Tag: Treatment of ulcerative colitis

What Is Ulcerative Colitis? Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Abstract

The art of healing comes from nature and not from the physician. Therefore, the physician must start from nature with an open mind. Ayurveda is the safest science of healing. There are numerous diseases in this world and they all bring their consequences along with them.In Ayurveda we have Effective Ayurvedic Medicine for Ulcerative Colitis. Along with Diet that works in a natural way.

Ulcerative Colitis

KNOW ABOUT ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Ulcerative colitis is one such disorder which inflames the large intestine and causes discomfort. Hence, it is also categorized under Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This disorder produces small sores on the colon lining. These ulcers start erupting in the rectum and escalate upwards and the small intestine getting damaged below the lower part is very rare. This inflammation quickly regulates the bowel very frequently. These sores may cause bleeding or even exude pus. Though, this ailment can affect anyone but it is more common in age groups of 15 to 30 and 50 to 70.

WHAT CAUSES OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS?

The exact cause of Ulcerative Colitis is not yet known but according to studies immune system malfunction is the only cause known. Stress and unhealthy diet helps in triggering the disorder. Herbal remedies for Ulcerative Colitis can help to a great extent to cure this disorder.

SYMPTOMS

  • Diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Weight loss
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Fever
  • Not able to eliminate excreta despite the urgency

COMPLICATIONS

  • Severe dehydration
  • Inflamed skin and joints
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Liver disorders
  • Escalated risk of colon cancer
  • Bone loss
  • Hyperactivity
  • Insomnia
  • Puffy face

DIAGNOSIS

  • Blood tests
  • Stool samples
  • X-ray
  • CT scan
  • Colonoscopy
  • Sigmoidoscopy

THE AYURVEDIC VIEW OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

  • According to Ayurveda, ulcerative colitis is mainly a disorder due to imbalanced pitta with varying degrees of Vata involvement. The latter determines how extensively the inflammatory process will spread proximally and the development of extra intestinal manifestations. The natural qualities and actions of Pitta are manifested wholly or partially and can be observed. The inherent Pitaj qualities are: heat, sharpness, liquidity, and light, slight unctuousness, sour or pungent smell, acidic or sour taste, red, yellow, and dark blue colors.
  • The natural actions of Pitta include: burning sensation, heat, pus formation (suppuration), perspiration, putrification, itching, bleeding (raktasrava), anger, and intensity.The excessive consumption of Pitaj ahara (Pitta-aggravating foods) and Pitta-aggravating regimens initially damages both rakta dhatu and mamsa dhatu. Vata dosha in the lower colon is also aggravated and in the early stages blocks the Pitta and Kapha channels causing further inflammation, mucous accumulation and edema.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINE FOR ULCERATIVE COLITIS

VATSAKADI CHURNA

This powdered Ayurvedic formulation works wonders in curing Ulcerative colitis. It is a powerful blend of herbs which have miraculous benefits. Vatsakadi churna is a product of Planet Ayurveda and it has successfully cured so many patients suffering from Ulcerative colitis. The list of ingredients is mentioned below.

INGREDIENTS

  1. Kutaj (Holarrhena Antidysentrica)
  2. Saunf/ fennel (Fenniculum Vulgare)
  3. Bilva (Aegle Marmelos)
  4. Dhaniya (Coriander Sativum)
  5. Anaar (Punica Granatum)
  6. Cardamom (Elettaria Cardamomum)
  7. Jaiphal (Myristica Fragrans)


Ayurvedic Medicine For Ulcerative Colitis

1. KUTAJ (Holarrhena Antidysentrica)

The bark of Kutaj consists of conessine, conesimine, isoconessimine, curchine, kurchisine and various other alkaline active elements. It is light to digest but this herb promotes dryness. It has bitter properties. It maintains equilibrium of three doshas. Kutaj has been used to relieve bleeding piles, bacillary dysentery and malaria. It is also useful in relieving other ailments like ulcers, pruritis, dyspepsia and jaundice.

2. SAUNF (Fenniculum Vulgare)

Fennel is extremely useful in curing digestive disorders like indigestion, bloating, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence. It acts as a digestive stimulant and also boasts potent carminative properties. It comprises of Iron, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc, magnesium and selenium. Fennel seeds are also loaded with Vitamin A, B, C and E. Fennel seeds also help in cooling the body which as a result pacifies pitta dosha. Fennel seeds purify the blood and eliminate toxins from the body.

