Tag: ulcerative colitis diet plan

August 4, 2026

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

Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack

Buy Now Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack

Buy Now Ulcerative Colitis - Care Pack

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

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November 9, 2016

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.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at costing.planetayurveda@yahoo.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.

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