Introduction
Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic auto immune disease of the large intestine or colon wherein inflammation brought on by the faulty immune response creates ulcers or sores in the lining of the colon.
Due to changing eating habits as well as changing lifestyle, abdominal problems like- gastritis, bloating, constipation are becoming most common. These issues are looked quite simple to handle but if not diagnosed or treated early may result into a disease called as "Ulcerative Colitis
According To Ayurveda
- As Ayurveda believes in curing the disease from the root, this problem has a proper solution. According to Ayurveda, it initiates with mild diarrhea then it leads to stools with Ama [toxic substances] then results in constipation.
- In Ayurveda, it is also known as Pittaj Grahani
Lifestyle Changes
- Simple lifestyle changes and little change in diet can help in not only relieving the symptoms of Ulcerative colitis, but also managing the problem and lengthening the time between the flare ups.
Home Remedies/ Natural Diet to Manage Ulcerative Colitis
- A very effective and easy home remedy to deal with UC symptoms at home is to eat mints.
- Mint helps in improving the functioning of digestive system and nervous system.
- By eating mint, the saliva glands start working more and this helps with digestion.
Chamomile Tea
- Chamomile Tea is another home remedy with amazing curative powers.
How To Make
- It can be prepared by boiling two spoons of Chamomile flower powder in a glass of water for about 10 minutes, strain it and add some honey for the stage.
- Chamomile helps in reducing inflammation in the colon as it has a soothing effect on the intestinal tract.
- It can be taken daily by the patient.
Calendula Flower Tea
- One may also prepare Calendula Flower Tea in the same way and drink it as a safe remedy for UC.
Apple Cider vinegar
How to Take
- Apple cider vinegar (two spoons) mixed with honey in a glass of water right before each meal is another effective solution for UC.
- It can be taken twice a day.
Plain Cultured Yogurt
- Plain cultured yogurt/ curd has probiotics (live bacteria) which is beneficial for a healthy digestive system.
- One needs to increase the intake of Probiotics in the diet.
Fresh Juices
- Carrot juice,Pomegranate juice (50 ml daily)
- Rose Petal juice
- Marigold Flower Juice
- Coriander Leaves juice
- Indian Rosewood leaves juice
How to Take
- It can be taken on a daily basis (1 spoon two to three times a day).
- This provides the body with antioxidants and helps in treating UC.
Olive oil
How to Take
- Olive oil (two spoons) mixed with a glass of warm water
- It can be taken daily for a week.
Benefits
- Olive oil is known for immunomodulatory properties and monosaturated fats.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties as well and is perfectly safe to be used in treating UC.
Fenugreek Seeds
How to Take
- Fenugreek seeds may be boiled in water for 10 minutes, strained and some jiggery powder may be added to it for taste.
- This mixture can be taken on empty stomach daily for a week.
Benefits
- Fenugreek seeds help in speeding up the recovery by providing a protective coating along the intestinal tract.
- Fenugreek seeds are known for its anti-inflammatoryproperties, Vitamin C and Vitamin A, iron and calcium content.
Coconut Water with Honey
How to Take
- A very easy way to treat UC at home is drinking coconut water with honey mixed with it on empty stomach first thing in the morning for at least one week.
Benefits
- This drink boosts energy, prevents dehydration, enhances immunity and helps cure ulcers.
Rice Water
How to Take
- Rice Water is also considered a good option to ease the symptoms of UC.
- It can be prepared by boiling a cup of rice in three cups of water for twenty minutes.
- After the rice settles down, strain it and drink the remaining water.
Best Fruits to Eat in UC
- The best fruits that a UC patient should take on a regular basis are apples and bananas.
- One should try to eat steamed apples, two times a day to alleviate pain and heal sores of the colon.
- Apples are rich in phosphorous and iron and are very helpful in treating UC.
- Seedless grapes, peaches, soft melons and avocados may also be taken
Turmeric
- Turmeric may be mixed in a glass of warm milk and taken before bed time for a week.
- It is well known for its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
Wheat grass
- Wheat grass is an anti-oxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties too.
- It is very soft on the stomach and provides instant relief from the severe pain of UC.
How to Take
- One can easily prepare wheat grass juice by mixing two spoons of wheat grass powder in warm water.
- The mixture can be taken twice daily for one week.
Tips
- It is very important to increase the intake of water.
Recommended Diet - Foods to Eat & Avoid
- The recommended diet includes vegetables like turnip, potatoes, radish, carrot, bael fruit, spinach, Bottle Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Ash Gourd, Songe Gourd and Round Gourd and green lentils. Vegetables should be without seeds.
- Soft Bland Foods- These kinds of foods are very beneficial in some of the digestive tract problems such as ulcerative colitis. Soft, bland foods which can be used in ulcerative colitis are oatmeal, puffed rice, hominy grits, wheat cream, boiled eggs, gelatin, mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables such as asparagus, mushrooms, carrots and spinach and brown rice.
- Taking Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Omega 3 fatty acid supplements are also recommended. Vitamin C is easily found in foods like red bell peppers, parsley, strawberries and spinach.
- It is very important to avoid foods that can aggravate the UC symptoms. One needs to avoid dairy products like milk/cheese/butter, foods rich in fiber like cauliflower/cucumbers, spicy foods or spices like red chili, cloves, black peppers, turmeric and asafetida, citrus fruits like lime, lemons, orange, pineapples and tomatoes, alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks. It is advised to minimize the consumption of kidney beans, chick peas, black eyes beans, black grams, brinjal, ladyfinger etc. Eating small meals frequently works best for UC patients.
- The best thing to do is to avoid stress as much as you can by practicing stress relieving techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Once stress is under control, the heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate becomes normal and blood and nutrients move into the core to support digestive function.
