diet in ulcerative colitis Archives | Dr. Vikram Chauhan's Blog

Ulcerative Colitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis is a Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease causing continuous mucosal inflammation, mucosal inflammation and ulcer in the colon & rectum (Auto-immune disorder). The global worldwide number of cases of ulcerative colitis is 5 million. In today’s world it has been increasing at a sky-rocking speed and the reason behind this is not exactly known as it’s an autoimmune disorder. Ayurveda says that Autoimmune disorders are caused due to accumulation of endotoxins (Ama) in the body. Why these endotoxins are forming in the body and why they are causing such chronic autoimmune diseases, Lets understand in this write up. Moreover we will also learn how ayurveda helps in managing such chronic autoimmune disorders. Let’s discuss!

ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Introduction

As we know Ulcerative Colitis is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which cause inflammation and ulcer in the lining of the large intestine and rectum.The disease typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a condition pattern,affecting varying extents of the colon.Clinically, Ulcerative Colitis Presents with recurrent episode of bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, urgency, tenesmus and varying degrees of systemic manifestations. If untreated, it may lead to complications such as severe haemorrhage, toxic megacolon,colorectal dysplasia and colorectal cancer. In the concept of ayurveda it is classified as Raktatisara (Hemorrhagic diarrhea) or at further stage of pittatisara (pitta aggravated diarrhea). And usually it is due to weak Agni,Aam Accumulation , colon tissue damage and aggravated vata in the body.According to Ayurveda, ulcerative colitis can be correlated with Raktatisara, which primarily results from the excessive consumption of Pitta-aggravating foods and dietary habits. The condition is characterized by the passage of blood-mixed stools, which may occur in large quantities. Clinical features resembling Jirnatisaara (chronic diarrhea) are commonly observed, along with rectal bleeding through the anal canal. Management is based on Rakta-stambhana (hemostatic therapy) and Pitta-shamana (pacification of aggravated Pitta), which are considered effective in controlling bleeding and alleviating the symptoms of the disease.

Causes

The exact cause of uc is not known but the risk factors are as follows:-

Auto-immune disorder
Gut Microbiome Imbalance
Genetics
Stress
Improper diet

Symptoms

Diarrhea
Blood in stool
Fatigue
General body weakness
Weight loos
Frequency of stool increased
Abdominal pain
urning sensation in rectum & while passing stool
Loss of appetite
Thirst increase
Mucus with stool

Diagnosis

Clinic Findings

Number of Bloody stool
Rectal examination
Urgency to pass stool
Abdominal pain or cramping
Weight loos
Fatigue
Fevere

Physical examination

Abdominal tenderness
Sing of dehydration
Pale skin color

Laboratory Investigations

Complete blood count (CBC): Anemia, Elevated White Blood Cells
C-reactive protein (CRP): Elevated In Active Inflammation
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Increased
Serum electrolytes: Assess Dehydration
Liver function tests
Serum albumin: Often Decreased In Severe Disease

Stool test

Fecal calprotectin or fecal lactoferrin (markers of intestinal inflammation)

According to the ayurveda diagnosis of Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is not described by the same name in classical Ayurvedic texts,but its features are commonly correlated with conditions such as Raktatisara, Pravahika and in chronic stages,Grahani involving predominantly pitta and vata imbalances. According to the ayurveda we can diagnose ulcerative colitis as per ashta prikisha

1. Nidana (Etiology Factors)

Assessment of causative factors:

Excessively spicy,sour or oily food
Irregular eating habits
Psychological stress
Suppression of natural urges
Poor digestion(Mandagni)
Seasonal influences

2. Dosha Assesment

Pitta– Bleeding,burning sensation,loose stools
Vata– Pain,urgency,tenesmus
Kapha–mucus in stool

3. Agni Examination

Assessment of digestive fire:

