Colitis Treatment Information

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are both commonly known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease which generally includes irritable bowel syndrome as one of the symptoms. These are diseases that cannot be cured completely but the symptoms of these diseases can just be minimized by using some kind of medication. As the medications can take a very long time to show considerable effect and as there are numerous side effects to the medications, many prefer to go for some kind of alternative treatment. The conventional therapies and treatments are often supplemented with alternative and complementary medicines and these approaches are found to be very effective in reducing the pain and discomfort caused by the Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Just because the complementary and alternative medicines do not figure in the conventional treatment, these alternative medicines cannot be disregarded as ineffective. Numerous treatments, which were earlier considered to be alternative treatments, are now being accepted in the mainstream by doctors throughout the world. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America have come up with a list of alternative treatments which are found to be very effective in fighting Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

There are four major approaches in the complementary and alternative therapies that have been devised keeping in mind the treatment of Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Firstly, there is the mind-body treatment which tries to intervene and ameliorate the interplay between mental, emotional, spiritual, social and behavioral factors which affect the health of an individual. This kind of therapy includes the usage of prayers, hypnosis, tai chi, bio feed back and yoga. In this approach even cognitive behavioral therapy and support groups are included for the treatment of the patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

People can also go for the manipulative and body based treatment practices which are also found to be very effective to cure Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In this approach, the patient will be made to manipulate certain parts of the body in ways which will help better the overall heath of the person. This approach includes the usage of osteopathic, chiropractic manipulation, reflexology, massage, Rolfing, Alexander technique and Trager bodywork.

Herbs and spices have been used to treat various diseases and ailments for thousands of years, both herbs and spices are excellent antioxidants with many containing excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

Listed bellow are some of the best herbs and spices known to help arthritics. You should try to incorporate some of these herbs into your everyday life. Herbs and spices should where possible be used in their natural form & taken as a tea, or added to food.

In my opinion it is best not to take herbs & spices in capsule form, due to the diminished properties of the extract when diluted with additives, such as capsule binding agents.

The following herbs & spices are listed in order of their superior properties when used to treat arthritis.

Some herbs and spices are known to interfere with certain prescribed medications, it is therefore always wise to consult with your doctor or a professional, before introducing any of the following herbs into your diet.

Turmeric

Has long been used to treat arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory property.

Turmeric is also known to contain an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals.

Ginger

Asian & Indian have been using ginger to treat arthritis for over 2000 years due to its anti-inflammatory property.

Why not try making tea with ginger, put one teaspoon of fresh grated ginger into a cup of boiling water allow to cool and drink.

Devils Claw

Devil's Claw native to parts of South Africa, where it is thought to have been used to treat arthritis for centuries, two active ingredients called Harpagoside and Beta sitosterol are found in devils claw which are thought to posses excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

Devil's Claw is claimed to be beneficial for treating arthritis, rheumatism, arthritis and diseases of the liver, kidneys, gallbladder and bladder,.

Cats Claw

Cats claw has been used for over 2000 years by the the indigenous peoples of South and Central America to treat rheumatic disorders. Ingredients appear to act as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer agents. Cats claw is found in the tropical jungles of South and Central America. Research has also indicated cats claw may help in the treatment of intestinal ailments such as Crohn's disease, gastric ulcers and tumors, parasites, colitis, gastritis, diverticulitis and leaky bowel syndrome,

Cayenne Pepper

Known to support the body's immune system

Used for treating: arthritis, backache, heart disease, ulcers, indigestion, pain, psoriasis, and shingles.

Use caution when introducing cayenne pepper into your diet, although it is known to benefit many arthritics, in some cases it may actually trigger symptoms.

Cloves

Can kill intestinal parasites and act as an anti-microbial agent against fungi and bacteria.

Helps relieve pain, digestive problems, and anti-fungal, antibacterial problems.

Chewing a clove once a day may be beneficial to arthritics.

Golden seal

Known to contain a powerful detoxifier.

Parsley

Commonly used as a diuretic, & to reduce inflammation, treat rheumatism & arthritis, clear toxins in the body, inhibit tumor growth, & combat urinary tract problems.

Licorice (root)

Contains phytoestrogens. Used to treat ulcers & known to have anti-viral, anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory properties.

Do not use licorice (root) if you have high blood pressure as large doses or prolonged use may increase blood pressure.

Do not use if you retain water easily.

