Colitis is the colon inflammation that occurs due to long term inflammation and irritation of the delicate membrane lining the walls of the colon. It is a common disorder of large bowel that brings discomfort and irregular bowel habits.
Prolong constipation, indigestion, unhealthy eating habits, stressful lifestyle, food allergy, overdose of antibiotics and other medicines, etc are the major causes of colitis. People whose digestive system fails to digest roughage, or whose bowel movement is not proper have higher chances to suffer from colitis.
The major symptoms of colitis are excessive urge to clear bowel followed by severe pain in abdomen, frequent urge to move the bowel and bloody mucus in the stools. As the disease progresses upwards, the stools become more frequent and watery, and are characterized by rectal straining. Loss of fluid and blood from the bowels causes weakness, vomiting, nausea, anemia, fever and loss of appetite.
Diet plays a significant role in the treatment of this disease. Patient is advised to undergo a juice fast for at least five days. Juices of papaya, carrots and cabbage are good to take. Juice diluted with a little boiled water is good for the patient. Citrus juices should not be consumed.
After the completion of juice fast, the patient should gradually adopt a diet of small frequent meals of steamed vegetables, homemade cottage cheese, yoghurt, rice, well ripened fruits like papaya, banana, etc. The patient must chew all foods slowly and thoroughly.
Tender coconut water is also useful home remedy for colitis. It has soothing effect on the soft mucosa of the colon. Raw vegetables, sprouted seeds and grains, cooked apple and whole wheat bread may be added gradually to the diet of the patient.
Fruits like banana and apples are good home remedies for colitis. Banana is beneficial in fast recovery from the disease. Doctors advise patients to include 2-3 ripe bananas in their daily diet. Apples are rich in iron and phosphate and aid the healing of ulcerative colitis. Cooked or boiled apples should be given to the patient.
Another common home remedy for colitis is boiled rice. It is good for patient suffering with this disease. A small bowl of rice mixed with 1-2 ripe bananas and a small cup of fresh curd can be given 1-3 times a day.
Pumpkin seeds are good in calming the colon. Intake of meat is not advised as it may disturb the functioning of colon. One of the useful home remedies for colitis is drumsticks. To make the herbal remedy from drumstick, take a teaspoon of fresh juice of drumstick leaves and mix an equal quantity of honey and a glass of tender coconut water. Give this two or three time daily for the treatment of the disease.
Psyllium and water works as a natural colon cleanser and also alleviates constipation. Vitamin A, E, K and B complex helps in quick healing of the colon. The patient should give up the spicy, oily and junk foods, breads, pizzas, burgers, and other foods made up of refined flour. Chillies should be avoided as they will irritate the bowels.
Wheatgrass juice used as an enema helps in colon detoxification. The patient should be given an enema with lukewarm water and after 20 minutes, 100-120 ml of wheatgrass juice enema is given. This should be retained for 10-15 minutes. This enema is beneficial in disorders associated with colitis.
The patient is advised to drink lots of water as well hydrated body is less prone to constipation. Drinking water early in the morning is highly beneficial. Bed rest is very important to the patient. The patient should try to reduce stress by any means like exercises, yoga, meditation or music.
One of the effective home remedies for colitis is marshmallow root. It has soothing and healing effect on the inflamed mucus membranes. Ginger is also well known home remedy for diarrhea, abdominal bloating, vomiting, etc. Wild yam is also useful in reducing gastrointestinal upset and nerve pain. It has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
Peppermint is also commonly used to calm the stomach and intestinal tract. It relieves the stomach and act as a useful home remedy for colitis. The person suffering from this disease must avoid taking heavy food items such as meat, chocolates, cheese, etc. Boiled water should be given to the patient. Sour and citrus food items should not be given in any form. Alcohol and smoking are also harmful in colitis.
