Description
Ulcerative Colitis is a disease of the Colon and the Large Intestine.
The meaning of Colitis is , inflammation of the Colon. And Ulcerative Colitis is, inflammation of the colon and large intestines that is accompanied by ulcers and bloody diarrhea. It is a kind of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It causes open Sores and Ulcers in the Colon. It may lead to Anemia.
In Ulcerative Colitis, the Intestines will become weak and they take time to digest the food. The digestive system may also get affected. So, it is advised, that patient should chew the food well before swallowing.
The Intestines are differentiated into small and large intestines. The small intestines are 15 to 20 feet long and large intestines are about 5 feet that is 1.5 meter long. The large intestines begins with Cecum and is followed by the Colon, Rectum and it ends at the Anus. Most of the absorption is done by large intestines.
Types of Ulcerative Colitis:
Ulcerative Proctitis : In this the inflammation affects the Rectum. The initial sign may be Rectal Pain and mild bleeding from the Rectum. In advanced stages, it may cause bloody Diarrhea.
Proctosigmoiditis : It affects the Rectum and the final segment of the Colon that is Sigmoid Colon. The symptoms Proctosigmoiditis are abdominal Cramps and Bloody Diarrhea.
Left Sided Ulcerative Colitis : It affects the Rectum, Sigmoid Colon and Descending part of the Colon. The Symptoms are sudden weight loss and Bloody Diarrhea.
Pan Ulcerative Colitis : It is also known as Total or Universal Ulcerative Colitis, means it affects the entire large intestines. The symptoms include, Abdominal Cramps, Rectal Pain, Fever and Bloody Diarrhea.
Fulminant Colitis : It is the advanced stage of Pan Ulcerative Colitis. In this the codition becomes worse and the person feels severe abdominal pain and cramps. It is accompanied by Bloody Diarrhea and Dehydration. The condition may even rupture the Colon and the person can go into a state of shock.
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis
The exact cause is unknown. However it is believed that the cause may be bacterial or viral infection.
Response of the immune system to fight against infections.
Genetics may also be a cause.
If not treated properly, Ulcerative Colitis may cause
Colon Cancer
Osteoporosis
Liver Problems
Kidney Problems
What to Eat?
First thing that you should you every morning on empty stomach is, drink two glasses of warm water. It will help in easy bowel movement and is good for digestion.
In Ulcerative Colitis Pomegranate is very beneficial. At initial stages, you may start with eating 2 to 3 tablespoons of Pomegranate seeds. Later on you may increase it to 50 to 100 gms of Seeds. One thing to keep in mind is, that you please chew the seeds well. If you find hard seeds, then eat the outer small red pulp and throw the inner hard portion.
If you get lose motions the, no need to worry. In Colitis, the intestines get weak so it takes time to digest food.
Remember, avoid its juice, as it may cause Lose Motions.
You may also have Bael leaves to get rid of Ulcerative Colitis. Have 2 tablespoon of dried leaves or powder with water or buttermilk. Buttermilk is good for your intestines.
What not to eat?
People with Ulcerative Colitis should avoid, Milk, Clarified Butter ( Ghee ) and Sweet products. As it may worsen the Colitis.
Note : It can be diagnosed by the sample of stools. The blood test may diagnose Anemia because it may lead to anemia.
Differential Diagnosis: Crohn's disease : It is the inflammation of the Gastrointestinal Tract. It effects the Esophagus, Stomach and the Small Intestine.
Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome : It is the inflammation of the Colon and the Small intestine. It causes Vomiting and Diarrhea.
Colitis : It is the inflammation that causes swelling in the small intestine and the Colon.
Materia Medica for Ulcerative Colitis
Single Herb
Aloe Vera gel for Ulcerative Colitis
Have 1 tablespoon of fresh Aloe Vera gel every day to get rid of Ulcerative Colitis.
Boswellia helps to reduce the inflammation associated with Ulcerative Colitis.
Have 1 Boswellia capsule every day.
Turmeric has antiinflammtory properties. It helps in reducing the inflammation and cures Ulcerative Colitis.
Have 1 tablespoon of Turmeric powder daily. Add a pinch of Black pepper, as it increases the bioavailability of the Turmeric.
Ginkgo contains antioxidant and antiinflammatory factors. The extract us used to prevent and cure Ulcerative Colitis.
Take 10 drops of Ginkgo extract every day.