors)

Vitamin A (Natural Factors)

N-A-G (N-Acetyl Glucosamine)

(Quest Vitamins)

FOS-A-Dophilus (Sisu)

Other Nutritional Supplements

Aloe Vera Gel (Nature’s Herbs)

Aloe Vera Inner Leaf (Nature’s Herbs)

Aloe Vera Gel (The Real Aloe Co.)

Herbal Remedies

Horsetail Leaves (Flora)

Bio K (Greens+)

30 day Fabulax Cleansing Program

(Knowledge Products)

Silica Extract (Natural Factors)

Valerian Extract (Natural Factors)

Echinacea Angustifolia Extract

(Nature’s Herbs)

Golden Seal Root (Nature’s Herbs)

Green-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Hops-Valerian Combination

(Nature’s Herbs)

Psyllium Seed (Nature’s Herbs)

Silica-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Slippery Elm Bark (Nature’s Herbs)

Valerian-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Yucca (Nature’s Herbs)

External Therapies

Chamomile Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Fennel Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Lemongrass Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)