Colitis

Colitis is a disease that causes inflammation on the Colon, usually called Ulcers, in the lining of the Rectum and Colon. The colon is situated in the abdominal cavity dividing into several parts like Cecum, Ascending Colon, Transverse, Descending Colon, Sigmoid, Rectum and Anus. Colon is responsible to collect and store the digested wastage. It has lots of arteries providing oxygen rich blood and nutrients along with veins that drain away carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Reduction in blood supply can lead to the inflammation causing colitis.

The causes of Colitis can be numerous but some of them are infections, poor blood supply, and autoimmune reactions. This type of Inflammation causes the colon to be emptied frequently causing diarrhea, pain and blood in the stool.

Symptoms

• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain 
• Bloody stools
• Chills
• Constant urge to have a bowel movement
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Increased intestinal gas
• Patients may have fever, feel satiated and indulge. In severe cases, patients may have diarrhea 10 to 20 times a day.

Popular treatments and recommendations

• Hemp oil is the most balanced oil in terms of omega 3, 6, and 9 with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Take 2 cups of aloe vera juice to reduce inflammation and make cramps less frequent.
• Make a mixture of plain yogurt, salt, ground cumin powder, and fresh turmeric to juice and drink 2-3 cups a day.
• Use bromelain and pure pineapple juice.
• Drink cabbage juice and take cabbage to lower inflammation in the colon. 
• Prepare and take soups containing panchakola and black pepper.
• Take amla and ginger paste in soups.
• Eat old rice, lentil, wood apple, nutmeg, hot water and take complete rest in order to get relief.  

Prevention

• Be careful not to eat a lot of raw plant foods, especially during flare ups.
• Ensure an adequate blood level of Vitamin D.
• Avoid fats and oils that are high in omega-6 fatty acids.
• Regularly eat foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates.

References

• http://www.medicinenet.com/colitis/article.htm

• http://www.emedicinehealth.com/colitis/article_em.htm

• http://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/ulcerative-colitis/ulcerative-colitis-topic-overview

• http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colitis/

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001125.htm

• http://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/ulcerative-colitis/ulcerative-colitis-home-treatment

• http://www.myhomeremedies.com/topic.cgi?topicid=51