Colitis

Colitis refers to the inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. It is a symptomatic diagnosis associated with a variety of causes that lead to abdominal cramps, tenderness, bloody diarrhea, etc. There are a variety of causes ranging from an autoimmune disorder, certain drugs, infections, toxins, parasites, etc.

Ayurvedic Description Of Colitis

According to Ayurveda, colitis can be correlated with Pittajgrahani, which is primarily a disease of Pitta dosha with varying degrees of Vata involvement. When Pitta vitiation reaches the extreme; causes severe inflammation, ulceration, and rectal bleeding. Pittajgrahani is caused due to mand-agni or poor appetite and digestion, irregular, improper, and irrelevant diet habits. Pitta aggravating diets like excess spicy, pungent, acidic, sour, alkaline nature foods, food items which produce a burning sensation in the body, exposure to excessive hot climate, alcohol, smoking, anger, etc. Not following healthy diet habits in certain digestive disorders, especially the conditions of post diarrhea and irritable bowels are also one of the causes of this disease. 

Signs/Symptoms –

• Abdominal pain
• Cramps
• Diarrhea with blood or without blood
• Fecal incontinence
• Unexplained loss of weight
• Fatigue

Causes and Risk Factors

1. Infection- Colitis can be caused by the infection of C. difficile, viruses, and other parasites

2. Family History- in various cases of colitis, the problem of colitis is known to be in the family of the patients.

3. Lifestyle- Poor lifestyle, sedentary habits, keeping a long gap between2 meals, excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, tea, and coffee are the leading factors in causing Colitis.

4. Medical Conditions- Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), ischemic colitis, and allergic reactions are also known causes of Colitis.

Self Care Tips

• Drink an adequate amount of water every day.
• Avoid the intake of processed, baked, and junk food items.
• Add fresh fruits, leafy, pulpy, and vegetables to the daily diet to get adequate roughage in the food.
• Burning and pain can be controlled with cumin water or buttermilk processed with roasted cumin powder.
• Avoid food items that cause constipation.

Ayurvedic treatment of colitis is focused on restoring the normal function of the colon and maintaining the overall health of the digestive system.