Many people suffer from colon related health problems today. There are so many different types of colon (large intestine) problems it is hard to believe. Did you know that in 2005 in the United States of America, 72,007 men and 69,398 women were diagnosed with colorectal (colon) cancer? Shockingly, 26,781 men and 27,259 women died from colon cancer in that same year. Most people know someone close to them who has suffered from the disease or a similar illness. It has become an epidemic in our society.

It is very important to see a health care provider that can treat and diagnose these problems. But, first, how do you know if you have problems with your large intestine ? Here is a list of common disorders involving this critical internal organ.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder that affects the GI tract; it is the most common colon health related problem that doctors see today. The cause is unknown and symptoms include bloating, gassiness, abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation and blood in the stool. These symptoms tend to worsen during times of stress, bad diet and some sexual activities.

Treatment of IBS includes diet change, lifestyle change and sometimes medication. Staying away from certain foods can help avoid bloating and gassiness such as beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.

Another common treatment is the addition of fiber into the diet. It helps reduce the chances that the digestive tract will spasm as it digests food. Adding fiber to the diet also helps with regular bowel movements and reduces the chance of constipation.

Stress also causes flare ups of IBS to occur. By regularly exercising and eating a well balanced diet, you can reduce some stress and other problems associated with the illness.

Smoking can also worsen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and some food can make IBS worse.

Constipation

It is important to understand that constipation is not a disease, it is a symptom. Constipation occurs when a stool is hardened because it doesn't contain enough water. This condition is hardened stools and can also mean difficulty passing said stool. Many people today suffer from this colon related health problem, but it can be treated.

A person with a blockage will experience less bowel movements; usually it will be from three movements a day to three movements a week. If the bowels are not moved for three straight days, there may be pain and difficulty when defecating.

There are many causes of constipation such as not eating enough fiber, some medications, being pregnant, IBS, ignoring the desire to make a bowel movement, and using laxatives too much.

There are many ways to prevent and alleviate this ailment, including eating more fiber (try flaxseeds, rice bran, oat bran, beans, peas, apples, pears, blueberries), regular exercise, drinking lots of fluids most importantly water, avoid using over the counter laxatives and going to the bathroom the same time each day.

There are also many types of colon cleansing products available that you can search for online or at your health food store. Having an enema will clear out the bowels and allow for feces to pass more easily. Enemas can be purchased over the counter and work by inserting a tube into the rectum and flowing water into the bowel. The water is then retained for a period of about ten minutes and then released.

Another colon cleansing choice is a colonic irrigation. A doctor or practitioner performs the colonic; the patient will lie on a table and have a tube inserted into the rectum allowing water to flow in and out of the bowel taking the waste out of the colon. Colonics are generally more comfortable than using an enema.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the frequent passage of loose watery stools accompanied by bloating and gas. Diarrhea is also a symptom and not a disease although related complications can often cause severe illnesses. The most severe problem caused by diarrhea is dehydration, since stools are commonly watery; it causes the body to lose too much water. Diarrhea is often accompanied by vomiting which also causes the body to lose water.

Diarrhea can be brought on by a number of things such as, viral infections, bacterial infections, and IBS.

This annoying malady usually goes away within two to three days without medical treatment. Many people can treat it at home by drinking plenty of water and eating normally. Some medications can be used to treat diarrhea such as loperamide and some antibiotics.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is basically inflammation of the colon. There are many different causes of colitis including poor blood flow, infections and autoimmune reactions. Viruses and bacteria are the cause of many different types of intestinal infections. Most come from food poisoning, E coli, shigella, and salmonella can cause colitis.

Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in the stool, a consistent urge to have a bowel movement, often constant pain, fever and chills.

Treatment for colitis includes antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and a combination of medications that are given to the patient and then monitored for a period of time.

Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease affects around 500,000 people in the United States today. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease or IBD; it causes inflammation and swelling in the digestive tract. It usually affects the small intestine and parts of the colon and is often mistaken for other colon disorders such as ulcerative colitis, IBD, and diverticulitis.

Symptoms of Crohn's illness include persistent diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps and fatigue. There is no cure, but there are many treatments available to help manage the disease and keep symptoms from returning for a long period of time. Treatments include aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immune modifiers, biologic therapies, and antibiotics.

Some people suffering from the disorder may even have to have surgery at some point in their lives. Surgery can clear the intestinal blockage, treat symptoms medication couldn't, and repair the damage to the intestines.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal (Colon) cancer occurs when tumors form on the large intestine and or the rectum. Sometimes benign tumors called polyps form inside the intestine, while malignant tumors in the large intestine are called cancers. Benign polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy and they are not life threatening. If polyps are not removed, malignant cancers can form over time.

