Colitis, also known as ulcerative colitis, refers to a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the inner lining of the colon (the large intestine). Inflammation of the intestinal wall, whether chronic or acute, causes ulcers to form in the upper layers of the lining. These sores can bleed and produce pus. A colitis patient experiences an uncontrollable need to empty the bowels frequently as in diarrhea (loose movements), in many cases accompanied by abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, painful spasms, loss of appetite, fatigue, and fever. The condition can affect people of all ages, but is most commonly found in the 15-30 age group.

What causes colitis?

There are many theories about what can cause colitis. Contrary to popular belief, colitis is not a direct consequence of mental stress or a food allergy, although these factors can trigger or worsen colitis symptoms in certain people. It is found that people suffering from colitis have some abnormalities in their immune system, which supposedly begins to react abnormally to a virus or bacteria present in the digestive tract, causing inflammation of the intestinal wall, but possibly this is a consequence rather than the cause of colitis.

Research has also shown that family history, certain viruses and protozoa, and toxin-producing bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium, and Shigella may play a role in causing colitis. Patients receiving radiotherapy treatment in the pelvic region may develop local colitis. Sometimes strong doses of some antibiotics can also trigger colitis. In the elderly, a drastic decrease in blood supply (ischemia) to the colon is another contributing factor to colitis.

harmful effects of colitis

Persistent inflammation of the lining of the colon can cause extensive damage to the lining cells and has been found to lead to colon cancer in approximately 5% of patients with chronic colitis. Obviously, the risk of colon cancer increases with the duration of the disease and the extent of damage done to the lining of the colon. For example, if the damage extends to the entire colon, the risk of cancer can be up to 32 times higher than normal, but if only the lower colon and rectum are affected, the risk is no higher than normal. Also, people who show dysplasia (precancerous changes in the lining of the colon) are more likely to develop colon cancer from colitis.

Can colitis be prevented?

Strict hygiene and sanitation measures when handling, cooking and eating food can go a long way in preventing colitis associated with infectious germs. Other than that, as with any other health problem, incorporating a healthy lifestyle and dietary changes into your daily routine helps make your body as disease-free as possible by strengthening your immunity to keep at bay not only colitis but also other diseases. Adopt the best health mantra: moderate exercise combined with a healthy diet consisting of whole grains, lentils, fruits, vegetables and plenty of water, and animal foods in the most restricted amounts possible.

Dietary recommendations for colitis

Diet helps a lot to control colitis. First, since fluid loss is substantial in colitis, be sure to drink 2-EUR”3 liters of water and plenty of clear fluids such as light soups, lemon tea, lemonade, etc., to prevent dehydration. Avoid greasy and greasy foods.

Also, alcohol, spicy foods, and high-fiber foods can aggravate the colitis problem and are best avoided. Naturopathy recommends a 3-5 day juice fast based on fruit and vegetable juices such as papaya, cabbage, carrot, sweet pumpkin, etc., and a post-fast diet of steamed vegetables and soft fruits along with plain yogurt. . And a careful chewing of everything you eat.

In conclusion, colitis can be managed and controlled with dietary recommendations and restrictions, in addition to treatment with medications prescribed by a specialist.