3. BILVA (Aegle Marmelos)

It is considered as a sacred tree in India. Bilva is useful in relieving digestive disorders like colitis and Irritable bowel syndrome. It helps in the overall functioning of the digestive system. Powder of Bilva leaves is useful in regulating blood sugar levels. The fruit eliminates extra heat from the body and relieves colitis, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.

4. DHANIA (Coriander Sativum)

Commonly known as coriander seeds, they are used as a spice in Indian cooking. It has several medicinal uses. External application of the paste of these seeds eliminates pains and swelling. These seeds have digestive, astringent, appetizer, anti-dyspeptic, liver stimulant and anthelmintic properties. The leaves of the plant are used to flavor curries in Indian cooking.

5. GREEN CARDAMOM (Elettaria Cardamom)

It is good for digestive system and eliminates bad breath. Cardamom aids to combat nausea, flatulence, bloating etc. it stimulates the secretion of gastric juices. Cardamom is known to balance the three doshas efficiently. It is a good source of calcium, potassium and magnesium. Cardamom has anti-oxidant and blood cell formation properties. It is used in relieving asthma, cough and other respiratory disorders. It helps in enhancing appetite and also soothes gas and heartburn.

6. JAIPHAL/NUTMEG (Myristica Fragrans)

It is a very good herb for enhancing digestion. It helps in efficiently relieving menstrual disorders. It has fiber which stimulates digestion by promoting peristaltic movements. It helps in secreting .It works as a stimulant and has analgesic properties. It cures indigestion and acts as a liver and kidney detoxifier. It acts as an antidepressant and reduces bloating. It alleviates the frequency and discomfort caused by constipation. It also detoxifies the body and is a rejuvenative tonic. It helps in reducing inflammation and irritation of skin.

7. ANAAR/POMAGRANATE (Punica Granatum)

Pomegranate eliminates imbalanced doshas and maintains equilibrium and promotes digestion. It is slightly sour and controls diarrhea. Its bark has anthelminthic properties and cures loose motion and bleeding diarrhea and treats breathing disorders. It increases appetite, balances pitta dosha and controls vomiting. It treats pain, fever, heart disorders and increases digestive fire.

DIET IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Pathya

The following specific foods are generally recommended in Ayurveda for patients of ulcerative colitis. However, not all patients will tolerate all of these food items. Your physician can provide a more individualized nutritional plan.

Old basmati rice (3 months), barley, moong dal, urad dal, saffron, coriander, cumin, fennel,  kidney beans, green lentils, cow’s milk and butter, goat’s milk and butter, almonds, water chestnut, pomegranate, banana, mango, limes, and kiwi fruit.

Apathya

Foods to be reduced or avoided: Spicy foods, white sugar,  pasta, red grapes, mustard, salty and acidic foods.


Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan – Best and Worst Foods

Introduction

Ulcerative colitis is a condition where lining of the large intestine and the rectum become inflamed. It is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Inflammation produces tiny sores called ulcers on the lining of colon. The inflammation causes the bowel to move its contents rapidly and empty frequently. As cells on the surface of the bowel die, this leads to the formation of ulcers. It can affect people of all ages. The ulcers may cause bleeding and discharge of mucous and pus.  It is considered as a chronic disease by modern physicians. The cause of disease is also unknown. Treatment of ulcerative colitis in modern medicine generally includes prescription of steroids and anti-cancer drugs or surgery. Long term intake of steroids lead to certain side effects. Modern medicine believes that there is no cure for ulcerative colitis.

Best And Worst Foods For Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis according to Ayurveda