Colorectal cancer can be inherited or caused by a high fat diet, the presence of polyps in the intestine and chronic ulcerative colitis. As you may already know, it is fatal in some cases, but sometimes can be treated.

Surgery is the most common treatment for this intestinal cancer. During the operation, the tumor is removed. The patient is then watched and tested to make sure that the cancer hasn't spread to any other organs, but if it has, more surgery may be required and, or, chemotherapy will be administered.

Colon cancer is the most fatal of all colon health related problems. That is why it is so important to take care of yourself by eating a well balanced diet, exercising regularly, and reporting any abnormality to your doctor.

Cancer occurs when something goes wrong with this system, causing uncontrolled cell division and growth. Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer killer overall and third most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States in both males and females. Who is at risk for colorectal cancer. Men tend to get colorectal cancer at an earlier age than women, but women live longer so they catch up with men and thus the total number of cases in men and women is equal. Women diagnosed with uterine or ovarian cancer before age 50 are at increased risk of colorectal cancer. Woman with a personal history of breast cancer have only a very slight increase in risk of colorectal cancer. The average age to develop colorectal cancer is 70 years, and 93% of cases occur in persons 50 years of age or older. You have a higher risk for colon cancer if you have:

Cancer elsewhere in the body.

Colorectal polypsCrohn's disease

Family history of colon cancer

Personal history of breast cancer

Ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer vary depending on the location of the cancer within the colon or rectum, though there may be no symptoms at all. The most common presenting symptom of colorectal cancer is rectal bleeding. Cancers arising from the left side of the colon generally cause bleeding, or in their late stages may cause constipation, abdominal pain, and obstructive symptoms. On the other hand, right-sided colon lesions may produce vague abdominal aching, but are unlikely to present with obstruction or altered bowel habit. Other symptoms such as weakness, weight loss, or anemia resulting from chronic blood loss may accompany cancer of the right side of the colon.

The first step to avoiding this ailment is prevention with regular tests at the doctor, but there are other ways of getting around this disease in between checkups. Nevertheless, it appears that increasing the fiber content in the Western diet would be useful in the primary prevention of colorectal cancer. It is recommended that physical activity messages promoting at least 30-45 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity on most days of the week be included in primary prevention interventions for cancer. The population prevalence for meeting proposed physical activity criteria for colon cancer prevention is low and much lower than that related to the more generic public health recommendations.

Our bodies need lots of calcium and not only for building strong bones. Colon cancer prevention is one of the most exciting uses for calcium. However, instead of using calcium supplements, this study relied on low-fat dairy products to supply 1,200mg calcium per day. Investigators found this amount of calcium decreased the incidence of changes in the cells lining the colon, which is often seen in the initial stages of colon cancer. A significant protective factor is adequate dietary calcium intake during the period of maximum growth (ages 9-25 y), so that proper peak bone mass is achieved by age 20-30 y and maintained until mid-life, with only slow bone loss in the following years. As already noted, dietary surveys indicate a significant gap between the recommended calcium intake and the actual intake in the United States in the critical years of adolescence and young adulthood and later in life.

The Edgar Cayce readings have a unique perspective on spastic colitis that offers sufferers an action plan that provides both short- and long-term relief. They identify over forty cases of colitis in adults seeking help. Generally the condition is described in the readings as being a congestion in the colon, often preceded by a cold or case of intestinal flu. One reading offered this description of the problem: "Hence we have had a form of colitis that makes for a tendency of the poisons to accumulate in the colon, yet these again are effects of results of the disturbance that is the primary reaction. The result of these [is] to affect the lymph circulation disorder, the liver, or over-taxation or disorder of proper functioning of the kidneys." (404-2)

In a majority of Cayce's readings for individuals with colitis this same association with lymphatic disturbances surfaces. The colon becomes inflamed; the lymph fluid becomes toxic rather than cleansing. The involvement of the liver and kidneys further adds to the imbalance, setting in motion a physical decline due to poor assimilation of nutrients and thus an overall weakening of vital forces within the body. Colitis, therefore, lingers on for varying lengths of time in different individuals and can be quite debilitating.

Cayce's Approach

It cannot be stressed enough that during bouts with colitis, you should get plenty of rest. Your body's systems are being overtaxed and need to be given the time-and strength-to restore themselves.

