Colitis isn’t a condition that can be ignored. Its symptoms may be mild in some, but doing the wrong things and consuming the wrong foods or beverages can make it difficult, if not impossible, to live a normal life. No one knows how humans acquire colitis, but it can arrive suddenly and become a major affliction, particularly if not treated.
The most common symptom of colitis is abdominal pain, which can start out as a dull ache, but if left untreated, can gradually become crippling. Other symptoms include bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, bloody stool, aches, dehydration, fever and an immediate need to defecate. In severe cases, you may start to lose weight and suffer from anemia, which can gradually morph to malnutrition and bring on such serious problems as liver disease, gallstones or arthritis.
Colitis is a chronic autoimmune disease. It is focused on the large intestine, or colon. As the disease progresses, the lining of your colon becomes inflamed and eventually can develop ulcers that ooze mucus and pus. This can lead to the abdominal pain that’s typically the warning sign of the disease’s onset. Colitis is different from Crohn’s disease in that it’s focused on the colon – with Crohn’s, the entire gastrointestinal tract can be compromised. It is also different from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), another intestinal tract symptom.
If you experience any of the symptoms of colitis, you need to see a doctor and discover whether, in fact, you have the disease or something else. This is particularly true if you have a family history of the disease; eat a high-fat, high-sugar diet that’s heavy on dairy and meat; have a lingering case of psoriasis; a skin disease that causes a red and flaking rash; and/or come from an Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. If you can check off any of these and have symptoms, it’s likely that you may have colitis.
MANY AMERICANS HAVE THE DISEASE
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for the disease, estimates that ulcerative colitis may afflict as many as 700,000 Americans. While some children can get the disease, it’s usually diagnosed in many people when they reach their mid-30s and affects men and women fairly evenly.
There is no real cure for colitis, but it can be controlled, and the time between flare-ups can be extended. It’s one of those diseases for which watchful attention to diet, increased exercise and de-stressing may help your compromised immune system calm down. Some people resort to hypnosis, meditation and biofeedback techniques to reach a tranquil state and calm their immune system.
In particular, diet is particularly important. As mentioned, meat and dairy are contributing factors to the progression of the disease.
Researchers don't have definitive evidence that diet causes inflammatory bowel disease, but they do know that particular foods can make symptoms worse. That’s why it’s wise to eliminate or at least moderate your consumption. Experts suggest paying strict attention to what and when you’re eating, perhaps by writing it down in a diary. That way, if something in particular seems to aggravate your condition, you can attempt to eliminate it.
SEVEN FOODS THAT MAY AGGRAVATE COLITIS
ALCOHOL: While not strictly a food, it can play havoc with your body’s immune system at a crucial juncture. Many alcohols can dehydrate you, contributing to the existing problem, and the added sugars present in alcohol may be a factor. Plus, over-indulging may loosen your inhibitions about eating other foods.
RAW VEGETABLES: These can contribute to more bowel activity, which can exacerbate diarrhea. That, in turn, leads to more dehydration and potential loss of vital vitamins and minerals.
DAIRY PRODUCTS: Milk, cheese and butter can exacerbate problems. And you may discover that you suffer from lactose intolerance, which is an inability to digest the milk sugar in dairy.
SPICY FOODS: Everyone has an uncle who loudly proclaims that he loves spicy foods, but “they don’t love me.” That’s because spice puts your body’s autoimmune system on alert, increases the blood pressure, and typically contains a lot of fats, oils and other ingredients that can stimulate diarrhea. No one is saying that an occasional burrito or curry will ruin your life, but a regular diet of such foods can contribute to colitis.
CAFFEINE: Found in coffee, tea and sugary drinks, caffeine is a stimulant that may activate the wrong types of body reactions. Try to cut back on habitual consumption – instead of two cups of coffee in the morning, try to cut back to one.
NUTS, SEEDS, POPCORN: These are natural laxatives that may assist in propelling along your body’s bowel functions. These fiber-rich foods should be tapered from your diet, particularly if consumed in combination with alcohol.
DRIED FRUITS, BEANS and LEGUMES – Just because they’re dried doesn’t mean their natural laxatives are removed. All of them have sugar and fiber, which can cause your already-compromised system to overload.
Obviously, if you suspect that you may have colitis, talk to a medical professional. A doctor typically will recommend multivitamins, a change in diet after careful monitoring and taking some time to achieve calm at the end of the day naturally. There are also medications that can ease the symptoms of the disease, but it’s important to take the recommended medications without missing any doses.
The best advice is not to stress or panic if you are diagnosed with colitis. Many who have the disease have a full and active lifestyle that manages the disease while enjoying life. With a few simple adjustments in your habits and activities, you can achieve similar results.