  • It is known by the name ‘Pittaj Grahani ‘ in Ayurveda. There is a mention of this disease in the 19th chapter of Charak Chikitsa Sthana. According to Ayurveda, this disease is caused by the increase of Pitta Dosha with varying degree of Vata invovement in some cases.  Pitta in the body is increased by the intake of hot and spicy foods in the diet. This disease is completely curable and the patient can lead healthy life. Various herbs which are astringent and cooling and thus aid digestion are prescribed by Ayurvedic physicians in ulcerative colitis. Such herbs are easily available and there are no side effects at all as experienced by the patients who take modern medicines for the disease. There is a big chapter in Ayurveda which deals with the digestive problems.
  • Ayurveda believes that this disease is 100% curable while modern medicine considers it as an incurable disease. The excessive consumption of Pitta-aggravating foods and lifestyle leads to the formation of Ama which gets deposited in the villi of intestines damages both rakta dhatu (blood tissue) and mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue), thus a smooth coating is formed which impairs the normal function and immunity of the intestines. Vata Dosha in the colon is also aggravated and in the early stages blocks the Pitta and Kapha channels, causing inflammation.
  • It has been seen that now a days majority of the young population is suffering from ulcerative colitis due to the wrong eating habits. It is the time period of one’s age when the digestive fire must be good. The digestion of the people must be strong enough during young age. Suffering from such digestive problems in the young age is a cause of concern. Unfortunately, due to the lack of knowledge youngsters keep on mugging junk food which ultimately increase the ‘Pitta’ level in the body. Junk food mainly contains maida (refined flour) which is one of the major cause of ulcerative colitis.

What are the causes of Ulcerative Colitis?

Modern medicine believes that cause of this disease is unknown but Ayurveda believes that this disease is caused by-

  1. Regular intake of junk food in diet like- food made of refined flour
  2. Stress
  3. Intake of fermented foods
  4. Consumption of alcohol
  5. Spicy, hot foods in diet

What are the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?

  1. Abdominal pain
  2. Bloody stools
  3. Fever
  4. Rectal pain
  5. Weakness
  6. Anemia
  7. Diarrhea
  8. Malnutrition
  9. Increased abdominal sounds
  10. Nausea
  11. Vomiting

What are the complications of Ulcerative Colitis?

  1. It can increase the risk of colon cancer.
  2. Sepsis(blood infection)
  3. Severe dehydration
  4. Thickening of the intestinal wall
  5. Hole in the colon

Best foods for ulcerative colitis

A strict diet rich in astringent principles helps to keep the disease under control. Diet which is not very heavy and which aids in digestion is beneficial in ulcerative colitis.

  1. Buttermilk (lighter in nature) if prepared from cow’s milk or goat milk can be taken.
  2. Fresh pomegranate juice if taken regularly can give excellent results as it controls bleeding and very useful in diarrhea.
  3. Banana is rich in astringent principles, avoids diarrhea and bleeding through rectum.
  4. Honey due to its astringent properties aids in wound healing thus having soothing and cooling effect on the intestinal wall. It is quite useful as patient suffers from dehydration and lack of proper absorption.
  5. Ginger improves digestion and corrects enzyme balance of stomach and intestines.
  6. Bael fruit is natural anti-inflammatory.
  7. Nutmeg is soothing and heals the wounds of intestines.
  8. Taking cumin seeds are also very helpful as they improve digestion.
  9. Fresh coriander leaves balances Pitta because it is a natural coolant.

Worst foods for ulcerative colitis

Diet control is crucial in managing ulcerative colitis treatment. Foods that are hard to digest that cause increase in Pitta and fiber rich diet must be avoided.

  1. Wheat, barley rich in fiber initiates bowel movements hence must be avoided in the initial stage of treatment.
  2. Black gram take long time for digestion hence must be avoided.
  3. Peas cause Vata imbalance in intestine and cause bloating hence must be avoided.
  4. Milk and milk products are not recommended.
  5. Junk food made of refined flour like-bread, biscuits, burger, noodles, pizza, pasta, momos, spring rolls must be strongly avoided.
  6. Alcohol, tea, coffee, meat, hot, spicy foods must be avoided.

Various Ayurvedic medicines like- Kutajghan vati, Vatsakadi churna can be taken alongwith astringent and cooling diet for ulcerative colitis as diet plays a major role in this disease. Medicines are of no use if proper diet is not followed.

It is strongly advised to take fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables in the diet and say a big NO to refined flour (maida), alcohol, hot and spicy junk food. As this disease is a result of unhealthy eating habits only, so it can be corrected by making changes in the diet.

By taking healthy food, our body feels fresh and energetic thus we can work better. It is unfortunate that even in country like India from where Ayurveda originates, there are many people suffering from ulcerative colitis due to the lack of awareness. India must not follow the path of west from where concept of junk food originated which is destroying the health of our young generation.

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