Colitis

Colitis refers to the inflammation of the gut usually the large intestine. Though the earliest explanations of colitis can be dated back to ancient Greek history, pharmacologic interventions for the disease started Following World War II. The medical term “ulcerative colitis” was first recorded in a case report written by Sir Samuel Wilks in 1859, while describing a similar condition.

Before 2006 in the Australian population colitis cases used to be a small hospital-based condition. But now the population-based studies show more prevalence of the disease between 16-60 years of age mostly in females and the number is increasing at an alarming rate. Usually, further investigation of anaemia, dehydration, and inflammation leads to a diagnosis of colitis. After initial blood tests to assess these conditions, the structure of the colon can be analysed through colonoscopy, barium enema, and CT scans.

The causes and classification of colitis can be conceived as Infectious, Inflammatory, Allergic, Psychological, Ischemic, Genetic, Microscopic, and due to overuse of antibiotics. Remission and relapses are common in this chronic condition.

What happens if our colon is not working properly?

The colon is the lower part of the abdominal cavity which has a mucosal lining where the product after digestion from the small intestine is processed. Water and electrolytes are absorbed back into blood vessels and the leftover is removed as feces. The colon has got many friendly bacteria that can produce vitamin K and amino acids. There is homeostasis between this gut flora, gut cells, and tissues. The disruption of this homeostasis due to the above-said reasons leads to prolonged uncontrolled inflammations. Usually, things get better soon but care has to be taken if the symptoms get worse.

Ayurveda considers Colitis as a metabolic derangement that needs correction from the cellular level. Ayurveda says that the derangement of Agni (digestive fire) plays a major role in gastrointestinal diseases. Digestive fire (Agni) with the help of Vata (air factors), Pitta (fire factors), and Kapha (water factors) help in maintaining the homeostasis of the gut and a healthy metabolism. Imbalanced Agni can result in tissue derangement (that Paka) which in turn can cause pathologic and autoimmune reactions.

Have you ever had stomach aches and Diarrhoea?

Well! Care has to be taken if you find these symptoms intermittently persisting for weeks or months!

• Abdominal pain; cramping in nature before or after an episode of diarrhoea
• The urgency of bowel movement with mucus discharge from the rectum
• Bleeding from the rectum with bowel movements ranging from 4-6 per day
• Fever, chills, weight loss
• It can also be associated with joint swellings, skin nodules, and eye inflammations.

In Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic we aim at the correction of disease from the grass-root level

Colitis is a result of imbalanced digestive fire resulting in poor digestion, imbalanced fire factors causing ulcerations and destroying gut flora, and imbalanced air factors causing loss of immunity. The imbalance of these factors affects tissues resulting in inflammations, anaemia, weight loss, diarrhoea, anxiety, and so on. The holistic approach of Ayurveda considering all these factors and individual differences helps in treating the disease from root causes.

1. Herbal combinations: Herbs that support digestion, control inflammation, improve immunity and heal ulcers are used. Different herbal combinations are of great help in colitis as it reduces remissions and prevents complications of the disease itself. Cooling and pacifying Ayurvedic herbs will be of great help in controlling the throbbing nature of the pain in colitis. Ayurvedic medical therapy offers a handful of immunomodulatory herbal drugs. At Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic a wide range of herbal combinations is available.
2. Ayurvedic massage therapies: Different Ayurvedic massage therapies can help to boost healing. Abhyanga (Ayurvedic hot oil massage) helps to balance different factors, reduce stress and improve lubrication. Shirodhara- streaming of warm oil at the third eye- helps to balance digestive hormones and control stress. Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic provides a wide range of Ayurvedic therapies traditionally and holistically.
3. Ayurvedic detox (Panchakarma): Ayurveda recommends various individually tailored detox therapies known as Panchakarma to detox the body and correct the disease from root causes. Ayurvedic detox based on enema is highly beneficial in colitis to control inflammation and to improve the general health of the gut including gut flora. At Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic we provide customized and efficient detox plans.
4. Diet and Lifestyle: Healthy diet and lifestyle are important to support healing and maintain health. Eat healthy foods; include lots of seasonal fruits and veggies in the diet. According to the stage of the disease, you may have to be careful with raw foods including salads. Drink enough water to ensure proper hydration. Avoid eating leftovers especially if refrigerated. Keeping a health and diet diary will be helpful in colitis. Avoid fried foods, nuts, and popcorn in between diets. Reduce dairy to control inflammation. Exercise daily for at least 20 minutes every day. Avoid the use of over-the-counter medicines.

Ayurveda is mainly focusing on the preventive and curative management of colitis by reducing the morbidities caused by the disease and improving the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of the person. Begin your journey of Ayurvedic healing by booking an initial consultation and/or therapies with Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic.