Inflammation of the large intestine, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes mucus and blood in the stools. The cause of colitis is unknown, though its prevalence in industrialized nations suggests it may result from lack of fibre in the western diet.

Treatment - Dietary.

Food allergies may sometimes be the cause of colitis. The most common food allergens are milk products, cereals (wheat, oats, barley, rye) and caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate). To see if you are allergic to a food, eliminate it from your diet for at least two weeks, and notice if symptoms are improved. Adopt a high fibre diet, provided by whole grains (or brown rice if you are allergic to other grains), and plenty of fruit, vegetables, and lean protein.

Herbal

Garlic supports the growth of natural bacterial flora in the intestines, while killing infection. Use copiously in cooking, and chop and spread it raw on bread. Garlic capsules (3 capsules, 3 times daily) can be taken if you do not like the taste or smell of fresh garlic. Slippery elm helps soothe the irritated mucous membranes of the intestine: add 1/4 teaspoon to a glass of warm water and take 4 times daily.

Homeopathy

Take hourly for up to 6 doses and repeat if necessary:

Where there is a lot of blood and mucus in the faeces and the feeling that the bowel is not completely emptied: Mercurius corrosivus 6c. Profuse diarrhea accompanied by burning and colicky stomach, restlessness, anxiety and chilliness: Arsenicum album 6c. Greenish painless diarrhea with gurgling and stomach cramps, worse early morning: Podophyllum 6c.

Exercise

The following exercises strengthen the muscles of the abdomen and help reduce distension. Try to do the exercises at least twice daily. Start gently, and gradually build up strength:

Lie on your back, slowly lift your straight legs 12 inches/30 cm off the ground, lower and relax. Repeat 5-10 times. In the same position lift the legs until they are vertical, then open the legs apart and bring them together. Repeat 5-10 times. Sit ups also strengthen abdominal muscles. (Do not anchor your feet, and only set half way up).

Orthodox

As this disease can be mistaken for many others, diagnosis is made by examination of the rectum and colon through a viewing tube (sigmoidoscopy). Treatment is with steroid drugs, and in severe cases, surgical removal of part of the intestine.