6 Natural Treatments To Combat Colitis

Although all the remedies that we offer are very effective, in order not to obtain adverse results it is important to choose the one that best suits us and not combine them

Colitis occurs when the large intestine or colon becomes inflamed. It can be due to a viral infection or parasites. Also to food poisoning, inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal system and the reaction to certain medications. Fighting colitis from its first symptoms is important.

Precisely because of these symptoms,  some confuse it with Crohn’s disease, although according to the information obtained by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the difference is that it spreads continuously from the rectum to a variable portion of the colon. In contrast, in Crohn’s disease, inflammation can compromise any part of the digestive system.

What are the symptoms of colitis?

The discomfort a person experiences from colitis can vary depending on the severity of the disorder. These can increase or, on the contrary, go decreasing. Symptoms can include, according to this study carried out by the Ramón y Cajal University (Madrid):

• Flatulence and bowel sounds
• Colic, constipation, or diarrhea
• Decay
• Fever
• Lack of appetite, weight loss, and dehydration
• Shaking chills
• Blood in the stool

In case of presenting this last symptom it is vital to consult the doctor as soon as possible, because it can also be a sign of colon cancer. On the other hand, if the case is mild, you can treat it with one of the following natural remedies.

Natural remedies to fight colitis

Some natural drinks can be useful to alleviate this inflammation, but sometimes it is so serious that it requires the use of medications and the application of intravenous fluids.

1. Flaxseed water

This natural remedy is very gentle on the intestine and has properties that stimulate digestion while fighting inflammation. This is stated in this study carried out by the National University of the Altiplano (Peru).

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds (10 g)
• 1 glass of water (200 ml)

How to prepare it?

• Add the tablespoon of flax seeds to a glass of water, let it rest for 12 hours and consume the liquid the next day on an empty stomach.
• Repeat its consumption every day until you feel relief.

2. Rice water

Rice is a food rich in fiber, which acts as a tranquilizer for the intestinal mucosa, improving disorders such as colitis. This is stated in this study carried out by the Hospital La Fuenfría (Madrid).

Ingredients

• 1 cup of rice (185 g)
• 3 cups of water (750 ml)

How to prepare it?

• Put the three cups of water with the cup of rice to heat in a pot and let the decoction take place for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Then, strain the liquid to separate it from the rice and let it cool.
• Drink the resulting water twice a day, every day.
• Drink it until colitis is relieved.

3. Aloe juice

Aloe has healthy properties to regulate intestinal flora and relieve ulcer problems. It is rich in fiber and promotes anti-inflammation to alleviate digestive and intestinal disorders, according to this study carried out by the Provincial Teaching Surgical Clinical Hospital “Amalia Simoni Argilagos” of Camagüey, Cuba. 

Ingredients

• 1 aloe leaf
• ½ glass of water (100 ml)

How to prepare it?

• Extract the gel contained inside the aloe leaf and then blend it in the blender with half a glass of water.
• Optionally you can add a little lemon juice and honey.
• Take it on an empty stomach  for at least two weeks in a row.
• Avoid taking it excessively as it has a laxative effect.

4. Infusion of chamomile

Chamomile is a plant with anti-inflammatory and digestive properties that act effectively to relieve and fight colitis. This is suggested by this research carried out by the Case Western Reserve University of Ohio (United States).

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers (10 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

How to prepare it?

• Place the chamomile flowers in a cup and add a cup of boiling water.
• Let stand 10 minutes, strain and consume it.
• You can ingest it up to three times a day, every day.

5. Coconut water

This natural drink contains essential nutrients that fight dehydration and is a source of mineral salts, vitamins and fiber, whose action would alleviate ulcerative colitis and diseases associated with stomach weakness, as suggested by this study on irritable bowel syndrome carried out by the University from Texas (United States).

Fresh coconut water is that which is extracted from green coconuts. Drink a glass of the liquid, preferably on an empty stomach to combat colitis.

6. Guava juice

One of the fruits with the highest fiber content is guava. This food regulates bowel movement and supports recovery from colitis while providing a sense of relief. This study carried out by the Universidad de Oriente (Cuba) emphasizes its antidiarrheal potential.

Ingredients

• 5 ripe guavas
• 1 liter of water
• 2 tablespoons of honey (50 g)

How to prepare it?

• Wash the ripe guavas, chop them and put them in the blender with the liter of water.
• Process everything for a few seconds and then strain it.
• Add the two tablespoons of honey and drink two glasses a day.

These colitis remedies are not a substitute for medical treatment and should be viewed as an adjunct. To avoid negative effects you should only try one at a time.