Secondly, follow the Cayce alkalizing diet, avoiding sweets and meats, and being sure to get the nourishment that fresh fruits and vegetables offer. One reading specifically indicated pineapple as a good ingredient in the "colitis" diet. Although I have never suffered from colitis, I have personally included pineapple in my diet when experiencing intestinal upsets and found it to be extremely helpful in restoring balance.

Additionally, two herbs surface in Cayce's readings as being helpful to colitis sufferers: ginger and ginseng. If you are truly suffering from chronic colitis, it may well be worth the time to prepare one of Cayce's prescriptions yourself: ". . . make a good strong fusion of Wild Ginseng; not so strong as to be a tincture, to be sure, but: When the Wild Ginseng is well broken, put an ounce of this in Distilled Water and boil for at least twenty minutes, until it has produced a good fusion; not using the pulverized Ginseng, but broken up; using sufficient water to make two and one-half ounces of the fusion. Strain.

"Then, to the 2 1/2 ounces of the Fusion of Wild Ginseng, add-in the order named:

Tincture of Wild Ginger . . . 1/4 ounce,
Tincture of Valerian . . . 1/2 ounce,
Grain Alcohol (90% proof) . . . 1 ounce."

(2846-1) If you're not inclined to prepare your own tincture, I would try a quality ginger and ginseng tea which your health food store could recommend.

Finally, Cayce suggested an unusual poultice for lymphatic disturbances: the grape poultice. His instructions for such are as follows: " . . . apply over the whole abdomen, at least once a week, crushed grapes. These should be used with the hull and the seed. The pack should be at least one inch thick and let this remain on until it has almost dried out from the body heat, which would require four to four and one-half hours. Make this pack sufficiently large to cover the whole abdomen. Put the grapes on gauze." (5057-1) Although this reading does not specify the type of grapes, others do suggest Concord as preferable.

Here's to your good health!

As with other books I have reviewed (Iodine and Overcoming Thyroid Disorders), Brownstein provides his readers with valuable information regarding the nature of a number of related conditions including arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and others. He explains the various symptoms and underlying causes. Based on the particular underlying causes, he uses a combination of therapies including natural hormones, vitamins and minerals, allergy elimination, detoxification, diet and water.

One unique aspect of his approach to treating arthritis is that he has observed a connection between arthritis and infection. So in addition to a number of natural therapies, he may combine with them a low dose of antibiotics. He listed a number of diseases that he suspects of having an infectious etiology (cause): Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Gulf War Syndrome, Vasculitis, Reither's Syndrome, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Graves Disease, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Polymyositis, Juvenile Arthritis, Sjogren's Syndrome, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. In addition, he lists 14 different infectious causes of arthritis.

From the Greek, arthritis means inflammation of the joints. Also a chronic disorder, fibromyalgia is a condition of poor sleep, muscle pain, stiffness and tender trigger points on the body. Those with fibromyalgia often have the diagnosis of other disorders including arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms include: impairment of short-term memory or concentration, sore throat, tender cervical or axillary nodes, muscle pain, multi joint pain without redness or swelling, headaches of a new pattern or severity, unrefreshing sleep, and postexertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours.

Brownstein tests his patients' hormonal levels (thyroid, adrenal, ovarian and testicular), for infection, nutritional deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity and allergies. Dr. Brownstein devotes two chapters on Natural Hormones and refers the reader to his own book, The Miracles of Natural Hormones.

In his chapter on diet, he talks of the macronutrients (fat, carbohydrates and proteins) and points out how Americans have become obese from the pyramid recommendation of low fat and high carbohydrate diet. (Now replaced with http://www.ChooseMyPlate.gov). While he does not agree with Dr. Barry Sears in every point, he recommends much of what he says in Enter the Zone. Brownstein also recommends Sally Fallon's treatment of dietary fats in her book, Nourishing Traditions.

Dr. Brownstein refers to a study that lists the food allergies that can cause arthritic symptoms (listed from most frequent to less frequent): Corn, Wheat, Pork, Oranges, Milk, Oats, Rye, Egg, Beef and Coffee. Environmental allergies include animals, pollens from trees, grass, weeds etc., chemicals and others. He uses NAET (Nambudripod's Allergy Elimination Technique) to diagnosis and treat allergies. It is a combination of applied kinesiology and acupuncture. I believe that allergies may result from consuming these foods or from ingredients used in the growth/production of these foods. There may be multiple reasons why this happens.

Further, Dr. Brownstein outlines general guidelines for nutritional supplements and ways to detox heavy metals. Truly, Brownstein's approach to arthritis and related conditions is holistic, in that it is comprehensive.

In addition to his own extensive medical practice and the data he has gathered over the years, he references other esteemed medical colleagues. In his chapter on Water, he recommends and quotes: F. Batmanghelidj, M.D author of Your Body's Many Cries for Water and ABC of Asthma, Allergies and Lupus. Further, he references Jonathan V. Wright M.D. who wrote the Foreword of this book and is author of numerous books. Throughout the book, Brownstein gives ample case studies to illustrate his approach. He also quotes Thomas Edison who said, "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest the patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease."

Books mentioned in the review can be purchased on http://www.amazon.com.

AIHA is diagnosed by detection of autoantibodies through use of the direct antiglobulin (Coombs') test. Antiglobulin serum is added to washed RBCs from the patient; agglutination indicates the presence of immunoglobulin, generally IgG, or C3 bound to the RBCs.

AIHA is a disorder in which the survival of red blood cells is shortened because the dog's immune system targets and destroys its own red blood cells. This type of immune dysfunction in which the host develops a reaction to and damages its own tissues is termed autoimmunity. AIHA is rarely associated with ulcerative colitis, occurring in approximately 0.6 to 1.7% of cases.

AIHA is most common in middle-aged dogs, and it is more often found in females than in males. Evidence of disease ranges in severity - symptoms can be mild and hardly noticeable, or severe symptoms may come on suddenly. AIHA is now defined as a process of accelerated red blood cell destruction due to the production of autoantibodies directed against the self red cell antigens.

Dogs that spend time around other dogs, that are boarded frequently, or who attend dog shows and dog parks, may need more careful monitoring than dogs that never leave home. Regardless of circumstance, the good news is that there are ways to minimize risk.

Dogs with serious infections or cancers in their body may also develop IMHA (immune mediated hemolytic anemia). The thought for the underlying cause is that something (e.g., vaccine, cancer cells) triggers the immune system to react and to create antibodies. Dogs with this symptom may benefit from very aggressive treatment with anticoagulants and cyclophosphamide, a potent immune system inhibitor. Blood transfusions can be used in dogs with IMHA if necessary but they can make the condition worse so most vets reserve this approach for dogs that appear to be in imminent danger of dying due to severe anemia.

Veterinarians are encouraged to work with specialists in their area for referrals. Veterinarians use genetics in a prescriptive manner. That is, they may use the results of a genetic test to recommend a specific treatment or an exact dosage of a drug.

One of the principle concerns for someone when they are diagnosed with the disease is finding the answers to the question of what is an effective diet for colitis. The role of diet and how it affects the patient during times of both remission and relapse will impact greatly on their quality of life. An understanding of a few simple basics can assist greatly.

There is a common confusion, particularly amongst those who are newly diagnosed, in the appreciation and understanding of the role of diet and the painful consequences of consuming foods containing incorrect fibre. To start with, there must be an awareness that there are actually two distinct types of fibre found in foods. The first is what is known as soluble fibre, which on the whole, is acceptable for consumption for those with colitis whilst the other is insoluble fibre which will have consequences for the patient if foods containing such are eaten.

So what is the difference between the two? Put simply, soluble fibre is broken down and digested in the large colon and insoluble fibre is not. Foods containing soluble fibre produce soft stools and avoid the problem of the production of the type of particles that stick to the wall of the colon and can cause inflammation. The opposite occurs when foods containing insoluble fibre are eaten as they are passed without being digested and thus raise the prospect of adhering to the wall of the colon when inflamed. This will result in irritation and can aggravate the colitis symptoms.

Foods that contain soluble fibre include fruits and vegetables that have been peeled such as apples and potatoes plus oats such as porridge and white rice. Insoluble fibre foods include wheat bran and wholemeal bread plus vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli and fruits and vegetables with their skin left on.

It is also important to recognise that eating fish plays an important part of an effective diet for colitis because fish oils help reduce inflammation and are beneficial for the health of the bowel. The eating of dairy products should be controlled and reduced as they can make a contribution to inflammation. Whilst they should not be eliminated entirely, the amount taken should be small.

It is especially important to know what an effective diet for colitis is during a relapse. It really is not the time to try to maintain and ensure a healthy balanced diet is adhered to. The number one priority is to ensure that the inflammation is not being antagonised by fibres and too much volume. A very restrictive diet is required to stave off hunger but not one that produces avoidable amounts of waste that have to pass through the inflamed colon, bringing pain and discomfort to the sufferer. It is difficult to get the balance correct, but through trial and error and using other sufferer's experiences, an effective diet for colitis, to use in both times of remission and relapse, is possible to attain.

