Colitis
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.
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 TM) 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 over stimulation 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.
Supplements and herbs
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.
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.
- Chamomile 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.
What else you can do
- 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.
How much to take
- 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
- 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
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