Holistic Diet for Colitis

Colitis is an inflammation of the lining of the large intestine accompanied by abdominal pain and diarrhea. There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, but symptoms are reduced or remission is possible with a holistic diet, maintaining optimum levels of vitamins, minerals and water. A holistic diet for colitis is unique to an individual because each individual is intolerant to different foods.

Journal

• A food journal documenting foods consumed and colitis symptoms on dates and times helps you identify foods that produce your gastric distress. Colitis is an individual sensitivity to food. One third of all colitis patients, do not absorb fat correctly. Others are lactose intolerant, sensitive to dairy products. Your sensitivity may be more specific or general.

Diet

• Donuts that produce an acute painful attack of colitis can easily be eliminated from the diet, but milk and cheese which contain Vitamin D and calcium are essential. Yogurt might be easier to digest because yogurt contains enzymes needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk.

  Smaller meals or portions lessen diarrhea and cramps. Low fat, high carbohydrate diets of pasta, rice, whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables may help. A one and a half cup bowl of oatmeal or oat bran with fruit each day relieves intestinal spasms.

  Raw fruits and vegetables can be steamed or baked if they are problematic. High-fiber nuts, seeds, corn, and popcorn are painful if the bowel is narrowed.

  Sensitive colons react to stress, large meals, medications, specific foods, caffeine or alcohol. Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day reduces dehydration from diarrhea. Carbonated beverages that cause gas and discomfort and should be eliminated.

  Adding 2 to 3 grams of soluble fiber per day will help reduce gas and bloating. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables increase dietary fiber and reduce intestinal spasms. Dietary fiber relieves constipation.

  Eating meals that are low in fat and high in carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, whole-grain breads and cereals fruits, and vegetables may help. Fish oils fight inflammation of the bowel and stimulates the colon to produce fatty acids, which help repair the lining of the colon.

Malnutrition

• Bile from the liver and pancreas mixes with food in the small intestine. Peristalsis of the intestinal muscles produces small bits of digested food which pass through the intestinal wall and circulate in the blood stream. The small intestine empties into the colon, which reabsorbs water from the food. Water is recycled or conserved. Solid, undigested food passes from the colon during a bowel movement.

  An inflamed intestine does not digest and absorb nutrients. Bile enters the colon. If the colon is also inflamed,diarrhea is severe. Chronic diarrhea results in dehydration and can alter kidney function. Nausea, abdominal pain and altered taste decrease appetite.

  Lost proteins and nutrients produce intestinal symptoms and can retard growth in children and and impact hormones of women causing menstrual irregularities or cessation.

Deficiencies

• Malnutrition results from improper digestion. Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common. Vitamin D is essential for bone formation and calcium metabolism. Iron deficiencies are also common. Iron supplements cure anemia.

  Potassium and magnesium deficiencies result from diarrhea, vomiting or medication. Oral supplements of magnesium oxide are given for magnesium deficiencies caused by chronic diarrhea.Calcium deficiency with Vitamin D deficiency adversely effects bone health and interferes with calcium absorption.

Stress

• Stress and emotions aggravate colitis and may result in increased acid and changes in intestinal tissue. John Hopkins University (2009) advocates exercise to reduce stress, relieve depression and normalize bowel function. Regular relaxation and breathing exercises to cope with stress are explained on the John Hopkin's website. Hypnosis to a relaxed state also relieves colitis symptoms. .