I have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.

Question

I have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. I am taking allopathy treatment. But no relief. My symptoms of pus from anus, lose  weight is there. What precautions and diet I should take?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the colon and rectum, is known as "Pittaja Grahani" in Ayurveda and is primarily associated with an imbalance of Pitta dosha (heat and inflammation) combined with Vata and Kapha disturbances. While you're receiving allopathic treatment, Ayurveda can offer supportive dietary and lifestyle practices to manage symptoms like pus, weight loss, and inflammation. Below are key Ayurvedic suggestions for diet and lifestyle management:

1. Ayurvedic Diet for Ulcerative Colitis:
A Pitta-pacifying diet is essential, focusing on cooling, soothing, and easily digestible foods that reduce inflammation and support healing of the gut lining.

What to Eat:

Cooked, soft foods: Opt for well-cooked, soft foods like rice porridge (kanji), cooked moong dal, and steamed vegetables, as they are gentle on the digestive system.
Buttermilk (Takra): Fresh buttermilk, prepared by diluting yogurt with water and adding a pinch of cumin and rock salt, is highly beneficial for soothing the intestines and promoting digestion.
Ghee (Clarified Butter): Ghee has anti-inflammatory properties and supports the healing of the intestinal lining. Include small amounts in your meals.
Coconut Water: Helps cool the system and provides hydration while balancing Pitta. Drinking coconut water daily can help soothe the digestive tract.
Pomegranate: It helps with diarrhea and aids in digestion. Pomegranate juice or fruit can be taken regularly to support bowel health.
What to Avoid:

Spicy, Sour, and Fried Foods: Foods that aggravate Pitta, such as chili, garlic, fried foods, and sour fruits like tomatoes, should be strictly avoided.
Dairy Products: Heavy dairy like milk and cheese can increase Kapha and aggravate inflammation, so it’s best to limit or avoid them.
Processed and Packaged Foods: Avoid processed, packaged, and junk foods that can further irritate the colon.
Cold and Raw Foods: Raw salads and cold foods like ice cream should be avoided, as they can disrupt digestion and aggravate Vata and Kapha doshas. Stop non-veg completely.  Consult an expert Ayurvedic doctor for proper medication and further guidance.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

Managing ulcerative colitis effectively requires a holistic approach, especially when you are not finding relief from allopathic treatment. In Ayurveda, ulcerative colitis is often viewed as a Pitta disorder leading to inflammation of the intestinal lining, which can result in symptoms such as pus, diarrhea, and weight loss. To support your treatment and promote healing, it's essential to focus on a diet that is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and easy to digest.

You should prioritize warm, cooked foods over raw ones. Incorporate khichdi (a mix of rice and lentils) seasoned with cumin and turmeric, which can be gentle on the digestive system. Avoid spicy, fried, and acidic foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol, which can aggravate Pitta. Including soothing foods like banana, coconut, and sweet potatoes can help nourish your body and reduce inflammation. Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice can also be beneficial due to its high vitamin C content and its ability to support gut health.

Hydration is crucial, so ensure you drink plenty of warm water or herbal teas like peppermint or ginger tea, which can aid digestion. Incorporating Triphala in a powdered form before bedtime can help in regularizing bowel movements without being harsh on the system. Regularly practicing yoga and meditation can help manage stress, which is often a contributing factor to gastrointestinal issues. If possible, work closely with an Ayurvedic practitioner who can tailor a specific treatment plan that may include herbal formulations and therapies to further support your healing journey.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Oh, ulcerative colitis can be really tough to deal with, I get that. The fact that your allopathy treatment isn’t giving relief must be quite frustrating. Let's dive into how Ayurveda might help manage those symptoms a bit.

Firstly, with ulcerative colitis, we often see issues linked to pitta imbalance, and sometimes vata, too. That fiery digestive aspect gets aggravated, leading to inflammation and troubles like those you’re experiencing. Building a diet around calming and balancing pitta is a good way to go.

Try integrating more cooling, soothing foods. Think about things like rice, oatmeal, and barley as your grains — they're easy on the gut. Root veggies like sweet potatoes and carrots help, too. You might wanna reduce spicy, hot foods and avoid processed meals — those can trigger more ammo, meaning inflammation. Also, dairy like buttermilk can be beneficial, just sip on it with a pinch of cumin and fresh coriander.

Since you’ve mentioned weight loss, it’s vital you keep your nutrition up. Easy-to-digest proteins like lentils or mung beans can be consumed. And ghee, which is often used in Ayurveda, really helps to strengthen your agni, which is your digestive fire, without aggravating pitta.

Staying hydrated is crucial, but it’s about how you do it. Warm water or herbal teas can soothe digestion — fennel tea’s a fantastic choice for you, it also aids in reducing bloating and calming the gut.

Practices like pranayama can help manage stress, which is often a big trigger for UC flare-ups. Circle in some yoga sessions focusing on relaxation and grounding. Twisting poses can be helpful, but listen to your body — avoid overstretching.

It's super important to keep in touch with your healthcare provider while integrating these changes. Ayurveda's great for lifestyle adjustments, but monitoring is key when symptoms are severe, like pus discharge and significant weight loss. If those conditions worsen, prioritize urgent medical intervention to make sure you're staying safe.

I have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. - #331

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