Colitis and irritable bowel syndrome are two closely related conditions that afflict many people. Colitis is the inflammation of the large intestine, and there could be many causes for this condition such as infections, viruses, and inflammatory disorders. Some sufferers may have had radiation to the large intestine, or may have lack of blood flow to area.
Sufferers of colitis and irritable bowel syndrome often experience uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms such as abdominal bloating and pain, dehydration, diarrhea, increased intestinal gas and even bloody stools. These conditions can become tiring and exhaustive, and may even lead to life threatening situations where the sufferer needs to seek emergency medical care due to severe dehydration caused by unrelenting diarrhea.
Colitis Exams and Tests
Colitis is a serious condition that requires medical attention. A person should consult their doctor if they have severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, or a distended abdomen. There are several tests that can be performed to determine the cause of a person’s colitis symptoms. Tests include abdominal CT scans, abdominal MRI tests, x-rays, and barium enemas.
Oftentimes a colonoscopy is required, and will require the patient to drink a liquid that cleanses the colon the night before. During the colonoscopy, the attending physician will insert a scope into the rectum and view the possible causes of the patient’s colitis symptoms. The patient will most likely be temporarily put to sleep while the examination is performed.
Doctors may prescribe anti-diarrheal medications, antibiotics, potassium and magnesium, and even drugs that increase the appetite. This is to offset severe weight loss, dehydration, loss of electrolytes and diarrhea that may accompany colitis and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
Natural Cures for Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
There are several natural cures and home remedies that Colitis and IBS sufferers can try at home to alleviate their symptoms. Altering one's diet to a high fiber diet that includes foods that promote positive bacteria growth in the large intestine is an important first step. Also, keeping a food diary can help to keep track of stomach irritants and "safe foods." Some stomach remedies include:
- colitis diet: Most doctors will recommend that colitis patients begin taking in more dietary fiber through food and supplements such as Metamucil. Some high fiber foods consist of whole wheat breads, beans, lentils, spinach, chicken, and fish. In addition, patients may need to keep a food diary to keep track of foods that irritate their system, and of those that do not.
- eliminate stomach irritants: Caffeine, carbonated drinks and even some dairy foods can upset the digestive system in colitis patients.
- probiotics: Probiotics are dietary supplements that help promote a positive digestive process by adding positive bacteria spores into the system in the form of a daily pill. There are many on the market, and it’s best to consult with a gastroenterologist for probiotic recommendations.
- prebiotics: Foods that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract are called prebiotics. Some foods considered to be prebiotics that help to promote positive intestinal bacterias are: avocados, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, beans, lentils, whole wheat grains, and yogurt.
- rose hips herbal supplement: Derived from the rose plant family Rosaceae, and are high in ascorbic acid and vitamin C. Very useful in fighting off infections, and helps to flush impurities out of the body.
- psyllium: Also known as Plantago psyllium, is helpful to the gastrointestinal tract, and is full of dietary fiber. It is helpful in warding off diverticulitis, colitis and hemorrhoids. Producers of Metamucil use various forms of Psyllium in their products.
- Yoga may help to alleviate stress which can be a factor in many forms of colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Stomach Remedies
Colitis and irritable bowel syndrome can be life-altering illnesses with symptoms that range from increased intestinal gas, to bloating and cramping, to diarrhea and dehydration. It’s important for sufferers to re-evaluate their diet and to keep a log of the foods that irritate their digestive system, and foods that appear to be beneficial to their intestinal tract.
Home remedies for colitis and IBS include increasing dietary fiber, supplementing one’s diet with probiotics and prebiotics, and introducing yoga into one’s daily life. Other remedies include adding rose hips teas and psyllium-based nutritional supplements as stomach remedies into one’s diet to help ward off infections and IBS symptoms. Most importantly, sufferers of colitis and irritable bowel syndrome should listen to their bodies, and look for ways to be proactive in their overall health.
References:
Antol, Marie Nadine. Healing Teas. Penguin Group, USA.
www.mdconsult.com
Donna Kehl - Educator, researcher, culinary artist and wine enthusiast writing about food, wine, travel, family, and educational issues.
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