Ayurvedic Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis with Diet & Herbal Remedies

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that cause chronic inflammation of the large intestine, is also known as colon. The colon is the where water is removed from undigested material, and the remaining waste material is stored. Ulcerative colitis is chronic inflammatory bowel disease that cause inflammation in large intestine.

This inflammation produces tiny sores called ulcers on the lining of large intestine. The ulcers may cause bleeding and discharge of mucus and pus. This disease affects people of all ages; most people are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35. It is long term disease. The primary symptom of this disease is abdominal pain and diarrhoea mixed with blood. Fever, weight loss may also occur.

Diet for Ulcerative Colitis:

• Dietary change may improve the condition of Ulcerative colitis. A person with ulcerative colitis need to modify their diet to help manage their symptoms.
• There is not a single meal plan that fits everyone with ulcerative colitis, and diets are different for each patient. Depending on symptoms different types of diets recommended, such as:

What not to eat

• Specific foods don’t cause ulcerative colitis, but they can make it poor. Here are some common foods that can make worsen ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Beans:

Legumes and beans are high in fiber and cause gas and very difficult to digest people having an ulcerative colitis.

Whole grain breads, cereals, and pastas:

These foods contain a lot of fibre, so it’s very difficult to digest for Ulcerative colitis patient. Person avoids eating food made from any whole grain flour,
Such as:

• Breads
• Cereals
• Pastas
• Noodles
• Macaroni

During flare ups of Ulcerative colitis, choose white breads and pastas are from enriched white flour. Cereals like rice, corn flakes, oats, and cream of wheat are also lower in fiber.

Brown rice: Avoid these grains:

• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Buckwheat
• Oats
• Wild rice

These grains have the fibrous endosperm, germ that can trigger Ulcerative colitis. Better option is to have well cooked white rice.

Nuts:

The fiber in nuts can be very hard to digest for Ulcerative colitis patients.

It’s best to avoid the following nuts:

• Walnuts
• Pecans
• Cashews
• Almonds
• Peanuts
• Pistachios

Seeds

Like nuts, seeds can worsen symptoms. Seeds are a type of insoluble fiber, which cause bloating, diarrhoea, gas.

Some seeds to avoid include:

• Sesame seeds
• Flax seeds
• Pine nuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds

Fibrous fruits:

Mostly fruits contain a lot of fibres that are usually very beneficial to us but Ulcerative colitis patient cannot digest these fruits. Fruits belong on the list of foods to avoid if they are:

• Raw
• Dried
• Have seeds that can’t be removed (like most berries)

Most fruit juices are fine to drink, but only with the pulp removed. Skip prune juice it’s having very high fiber

Fibrous vegetables

Like fruits, vegetables are also full of fiber. Include in your diet only if they are:

• Skinned or peeled
• Have no seeds

Gluten-containing foods

• Gluten is a protein that found in wheat and barley. Gluten is not only found in common foods like bread and pasta, but is also added to prepared products like condiments, sauces, soups, and proteins. If you feel that these products trigger your symptoms, remove all types of gluten-containing grains, cereals, baked goods, and other products.

What diet to eat

A person with ulcerative colitis need to modify their diet to manage their symptoms. Depending on symptoms different types of diets may be recommended, such as:

• A high-calorie diet: Many people with ulcerative colitis lose weight. A high calorie diet may prevent these problems.
• A lactose-free diet: People with ulcerative colitis may also have lactose intolerance.
• A low-fat diet: Ulcerative colitis may interfere with fat absorption and eating fatty foods can trigger symptoms.
•  A low-fiber diet: This can help to reduce the frequency of bowel movements and abdominal cramps.
• A gluten free diet: People with ulcerative colitis also be sensitive to gluten.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is a disease of Pitta Dosha, with varying degrees of Vata involvement in some cases.

Herbal supplements help to reduce Ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Aloe gel Aloe Barbadensis Miller

• It is taken from the leaves of the Aloe plant. It’s known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties.
• In a trial of 44 patients with active Ulcerative Colitis, 200 ml per day of Aloe Vera gel for 4 weeks reduced symptoms.

Wheatgrass(Triticum Aestivum)

• It is a form of grass that is available fresh or as a powder, juice or tablet. Wheatgrass is generally safe for Ulcerative colitis, but may cause mild nausea.

Andrographis Paniculata(Green chiretta)

It is an Asian herbaceous plant. It is known as ‘The King of Bitters,’ is traditionally used in Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine. Andrographis has potential as a therapeutic in treating inflammatory bowel disease.

Curcumin:

• Curcumin is natural phytochemical derived from turmeric. It is reported to have anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and antispasmodic properties.

Boswellia

Boswellia is a natural herb obtained from the resin part of tree bark. In Ulcerative Colitis Boswellia role as to reduce inflammatory bowel disease.

Bromelain:

Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, may help ease the symptoms and reduce the frequency of Ulcerative colitis flares.

These herbal remedies very effective in the management of Ulcerative Colitis