Vishamagni
Tikshnagni
Mandagni

4. Ama Assessment

In which there will be

Coated tongue
Indigestion
Heaviness
Foul smelling stools
Fatigue

5. Mala Pariksha (Examination of stool)

Frequency
Consistency
Presence of blood
Mucus
Color
Odor
Quantity

6. Dashavidha Praiksha (Tenfold Examination)

In which-

Prakriti (Systemic )
Vikriti (Current imbalance)
Sara (Physical & mental strength )
Samhanana (Structural build of the body )
Pramana (Measurement)
Satmya (Adaptability)
Satva (Purity )
Ahara shakti (Digestive fire )
Vyayama Shakti (Physical capacity )
Vaya (Age )

7. Ashtavidha Pariksha(eightfold examination)

In which

Pulse(Nadi)
Urine (Mutra)
Stool (mala)
Tongue (jihva)
Voice(Shabda)
Touch(Sparsha)
Eyes(Drik)
General appearance (Akriti)

8. Nadi Pariksha (Pulse examination)

Some Ayurvedic practitioners use pulse examination as part of an overall assessment of dosha imbalance. It is not considered a validated diagnostic test for ulcerative colitis in modern evidence based medicine.

Modern treatment

Modern management of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) follows a “treat-to-target” strategy aimed at achieving long-term, steroid-free endoscopic healing rather than just symptom control.

For mild-to-moderate disease, treatment centers on 5-ASA anti-inflammatories (mesalamine) given orally or topically.
For moderate-to-severe cases, or when 5-ASAs fail, therapy relies on targeted advanced therapies: injectable biologics—such as gut-selective anti-integrins (vedolizumab), IL-23 inhibitors (risankizumab, mirikizumab, guselkumab), and anti-TNFs (infliximab)—or fast-acting oral small molecules like JAK inhibitors (upadacitinib, tofacitinib) and S1P receptor modulators (ozanimod).
Systemic corticosteroids (like prednisone) are strictly used short-term to bridge flares during induction, while surgery (colectomy) remains a curative option for refractory or complicated cases.

Ayurvedic Overview

According to the Ayurvedic concept, ulcerative colitis can be effectively managed and may improve significantly with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications. The first and most important step is to maintain a healthy and suitable diet (Ahar) by avoiding foods that may aggravate the condition and choosing easily digestible, nutritious meals. Along with dietary precautions, proper lifestyle practices (Vihar), such as maintaining a regular routine, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in appropriate physical activity, are equally important. By following these dietary and lifestyle precautions consistently, along with Ayurvedic treatment, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be controlled and overall health can be improved.

Herbal Remedies For Ulcerative Colitis By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is an Indian herbal manufacturing and healthcare enterprise founded by Dr. Vikram Chauhan in Mohali, Punjab. The company specializes in producing 100% natural Ayurvedic herbal supplements made from carefully selected medicinal plants. Its product range includes standardized plant extract capsules, powders, herbal teas, and liquid formulations featuring herbs such as Ashwagandha, Curcumin, and Triphala. All products are manufactured without the use of chemicals, preservatives, artificial colors, or additives, ensuring purity and authenticity. In addition to manufacturing herbal products, the company offers Ayurvedic clinical consultations and exports its products to customers worldwide, promoting traditional Ayurvedic healthcare through natural, high-quality herbal formulations. Ayurvedic medicine for Ulcerative colitis are as follows:-

1. 1. Arjuna capsules
  2. Vatsakadi churna
  3. Pitta Balance
  4. Kutajghan vati

Detailed description on medicines

1. Arjuna capsules

Arjuna capsules by Planet Ayurveda are prepared using standardised extract of Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). Its strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-healing properties help in managing UC. This formulation possesses Astringent taste thus helps in managing Bleeding in stool and also helps in healing Ulcerations thus useful in managing symptoms of Ulcerative colitis.

Dose – 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meal.

2. Vatsakadi Churna

This formulation is in Powder form and is prepared containing herbs like Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Bilva (Aegle marmelos) and numerous other herbs. It is anti-diarrheal, antimicrobial and cooling in nature Thus helps in balancing Pitta dosha and improving symptoms.

