Ayurvedic Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis may be defined as a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in which the inner lining of the colon or rectum gets inflamed and causes ulceration. Usually, the inflammation occurs in the rectum and then spreads to the entire colon. Ulcerative Colitis can affect anyone and can happen at any stage but people between the age group of 15-30 are more likely to develop the disease. However, according to the American Gastroenterological Association, there is another small increase in IBD diagnosis after 50 years mostly in men.
According to Ayurveda, imbalance in Pitta dosha causes ulcerative colitis (Pittaj Grahani). It can be associated with colitis diseases (Pravahika) and is visible in the form of Atipravahana of Purisha (i.e., repeated defecation), Atidrava Purisha Pravritti (i.e., watery stool), Udarashoola (i.e., pain in the abdomen), Picchila, Saphena (i.e., sticky and frothy stool), and Raktayukta Purisha (i.e., blood-mixed stool).
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
The symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis and their severity may vary from person to person and can change over time. If you are diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, you may either experience mild symptoms in periods or no symptoms at all and which is known as remission. However, the symptoms can come back severely and are called a flare-up.
Common symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis include –
- Abdominal pain
- Increased abdominal sounds
- Bloody stools
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Rectal pain
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition
Ulcerative Colitis may cause additional symptoms, such as:
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Nausea and decreased appetite
- Skin problems
- Mouth sores
- Eye inflammation
Types of Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis can be categorized into the following:
Ulcerative proctitis
Ulcerative proctitis is considered a mild form of UC as it affects only the end of the colon or the rectum.
Left-sided colitis
Left–sided colitis affects the descending colon (sigmoid) and the distal colon (last section of colon) and is also known as distal ulcerative colitis.
Proctosigmoiditis
It is a type of left–sided colitis and causes inflammation in the rectum and descending colon (sigmoid).A genetic condition that affects the chromosomes, such as Turner’s syndrome.
Extensive colitis
It causes inflammation throughout the entire colon and is also known as pancolitis. Moreover, this type of ulcerative colitis is considered a severe form of UC.
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis
The exact causes of ulcerative colitis are unknown but may include the following:
Genetic factors
According to the research reports, You may inherit a gene from a parent that increases your chance of having UC.
Environment
Below are some of the environmental factors that affect the onset of ulcerative colitis
Risk factors
- Age: Ulcerative colitis can occur at any stage and is more common among people between the ages of 15-30 years. While some may experience it after 60 years
- Ethnicity: People who are at high risk of developing ulcerative colitis are white people and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
- Family history: You are at high risk of developing ulcerative colitis if you have any close relatives affected by the disease.
Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis
To diagnose ulcerative colitis, your doctor will seek your family and medical history. The doctor will examine your abdomen and will also check anemia signs, and iron levels in the blood. To rule out the possibility of ulcerative colitis and other diseases, the doctor may carry out the following tests:
- Blood test
- Stool test
- X-ray
- Barium enema, during which a healthcare professional passes a fluid called barium through the colon to show any changes or anomalies in a scan.
- Sigmoidoscopy, Wherein a doctor will insert a flexible tube with a camera into the rectum.
- Colonoscopy, wherein a doctor will examine the whole colon by using an endoscope.
- A CT scan of the abdomen or pelvis.
Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis
There is no cure for ulcerative colitis but to reduce the symptoms may prescribe certain medications based on the severity of the disease. However, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis that range from mild to severe, need treatment. If left untreated, the symptoms might fade away but there is a possibility of returning these symptoms. For most cases, people receive outpatient treatment and about 15% of ulcerative colitis patients experience a severe form of the disease. The doctor will prescribe certain medicines and will devise a treatment plan by taking all your wishes and needs into account.
According to Ayurveda, eating while watching TV or walking, excessive heat or exposure to the sun, excessive alcohol, and smoking, excessive mental activity, skipping meals, spicy, sour or stale and infected foods, etc., are the factors that are responsible for Pitta imbalance. The Ayurvedic treatment focuses on healing the ulcers, restoring normal function of the colon, and maintaining the overall health of the digestive system. There are certain natural herbs in Ayurveda that can be used to manage ulcerative colitis and its symptoms. However, lifestyle modifications and a well-balanced diet can also play an important role in controlling ulcerative colitis disease.
Below are Life Aveda`s Premium herbal products that you can use to control Ulcerative colitis and reduce its symptoms.
Pitta Shamak
Pitta Shamak is an amazing tonic to balance the Pitta Dosha in a body. The formulation is best to manage all the metabolic disorders caused by the imbalance in Pitta Dosha. The formulation helps to restore digestion, improves absorption, and cools down the body. It is also useful in all the Pitta and Rakta disorders of the body.
Premium Gastro-G
Gastro G is a perfect blend of herbs for promoting healthy bowel movements. It helps in curing the bleeding, inflammation of the digestive tract. The natural herbs in GASTRO G like Nagkesar, are a very effective astringent that prevents and cures bleeding and inflammation of the intestines and colon.
Kutajghan Vati
Kutajghan Vati helps in managing diarrhea, dysentery, malabsorption syndrome, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach infections, and various intestinal infections. It eliminates harmful organisms like viruses, bacteria from the body and soothes the digestive system. The hemostatic action of the medicine plays a significant role in treating hemorrhoids and the calming and cooling after effect relieves the pain of bleeding piles.
