Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease that affects the colon and rectum and produces symptoms similar to Crohn's Dis-ease. Ulcerative colitis however affects only the mucosal lining of the colon and rectum. Thus it's also called hemorrhagic rectocolitis.

=Symptoms= (symptoms are periodic) -Painful abdominal cramps experienced mainly in the lower abdomen -Blood in the stool -Chronic Diarrhea -Frequent bowel movements, even during the night -Weight loss due to a lack of appetite and caloric loss in the intestine -Fatigue -Ulcerative colitis can stunt growth in children

=Causes= Not established by allopathic medicine. a direct link has been observed with foods that trigger a reaction. Food hypersensitivity is a strong indication of intestinal permeablity and/or lack of enzymes in friendly bacteria.

=Prevention= due to the cause being unknown, prevention seems impossible. However the intestinal permeablity should be determined, also whether there is any food hypersensitivities or whether there are signs of emotional suppression.

Daily prevention measures
During symptomatic episodes: -Avoid food/beverages that aggravate symptoms Though these can vary with the person, spicy foods, alchohol, and certain vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and beans should generally be avoided along with caffinated beverages -Be aware milk and milk products can trigger bouts of diarrhea, pain and flatulence in some individuals -Limit dietary fibre consumption. Preferable to eat cooked rather than raw fruits and vegetables -Eat several small meals rather than 2 or 3 large meals. -Drink plenty of liquids, preferably water

Between symptomatic episodes: -Consume foods high in dietary fibre to promote regular bowel movement -Opt for proteins found in lean meats, poultry, fish and eggs -Excercise and practice relaxation techniques to cope w/ stress

General Recommendations
-Limit alcohol, sugar, saturated fats and strong spices consumption. Increase intake of vegetables, probiotic-enriched yogurts, water and fibre. -Eliminate allergens and intolerances by undergoing appropriate tests and/or by keeping a food diary -Deal w/ emotional problems that arise

=Treatment= -probiotics or prebiotics -Fish Oil -NAG (N-acetyl-glucosamine) -Vitamin A, zinc, L-glutamine and other amino acids -Aloe, boswellia (anti-inflammatory), marsh mallow (Althea Officinalis), and slippery elm (Ulmus Rubra) -Homeopathy: colocynthis, gluten, milks (lac defloratum, lac vaccinum), veratrum album, chamomilla, hura brasiliensis, ficus, aloe

Dietary Recommendations
Drink plenty of water (to compensate for diarrhea). Avoid raw vegetables as wells as fruits/vegetables which contain fibers such as peas, lettuce, lentils, celery, ect. Avoid whole wheat bread. Milk is sometimes badly tolerated. Follow diet strictly during attacks. Only water and rice for 24 hours, then vegetable stock and overcooked rice.

Recommended Minerals
-Iron

Basic Gemmotherapeutic Treatment
Morning: Vaccinum Vitis Idaea D1, 75 drops Evening: Tilia D1, 75 drops