Dose–1 teaspoonful twice daily with plain water after a meal or you can boil the powder – 1 teaspoonful in 400 ml water, keep it boiling until it remains 50 ml. Strain it and drink the water. Leave the residue. Do it twice daily. Make it fresh every time.

3. Pitta Balance

Pitta Balance is in capsule form and prepared usingJahar Mohra Pishti (Serpentine/Magnesium Silicate), Mukta Pishti (Pinctada margaritifera), Giloy Satva (Tinospora Cordifolia ) etc –It help in pitta management as its name indicates it helps in balancing pitts dosha and also its an amazing coolant thus possess astringent properties and helpful in controlling excess blood in stool.

Dose- 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after a meal

4. Kutajgha vati

Kutaj ghan vati is prepared using extract of Kutaj (Holarhena antidysentrica) which is anti-diarrheal in nature. Also it helps in Ama pachana (metabolization of endotoxins) and reducing the excess watery stools and managing diarrhea.

Dose-2 tablets twice daily with plain water after a meal.

Home Remedies by Planet Ayurveda

1. Coconut water

It having a great healing property,it provide cooling effect to your body and help to maintain the digestive fire and vitiated ama in the body which is main reason for ulcerative colitis.

Take at least 1-2 glass of coconut water daily.

2. Pomegranate juice

It is used for reducing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as dysentery and diarrhea.Even tea made from leaves of these fruits also help in treating digestion related problems. It help in reducing inflammation in body.

Take at least 1 glass juice or a cup of tea once daily.

Diet in Ulcerative colitis

Avoid

Milk & Milk products
Cucumber
Brinjal
Ginger
Black gram
Cashew
Raisins
Non-veg
All citrics food & fruits 8.Red chillies

To Take

Fresh curd
Cow ghee
Patato, beans
Split moong daal
Soaked Almonds
Walnuts
Banana
Rice oil
Poha

Conclusion

At last we can say, Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum,causing symptoms such as bloody diarrhea,abdominal pain,urgency and fatigue.Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment and essential to prevent complication and improve quality of life.Modern medicine focuses on controlling inflammation maintaining remission, while ayurveda correlates the condition with Rakrarisara and emphasizes balancing pitta and vata,improving agni and adopting proper Ahar(diet) and vihar (lifestyle). A combination of evidence- based medical care,healthy dietary habits and supporting Ayurvedic measures under qualified medical supervision can help achieve better symptoms control and long-term disease management

What foods to avoid if you have Ulcerative Colitis

Overview

Ulcerative colitis is referred to as the inflammation of the colon that includes characteristic of ulcers, or open sores. The inflammation affects the whole area.

It affects both males and females and of any age group can have ulcerative colitis. 15-30 years is the age group when people are more prone to ulcerative colitis because of their life style.

It is considered as an intermittent disease with periods of exacerbated symptoms, and periods that are relatively symptoms free.

The ulceration and inflammation starts in the rectum and in the lower section of the colon, but as the disease progresses, it spreads through the entire colon.

If not treated and diagnosed early, it may result in various complications that can affect the daily life of an individual.

In modern medicine, there is no satisfactory treatment available till date but according to Ayurveda, it is managed naturally by avoiding certain foods in the diet.

What are the causes of Ulcerative Colitis according to Ayurveda?

Ulcerative Colitis is known as Grahni dosha in Ayurveda. It was mentioned in Sushruta Samhita 3000 years ago that ulcerative colitis affects Pitta dominant people.

Intake of foods that imbalance the Pitta dosha in the body further aggravates the condition.

Excessive intake of food such as:

Processed food
Intake of fried, hot and spicy food
Artificially flavored foods such as artificial sweeteners, colors etc.
Intake of food made of refined flour
Junk food.

What are the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?

The symptoms usually begin in the lower part of the colon and then spread upwards.

