Everything you need to know about Ulcerative colitis

Every system is important for the body and the whole body works in coordination to produce efficient results. If there occurs malfunctioning in one organ, eventually the functions of others are also compromised. We’ll be talking about one such disorder which is really frustrating and painful. Also, this blog covers the Ayurvedic Treatment for ulcerative colitis which will heal the body.

What is Ulcerative Colitis ?

Ulcerative colitis is a bowel disorder that is due to the inflammation and formation of ulcers in the digestive tract. Mostly, the colon (large intestine) and rectum are the affected parts. The inner lining is hampered which results in a huge amount of pain and discomfort.

If the person is suffering from Ulcerative colitis, he/she will suffer from a wide range of symptoms. Some of the symptoms are listed below:

• Diarrhea

• Pus or blood in the stools  

• Pain in the rectum

• Bleeding in the rectal region

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Weight loss

• Urgency to defecate

• Unable to defecate despite the urgency

• Cramps in the belly region

• Loss of appetite

• Joint pain

• Anemia

The Cause of Ulcerative Colitis

The possible main cause of this can be the malfunctioning of the immune system. An abnormal immune response occurs which leads to an attack on the cells of the digestive tract.

Risk Factors for the Ulcerative Colitis

The risk factors which can result in this disorder are:

• Age: As such, there is no specific age, but mostly the patients are seen in the age group which ranges from 15-30 years.
• Family history: The person who is suffering from this disorder has certain genetic factors that can be inherited from and to the family members.
• Bad lifestyle: The inactive lifestyle and the dietary habits impact our body a lot. Our lifestyle becomes the contributing factor for this disorder to occur.
• Stress: Stress becomes the triggering factor for ulcerative colitis to take place. Being stressed most of the time is harmful to the body.

Different Types of Ulcerative Colitis

The types of ulcerative colitis are listed below. Depending upon the area of inflammation, the symptoms may vary.

1. Ulcerative proctitis: This kind, affects the end of the colon, or the rectum. The symptoms that are related to this type are rectal bleeding, pain, and inability to pass the stools despite the urge.
2. Proctosigmoiditis: Here the rectum and the lower end of the colon are involved. The symptoms related to this type include abdominal pain, cramps, and bloody diarrhea.
3. Left-sided colitis: This type affects the rectum, and the sigmoid and descending colon which is present on the left side. The person with this type experiences weight loss, blood in the poop, and abdominal cramps on the left side.
4. Pancolitis: The whole colon is affected by this type. People with this type experience fatigue, weight loss, pain and cramps in the abdomen, and blood in the excreta.
5. Fulminant colitis: This type is rare and becomes a threat to the person. It also affects the whole colon but the symptoms are severe in this case. The pain is excruciating, and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. This may also be a risk to cause the rupturing of the colon.

Natural treatment for ulcerative colitis is the best treatment as it will give no side effects to the person. The Ayurvedic treatment also focuses to remove the root cause of the disease and fights with the reversibility of the disease. 

So, let’s go through the natural treatment that will help in easing the situation.

Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

The natural treatment for Ulcerative Colitis can be done in the following ways:

Natural Herbs

Ayurvedic treatment for ulcerative colitis mainly consists of herbs which are used to heal this disorder. Also, the herbs are formulated into the medications that ease the discomfort.

• Aegle Marmelos (Bael): It is the best herb and has healing properties. The fruits help in healing the ulcers and also repair the damaged tissues. The Indian bael is also known to reduce swelling and improve the body's digestive function. Additionally, it is also known to reduce pain.
• Acorus Calamus (Vacha): It is the best herb for ulcerative colitis treatment, as this herb is beneficial for the digestive system. It reduces the inflammation present in the intestines.
• Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Mulethi):  It has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which help in clearing out the infections present in the digestive tract. By neutralizing the acid in the stomach, it reduces the production of ulcers.
• Tinospora Cordifolia (Giloy): This herb is best when it comes to calming the imbalanced Doshas. It helps in preventing the formation of ulcers and also shields the digestive tract. Moreover, it is beneficial in minimizing the symptoms like diarrhoea, and dysentery.
• Embelia Ribes (Vaividanga): This becomes the helpful choice as it has numerous characteristics that help with inflammation, and oxidative damage. It is the best herb when it comes to preventing colorectal cancer.

The food we eat impacts the body’s conditions. We are what we eat, as the saying goes. If we will eat healthily, the body will be well-nourished. So, the following listed dietary habits must be followed to live a healthy life.

Dietary changes

Strictly follow a healthy diet to find relief from the symptoms. 

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. They contain an enormous amount of nutrients that are beneficial to the body. The ideal ayurveda colitis diet will help the body heal and will boost immunity.

