Alternative Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT FOR ULCERATIVE COLITIS

ULCERATIVE COLITIS - AN OVERVIEW OF THE DISEASE

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease i.e. it involves inflammation of a part or whole of the intestine. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both grouped under this heading as they both affect the bowel in different ways leading to inflammation and ulcerations in the intestinal wall.

CROHN’S DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

As stated earlier, both these diseases are grouped under inflammatory bowel disease, the major difference is that while Crohn’s disease affects the intestine as a whole ulcerative colitis is the inflammation and ulceration of just the rectum and colon part of the intestine.

                           

ULCERATIVE COLITIS IS NOT IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

IBS does not involve inflammation of the bowel and is also different from IBD in that it only affects the nature of peristalsis in the patient’s intestine. It should therefore, not be confused with ulcerative colitis.

IS ULCERATIVE COLITIS AN AUTO-IMMUNE DISORDER?

There are several assumptions and theories regarding the cause of this disease. The most accepted and popular one suggests an involvement of the immune system which goes haywire and starts attacking the healthy tissues of the rectum and colon instead of infections and other things that triggers the immune system to release antibodies.

It is unclear however, that what triggers the shift of this immune reaction. The possible understanding can only be that it is a result of some genetic response or probably an environmental effect.

ONSET OF THE DISEASE

The disease can affect any age group but most commonly it starts showing up between the age group of 15 – 26.

The ratio of women to men affected by the disease is 1:1. Its occurrence is however varied in different races groups. The Asians are said to be the most resistant to developing this disease. Caucasians and blacks are the ones who are most commonly affected by this disease.

SYMPTOMS

·       Bleeding from the rectum

·       Increased frequency of passage of stools

·       Mucoid discharge from the rectum

·       A continuous urge to evacuate the bowel

·        The disease has a gradual onset

·        Severe pain in the lower abdomen with cramps in serious cases

·        Severe dehydration due to frequent passage of stools

·       Distended abdomen

·       Weight loss

DIAGNOSIS

·       Stool test

To exclude any kind of infective pathology

·       Blood tests

Anemia is a common finding as there is a continuous loss of blood from the rectal region.

Raised TLC and ESR – due to the inflammatory condition.

·       Other routine tests – KFT, LFT, Lipid profile, Iron studies and etc. to exclude any other associated pathology.

· 

COLONOSCOPY AND  SIGMOIDOSCOPY ARE CONFIRMATORY

These are helpful in the diagnosis of the disease as they provide direct view of the intestines.

·       BARIUM ENEMA X-ray is also a confirmatory test for the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.

·       CT scan and MRI also lead to significant findings required for the treatment of the disease.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

The main idea behind the management of ulcerative colitis is the control of the symptoms and prevention of recurrence.

There is “NO CURE” for ulcerative colitis. The treatment plan is aimed at providing a better quality of life and least degree of severity in terms of the associated symptoms.

HERBAL SUPPPLEMENTS FOR ULCERATIVE COLITIS

As stated earlier, there is no known cure for ulcerative colitis therefore it’s important not to dope the body with analgesics and steroids. 

 The best way to deal with the disease is to follow a proper diet plan and lifestyle along with some herbal supplements described in Ayurveda as an effective alternative treatment for ulcerative colitis. These prove to be very beneficial in the long run. The best part to go all herbal with ulcerative colitis is that there are absolutely no side effects and they also provide general nourishment and cleansing of the body which in turns stimulates the immune system. This can help prevent worsening of the symptoms.

AYURVEDIC POINT OF VIEW OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

According to Ayurveda, any disease occurs due to the imbalance of the

·       Doshas (Vata, pitta and kapha body humors) and

·       Dhatus (seven tissues of the body namely Lymph, blood, muscles, fat tissues, bones, bone marrow, sperm and ovum)

·       Mala (Urine, faeces and sweat).

In case of Ulcerative colitis, the digestive fire is disrupted which leads to indigestion which in turn leads to the formation of toxins which cause imbalance of the Doshas, the Dhatus and the Malas.

PLANET AYURVEDA’S ULCERATIVE COLITIS CARE PACK

Realizing the importance of herbal supplementation in the management of Ulcerative colitis, Planet Ayurveda has put together a very effective combination of herbs which prove to be very beneficial in providing relief to the patients.

The pack has the following ingredients:-

1.   KUTAZ GHAN VATI

Kutaz better known as  Holarrheana  antidysentrica as the name suggests is the choicest herb for treating diarrhea of all kinds. It is equally beneficial for all disease related to the intestines. It is a tree and this "Vati" - tablet is made from the bark of this tree. It's 100 % natural. 

DOSE: 2 tablets, twice daily with plain water after meals.

2.   PITTA BALANCE CAPSULES

It is a calcium rich formulation which effectively heals intestinal ulceration and also replenishes the body’s natural calcium stores. It is cooling in nature. Pitta means fire element. It balances the fire element and helps to arrest bleeding and heal ulcers. 

DOSE: 1-2 capsules, twice daily with plain water after meals.

3.   ARJUNA CAPSULES

Arjuna or Terminalia arjuna tree bark is a wonder herb in Ayurveda widely known for its healing properties. It is very effective in ulcerative colitis to even out the internal lining of the intestines and stop bleeding. Arjuna is mainly popular for its heart healing properties but it is mentioned at many places in Ayurveda for its role in wound healing, ulcer healing. It is also cooling in nature. 

DOSE: 1-2 capsules, twice daily with plain water after meals.

4.   VATSAKADI CHURNA

It is an effective blend of herbs like Fennel, Pomegranate, Nutmeg, Green Cardamom, Coriander and Bael. Vatsak is another synonym of the tree - Halorrhena antidysendrica or Kutaz. Besides Kutaz bark, there are many other herbs like pomegranate peel, fennel powder, which are all astringents and healing.  All these herbs help to restore the normal digestive fire and prevent excessive mucous secretions in the intestine clearing out the colon and detoxifying the entire system. They help to arrest the excessive diarrhea and heal the ulcers. 

DOSE: 1 tsf, twice daily with plain water after meals.

Here are some videos for ulcerative colitis information... You can buy the combo pack here - ULCERATIVE COLITIS CARE PACK 

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