Symptoms are:

Increased urgency to move the bowel
Cramping pain in the abdomen
Blood and mucus in the stool
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Nausea
Low-grade fever
Unintentional weight loss
Loss of appetite
Distended abdomen
Lesions in the skin
Rectal Pain
Rectal bleeding

What Diet Should Be Followed in Ulcerative Colitis?

Diet plays an important role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis because it is caused due to wrong eating habits. People who eat non-vegetarian food and tend to draw most of their protein need from meat are more prone to ulcerative colitis.
The diet which is rich in astringent principles should be followed. The ulcerative colitis may vary from person to person depending on the patient’s Prakriti.
Proper diet and nutrition play an important role in the management of ulcerative colitis so as to prevent weight loss.

What Foods to be avoided in Ulcerative Colitis

1.Pitta Aggravating Food

Avoid Pitta aggravating food such as red chilies, tea, coffee, alcohol as they can aggravate the symptoms.

During an active flare, it is best to avoid spices and stick to plain foods to heal the colon as well as to minimize the symptoms.
Use of only mild spices is recommended to avoid the irritation of the digestive tract.
Certain Pitta aggravating foods such as- cold drinks, fried foods, alcohol, ghee, and sweets should be avoided.
Tomatoes should be avoided as they aggravate Pitta dosha in the body.
Foods such as soy protein, onions should be avoided as they tend to cause excessive acid formation and irritate the gut.

2.Dairy Products:

Certain dairy products such as- milk, buttermilk, cottage cheese should be avoided as people with ulcerative colitis are generally lactose intolerant.

The sugar present in milk and dairy products is known as lactose.
In some patients of ulcerative colitis, the small intestine lacks the digestive enzyme known as lactase.
Lactose intolerance causes symptoms such as- abdominal pain and diarrhea. So, avoid dairy products to reduce these symptoms.
Moreover, dairy products contain a lot of saturated fat which cannot be digested properly.

3.Carbonated Beverages:

The carbonated beverages are rich in carbonic acid which causes gas formation and abdominal discomfort.

These beverages also contain caffeine which can worsen diarrhea.
So, carbonated drinks should be avoided by the patients suffering from ulcerative colitis.

4.Nuts and Seeds:

Nuts and seeds are hard to digest so these should be avoided by ulcerative colitis patients.

In ulcerative colitis, there are active flare-ups. So, it is best to eat foods that are easily digestible and those foods which don’t irritate the further lining of the intestines.
So, avoid foods which are high in fiber such as- nuts, seeds, raw vegetables.

5.Alcohol

Alcohol may affect different parts of the body but in ulcerative colitis, it stimulates the intestines and causes diarrhea.
So, consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it damages the liver too.

6.High-Fat Foods:

High-fat foods such as- butter, cream, fried or greasy food should be avoided as body’s digestive fire is not balanced, so these foods are not digested properly and act as a load on the system.

7.Vata dosha aggravating food:

The foods which form more gas formation or causes Vata imbalance should be avoided.

Certain foods such as- sprouts, cabbage, sweet corns, broccoli should be avoided.
These foods cause excessive wind formation in the gut.

8.Whole Grains:

High-fiber foods are hard to digest and are the cause of bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Fiber rich food should be avoided by the patients suffering from ulcerative colitis as the body is not able to digest whole grains during flare-ups.
So, avoid food products which are rich in fibre.
Limit the intake of fibre rich vegetables such as- broccoli and cabbage which can cause excessive gas formation.

9.Processed Foods:

Processed foods contain refined carbohydrates and excessive amounts of sugar.

Sugars may cause the over-growth of yeast infections and can trigger ulcerative colitis.
So, processed foods should be avoided by the patients suffering from ulcerative colitis.

It is important to know that ulcerative colitis patient has different food intolerance because of their parkriti. The intolerance to milk while and sensitive to high fibre food again depends on Prakriti of one.

In addition to diet, stress is also a causative factor of ulcerative colitis. Stress also triggers a flare-up of the disease as chronic stress weakens the immune system making system more susceptible to ulcerative colitis.