• Also, drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Drinking juices regularly will keep the body fit and healthy. Not only the body is healed internally but the glow can be seen externally too. 
• Keep the body well hydrated. Our body majorly constitutes water, and for the proper functioning of the body, water is mandatory. You can also infuse the water with ginger, mint leaves, lemon, and basil (tulsi) for more benefits. If you are looking for excellent nutritional content, have coconut water and coconut milk. 
• Start having various nuts in the diet. But remember to soak them in water overnight as this is the right way to eat them.
• Certain seeds like pumpkin and sunflower will nourish the body and will give the body all the missing nutrients.
• Drink herbal tea, ginger tea, basil (tulsi) tea, lavender, or chamomile tea. They contain various antioxidants that will help in prevention as well as will also boost immunity.
• Processed food items, instant food mixtures, and ready-to-make food articles should not be part of your daily routine. They are unhealthy and will deteriorate the body’s condition.
• Junk food items, spicy and oily foods, will cause a problem in the digestive system.
• Do not have refined salt and processed sugar; instead, start having pink rock salt and jaggery as a substitute for salt and sugar.
• Do not have dairy products in excess. They are heavy and will put stress on the digestive system.
• Saturated foods, oily foods, and sticky foods must not be consumed as they pose a greater risk. 
• Prefer a vegetarian diet over a non-vegetarian one. 
• Carbonated drinks, fizzy drinks, and sugary drinks must be excluded totally from the diet. 
• Caffeine should be excluded from the diet. 
• Raw food items and boiled articles must be part of your daily regimen. 
• The proper schedule should be followed while eating. Do not overeat and do not starve yourself.
• Quit alcohol, drugs, and smoking. It is harmful to the body. 

If you will wholeheartedly follow this diet, you will see the results. Healthy food will help the digestive system to restore its functions and put an end to the ulcer formations. 

Lifestyle Changes

Our habits make us. If we follow an active lifestyle, the body will be properly circulated with enough oxygen and blood will be able to transport proper nutrition to the various organs. 

1. Make sure you live an active life. Go out for a walk or jog. Try brisk walking it is highly beneficial. 
2. Practice a mild workout routine. Do not over-exert or put extra stress on the body. 
3.  For the cramps, gently massage the affected areas with natural herbal oils. You can use mustard oil, coconut oil, lavender oil, or sesame oil. 

Yoga

Yoga plays important role in managing stress, and practising yoga regularly gives immense benefits in ulcerative colitis. The three effective yoga asanas are as follows:

1. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge pose)
It boosts metabolism and improves digestion and relaxes anxiety and stress levels. It provides relief within a short period and also helps reduce back pain and discomfort.
2. Pawanmuktasana (The Wind Relieving Pose)
This yoga asana especially helps the internal organs of the digestive system which tend to improve the process of digestion.
3. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend Pose)
This yoga asana increases appetite as well as aids in the digestive process. Additionally, it lowers anxiety, and stress and stimulates your abdominal muscles, massages and tones the abdominal and pelvic organs.

These ancient practices are more than a physical form of exercise. It releases any kind of physical stress and also promotes peace of mind and soul. Yoga is known to revitalize and rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. 

Meditation

Performing meditation even for just 5-10 minutes will help the person immensely. Just focus on accepting things and you will eventually start having a positive attitude towards life. It also helps with spiritual awakening. Certainly, mindful meditation helps in focusing on the present moments. In addition, it heals the symptoms of depression, and anxiety, it helps in reducing the flare-ups of Ulcerative colitis.

The natural treatment for ulcerative colitis does not give any side effects. These remedies and tips are surely going to help you a lot but you still need an Ayurvedic expert who is going to study your medical history and will customize the treatment according to the needs of your body. Ulcerative colitis can be treated with natural herbal treatment and with panchakarma treatment, however, treatment varies according to the prakriti of the patient So, if searching for a natural treatment for ulcerative colitis, choose Dr. Sharda Ayurveda for the best result.
 

Commonly Asked Question

1. How effective is Ayurveda treatment for ulcerative colitis?
As Ayurveda treats Ulcerative Colitis from its root cause, it heals without any side effects and medicines are completely chemical-free. Thus, Ayurveda is the most effective treatment as well as painless treatment for ulcerative colitis.
2. Will I need to have surgery for ulcerative colitis?
In Ayurveda, natural herbs and Panchakarma therapy are used to treat Ulcerative Colitis. Hence, Ayurveda cures it from the root cause. So, there is no need for surgery as symptoms start ameliorating after using Ayurvedic medicines.
3. What treatment options are available for ulcerative colitis?
There are numerous treatment options available such as natural herbs obtained from mother Nature, and Panchakarma Therapy. Additionally, modification in diet and lifestyle is recommended in Ayurveda.
4. Will I need to take medications for the rest of my life?
Medications are prescribed by doctors which are plant-based. Once the disease is healed from its root cause, there is no need to take medicine for the long term.
5.  Will I need to avoid certain foods or food groups?
In Ayurveda, certain food items are limited; however, it depends on the Prakriti and Dosha of the patient. Every case is different, so the choice of food for each personalised case is different.