Q: Is there a natural way to heal colitis?
A: Colitis is an inflammation of the colon mucosa
that responds well to nutritional therapy. A good healing
program focuses on a few key points. The first and most
important component is diet. In many cases, colitis is
an allergic reaction to wheat or another food. Identifying
and eliminating allergic food is essential. A whole food
diet is the most healing.
After making dietary changes you can incorporate several
key supplements to reduce inflammation and heal any ulcerated
tissue. Consider an herbal anti-inflammatory like New
Chapter’s Zyflammend. Glucosamine, L-glutamine,
gotu kola tea, and buffered vitamin C will help heal the
colon walls. Soothing demulcent herbs like slippery elm
and marshmallow are a good complement. Renew Life makes
a product called IntestiNew that is designed specifically
to heal ulcerated tissue.
The next step is a probiotic supplement. This will help
restore and maintain a healthy bacterial balance in the
colon.
These introductory steps will serve to eliminate the most
common causes, reduce the inflammation, and initiate a
deep healing of the colon walls. After 2-3 months of initial
healing you can incorporate some long-term strategies
for wellness. I recommend a deep colon cleansing to remove
any old accumulated wastes that may be creating a constant
low-level irritation. Two cups a day of triphala tea daily
will do wonders for long-term colon health. And last,
a daily meditation practice will address the stress component
of colitis.
The natural approach strives to eliminate the causes of
illness and support the body in its own healing process.
It’s more complex than taking steroids but it is
also much more effective. |