Colitis, also known as ulcerative colitis, refers to a type of inflammatory bowel disease affecting the inner lining of the colon (the large intestine). Inflammation of the intestinal wall, whether chronic or acute, causes ulcers to be formed in the top layers of the lining. These ulcers may bleed and produce pus. A patient of colitis experiences an uncontrollable urge to empty the bowels frequently as in diarrhea (loose motions), in many cases accompanied by abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, painful spasms, appetite loss, fatigue and fever. The condition can affect people of all ages, but it is more commonly found in the 15 to 30 age group.

What Causes Colitis?

There are many theories about what may cause colitis. Contrary to popular belief, colitis is not a direct consequence of mental stress or an allergy to certain foods âEUR" though these factors may trigger or worsen the symptoms of colitis in certain people. It is found that people suffering from colitis present some abnormalities in their immune system, which supposedly starts reacting abnormally to some virus or bacteria present in the digestive tract, causing inflammation in the intestinal wall. But this may possibly be a consequence rather than the cause of colitis.

Research has also shown that family history, certain viruses and protozoa, and toxins-producing bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium and Shigella species may play a strong role in causing colitis. Patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment in the pelvic region may develop local colitis. Sometimes strong doses of some antibiotics can also trigger colitis. In the elderly, a drastic decrease in the blood supply (ischemia) to the colon is another factor contributing to colitis.

Detrimental Effects of Colitis

Persistent inflammation of the colon lining can cause extensive damage of the cells in the lining, and has been found to lead to colon cancer in about 5% of the patients suffering from chronic colitis. Obviously, the risk of colon cancer increases with the duration of the disease and the extent of damage caused to the colon lining. For example, if the damage extends to the entire colon then the risk of cancer may be as much as 32 times the normal, but if only the lower colon and rectum are involved then the risk is no higher than the normal. Also, people showing dysplasia (precancerous changes in the colon lining) are more prone to develop colon cancer from colitis.

Is Colitis Preventable?

Strict hygiene and sanitation measures while handling, cooking and eating food can go a long way in preventing colitis associated with infective germs. Other than that, as goes for any other health problem, incorporating healthy lifestyle and diet changes in your daily routine helps to make your body as disease-free as possible by strengthening your immunity to keep at bay not only colitis but also other diseases. Adopt the best health mantra: moderate exercise combined with a healthy diet consisting of whole grains, lentils, fruits, vegetables and water in plenty, and animal-origin foods in as restricted amounts as possible.

Diet Recommendations for Colitis

Diet goes a long way in helping you manage colitis. First and foremost, since fluid loss is substantial in colitis, make sure to drink 2âEUR"3 liters of water and lots of clear fluids like light soups, lemon tea, lemonade, etc., in order to prevent dehydration. Avoid greasy and fatty foods.

Also alcohol, highly seasoned foods and high-fiber foods may aggravate the problem of colitis and are best avoided. Naturopathy recommends a 3- to 5-day juice fast based on juices of fruits and vegetables like papaya, cabbage, carrot, sweet gourd, etc., and a post-fast diet of steamed vegetables and soft fruits along with plain yogurt. And a thorough chewing of whatever you eat.

To conclude, colitis can be managed and controlled with diet recommendations and restrictions, in addition to treatment with drugs prescribed by a specialist.

There are a number of types of ulcers including peptic and oral ones. But most people are unaware of colon ulcers. The most common form is ulcerative colitis. It is an inflammation of the lining which forms in the upper part of the large intestine. Following are five important facts or info about colon ulcers:

It can be very painful. These symptoms are as a result of mucosal erosions which occur when there is an overproduction of harmful bacteria in the colon. The mucous forms as the body's immune system fights off the invasive bacteria that has killed or overtaken the normal cells in that area.

Common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, joint pain, rectal bleeding, narrow stools, excessive diarrhea or constipation, skin lesions and anemia. These symptoms can often be similar to those of colon cancer; but only 5% of all cases lead to cancer.

The most common treatment is outpatient hospital care. Drugs such as corticosteroids can often be prescribed initially. About 25% to 40% of all patients need surgery to mitigate the symptoms and repair the lining of the affected area.

Occasionally, a patient may require several days or weeks in the hospital if bleeding or diarrhea is severe enough to warrant treatment. Tube feeding is often used to replace body fluids and electrolytes. Doctors may put patients on special diets.

This condition is most common for people between 15 and 30 and less common for those over 50. It is known to occur more often among whites and those of Jewish descent.