Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS): Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease

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Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS):Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease

 

The term Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS) is used to discribe a

functional gastrointestinal disorders characterized by a variable

combination of chronic and recurrent intestinal symptoms NOT

explained by structural or biochemical abnormalities. 10%-20% of

people in Western countries suffer from this disorder, usually young

females.

 

Symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort relieved by defecation,

altered bowl function (hard, loose, watery), flatulence, bloatedness,

nausea, anorexia, anxiety or depression. Continuous symptoms for at

least 3 months duration, passage of mucus or altered stool passage

(straining, urgency, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation) all lead

to a diagnosis of exclusion.

 

Precipitating factors are often stress, anxiety, lactose and other

sugars.

 

 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

 

This subdivision includes both Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

 

*Both causes are unknown

*Often familial occurences and herditary predisposition

*Increased incidence in Ashkenazi Jews

*Genetic factor predispose to some forms of autoimmune reaction,

possibly triggered by some environmental agents like dietary agents

or microbial agents.

 

 

Ulcerative Colitis

 

Ulcerative Colitis is a nonspecific inflammation of the terminal or

sigmoid colon of the large intestine. There are three types of

colitis : mild chronic, chronic intermittent and acute ulceration.

Acute colitis is a common disorder of the large bowel, producing

discomfort and irregular bowel habits.

 

Mild Chronic and Chronic ulcerative colitis is a severe prolonged

inflammation of the colon or large bowel in which ulcers form on the

walls of the colon, resulting in the passing of blood stools with pus

and mucus, abdominal cramps, fecal incontinence, anorexia weakness

and fatigue . Chronic forms of colitis are the results of prolonged

irritation of the delicate membrane which lines the walls of the

colon.

 

Normally, it is the function of the colon to store waste material

until most of the fluids have been removed to enable well-formed soft

stools, consisting of non-absorbable food materials to be passed.

Persons who suffer from an irritable colon have irregular and erratic

contractions which are specially noticeable on the left side.

 

Stress management is a major treatment in any bowel syndrome.

 

Reassurance is the important psycho-spiritual component that must

also be addressed.

 

Symptomatic treatment IS important along with long term lifestyle

changes.

 

Adequate fiber intake is essential.

 

Diet plays an MAJOR part in the treatment of colitis. It is

advisable to observe a juice fast for five days or so in most cases

of ulcerative colitis.

 

The bowels should be cleansed daily. The Ayurvedic herbal capsules,

Triphala are a safe and effective daily cleanser that is good for all

body types and safe for long term use.

 

The juices may be diluted with a little boiled water. Papaya juice,

raw cabbage and carrot juices will be especially beneficial. Citrus

juices should be avoided.

 

After the juice fast, the patient should gradually adopt a diet of

small, frequent meals of soft cooked or steamed vegetables, rice,

dalia (coarsely broken wheat), well ripened fruits like banana and

papaya, yogurt and home-made cottage cheese. Sprouted seeds and

grains, whole meal bread and vegetables may be added gradually to

this diet after about 10 days. All food must be eaten

slowly and chewed thoroughly.

 

Foods which should be excluded from the diet are white sugar, white

bread and white flour products, highly seasoned foods, highly salted

foods,strong tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages and foods cooked in

aluminium pans.

 

Ripe bananas are highly beneficial in the treatment of ulcerative

colitis, being bland, smooth, easily digested and slightly laxative.

They relieve acute symptoms and promote the healing process.

 

An effective remedy for ulcerative colitis is the use of butter-

milk. It is the residual milk left after the fat has been removed

from yogurt by churning.

 

Buttermilk twice a week is also soothing and helps in re-installing a

healthy flora in the colon.

 

Acidophilus and Bifidus provide a high potency, balanced blend of two

prominent species of resident intestinal bacteria. Regular intake of

beneficial probiotics can help in maintaining healthy intestinal

flora.

 

Another valuable remedy for colitis is tender coconut water, it is

soothing to the soft mucosa of the colon. Cooked apple also aids the

healing of ulcerative conditions because of its ample concentration

of iron and phosphorous.

 

 

Crohn's Disease

 

Crohn's disease causes inflammation in the small intestine. Crohn's

disease usually occurs in the lower part of the small intestine,

called the ileum, but it can affect any part of the digestive tract,

from the mouth to the anus. The inflammation extends deep into the

lining of the affected organ. The inflammation can cause pain and can

make the intestines empty frequently,resulting in diarrhea.

 

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the general

name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. Crohn's

disease can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar

to other intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and to

another type of IBD called ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis

causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the

large intestine. Crohn's disease may also be called ileitis or

enteritis.

 

Its cause is still uncertain although it is known that certain

history of food allergies increases the risk of developing it.

Elliminating allergenic foods often relieve symptoms. Studies also

have shown that free radical damage maybe invloved and that a lack of

vitamin C and E may play a role.

 

The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain, often

in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss,

fever and headaches may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and

persistent, leading to anemia.

 

These supplements are essential in assisting in Crohn's disease:

 

Omega 3 fatty acids (flaxseed oil, primrose oil, salmon oil are all

good

sources) taken 3 times daily. Need for repair of the digestive tract

and it

reduces the inflammatory process.

 

Pancreatin and Bromelain, taken with meals 2-3 times daily. This is to

breakdown protein and assist in digestion.

 

Vitamin C, 1000 mgs 3 times daily. Prevents inflammation and improves

immunity.

 

Vitamin K, 300 mcg daily. Vital to colon health. Helpful for those

with malabsoprtion or diarrhea.

 

Zinc, 50 mgs daily needed for the immune system and healing.

 

Vitamin E up to 800 IU daily, antioxidant that helps in controlling

infection and repair of the intestinal tract.

 

Citrine is wonderful for this condition. For it should be used on the

Solar Plexus Chakra (the area above the navel and below the chest).

Citrine assists in digestion. Reduces anxiety, fear, depression,

stomach tension, food disorders, allergies and helps with emotional

clarity. Problem-solving, memory, will power, optimism, confidence,

self-discipline, It is a great detoxification of the Spleen, kidneys,

liver, urinary system, intestines. This stone is empowered with

electromagnetic energy.

 

Stress management is very important. Meditation is wonderful for

quieting the mind. Sit in a quiet space with your eyes closed and

your legs folded and relaxed. Take deep breaths. With each breath,

try to allow your mind to drift. Anything that comes into your mind,

acknowledge it then allow it to drift by like a cloud. Then try to

just focus on a happy thought or feeling or nothing at all. There is

no right or wrong. The object is to let go and allow yourself " me "

time. Time set a side just for you to relax. If you have never

meditated before, start at 5 minutes. Increase 5 minutes each day. If

you can sit and meditate (relax) for 15- 20 minutes, I assure you,

you shall reap the benefits.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Alternative medicine and therapies

for healing mind, body & spirit!