Before we get into ways to naturally help colitis, IBD and Crohn’s, I would like to emphasize that these can be a VERY serious (life threatening in some situations) conditions. Please, please work in tandem with your physician or medical professional and don’t hesitate to seek proper medical care!
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a medical condition that causes the walls of the intestines and digestive tract to become swollen and inflamed.
When nothing is done to correct this condition for a long period of time, then ulcers can begin to develop. Ulcers bring with them a whole host of additional problems including pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, bloody stools, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss or a fever.
The Two Most Common Forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD commonly comes in two forms – ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. The symptoms of these two disorders can seem much the same and it can be really difficult for the doctor to ascertain a correct diagnosis. In addition, inflammatory bowel disease is often misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Other inflammatory bowel diseases include collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis, and diversion colitis.
The Difference Between Colitis and Crohn’s Disease
In
Crohn’s disease
, there are healthy parts of the intestine mixed in
between
inflamed areas.
Ulcerative colitis
, on the other hand, is continuous inflammation of the colon.
Ulcerative colitis
only affects the inner most lining of the colon while
Crohn’s disease
can occur in all the layers of the bowel walls.
The Causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
There has been no exact reason identified for why IBD occurs, although here has been a lot of research into factors that could make a person more likely to develop it. As you probably know, a damaged or weakened immune system makes it easy for infections to spread.
But for people with inflammatory bowel disease, the immune system actually overreacts to something in the digestive system and causes ongoing inflammation, ulcers, and other problems.
Medical researches believe that a virus or bacterium may be what causes the immune system to react this way. If someone in your family has suffered with inflammatory bowel disease then there is a high probability that you will also.
Women are more likely to develop IBD where genetic ties are concerned, while individual of Jewish descent carry this special gene which means they are much more likely to develop IBD than most other people.
Having a lifestyle where you are not physically active, being in a higher socioeconomic bracket or living in a developed country are all factors which make it more likely that you will suffer with inflammatory bowel disease at some point in your life. Cigarettes, stress and some types of food can also contribute to it.
Tips for Preventing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
* Eat a high-fiber diet of whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, fruit, vegetables, dried fruit and nuts (NOTE: Some individuals find that wheat products worsen their symptoms).
* Include protein such as lean meats and fish in your diet to relieve symptoms of IBD.
* Try to eat small, frequent meals – even during a flare-up.
* Regular exercise helps to reduce stiffness, maintain joint motion, and strengthen the muscles around the joints.
* Drink a lot of fluid and at least 8-10 glasses of water every day to help keep the body hydrated and also to help prevent constipation.
* Stay away from foods containing lactose if you are lactose intolerant.
* Curb your intake of caffeine and alcohol, as these may aggravate symptoms.
* Increase your intake of multivitamins and fish oil capsules to replace nutrients lost via malabsorption problems caused by IBD.
* Limit gas-producing foods such as onions, dried peas and lentils, chives, broccoli, and carbonated drinks.
* Practice deep breathing exercises to encourage motion of the ribs.
* Stop smoking in a natural manner, as smoking has been known to worsen this condition.
What is Colitis?
Colitis, an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), is the acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane lining of the colon (large intestine or bowel) and can have many different causes. Colitis is also the commonly used short name for ulcerative colitis, a condition which causes both inflammation and ulcers in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine.
When inflammation occurs, the colon empties itself, frequently resulting in diarrhea. In areas where the inflammation has resulted in the death of the colon lining cells, ulcers may develop which can produce pus and mucus, or may also bleed.
Those with inflammatory bowel disease also tend to experience eye problems, joint problems, neck or lower back pain, as well as skin changes.
The Symptoms of Colitis, IBD
The symptoms of IBD can vary widely depending on the specific type of colitis and its cause. These may include:
- Pain
Common Treatments of IBD, Colitis
For more serious episodes of colitis, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, or steroids may be prescribed. However, these prescription medications may also come with other side effects. As your symptoms improve, eat low-fiber foods and avoid dairy products and greasy foods for a few days.
Often severe attacks of inflammatory bowel disease such as colitis require hospital admission and supportive care which includes bowel rest, IV fluids, and correction of any electrolyte imbalance. Surgery may also be required and can involve the removal of the affected portion of colon and bowel, but this is usually a last resort.
Making strict changes to diet will help ease symptoms and a food diary will enable the identification of foods that seem to worsen or trigger symptoms. People with chronic colitis may need psychotherapy, counseling, and education.
Body Systems Affected by IBD:
Energetic Systems Affected by IBD
Energetically, the following meridians have a direct affect on IBD and colitis:
Effective Alternative Treatments for IBD
Reflexology Treatment for IBD
Tools Needed:
The great thing about reflexology is all that you really need is your own hands. However, if you would like to use any
reflex massage tools
or
crystal massage wands
, that is also perfectly fine!
How To:
The most important thing to remember when giving a reflex treatment is to relax. Take a few deep breaths before starting, wear comfortable clothing, get in a comfortable position. You could give yourself a warm foot or hand bath prior to treatment and/or massage both of your feet or hands with a good lotion to help relax you before starting.
Reflexology Massage
Click to see all
reflexology charts
