Colitis – Types of Colitis and Their Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Remedies

Abdominal pain, irregular and strange stools, bloating, and unexplained fever? Many of these symptoms can indicate a serious condition, such as colitis. It is important to know as many details as possible about this disease to understand our bodies better. Therefore, discover what colitis is and how you can alleviate it.

Colitis – types of colitis, causes, and triggers

Colitis is the inflammation of the colon’s mucosal lining, which can be acute or chronic. It is a fairly common condition, and its prevalence is increasing globally. Patients with colitis experience watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, fatigue, and blood in their stools. However, there are different types of colitis resulting from infections, autoimmunity, ischemia, and Medications.

Why does abdominal colitis occur – causes and types

Most bacteria are normally found in the colon, contributing to the body’s healthy functioning without causing notable symptoms. When imbalances occur, we can talk about several types of colitis.

Infectious colitis

It can occur when bacteria such asCampylobacter, Shigella, E. coli, and Salmonella are ingested. These infections, except for the one caused byCampylobacter, manifest as bloody diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. Similar symptoms can also occur in viral or parasitic infections. However, gastrointestinal viral infections tend to manifest mainly in the small intestine, not the colon.

Colitis can also develop as a result of taking certain antibiotics used to treat other infections. These antibiotics reduce the number of normal bacteria in the colon, allowing other bacteria to multiply, which can trigger colitis. A common example is the involvement of the bacteriumClostridium difficile.

Ischemic colitis

To function properly, the colon depends on an adequate blood supply, providing it with the necessary oxygen and nutrients. When the blood vessels supplying the colon are affected, due to hypotension or vasoconstriction, inflammatory lesions occur.

Ischemic colitis is characterized by reduced blood flow to a specific area of the body or an organ. Insufficient blood supply to the colon can cause pain, fever, and bloody diarrhea. This condition mainly affects older people, as blood arteries narrow with age. Reduced or blocked blood circulation to the colon can lead to inflammation or even irreversible damage.

Artery narrowing is favored by predispositions such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and others. Ischemia can also be caused by hypotension or anemia, as both affect blood flow and contribute to artery narrowing. The colon’s blood supply can also be compromised in cases of mechanical obstruction of blood vessels, such as an intestinal volvulus or an abdominal hernia.

Inflammatory bowel diseases

There are two main types of inflammatory bowel diseases that can lead to colitis: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease.

Ulcerative colitis begins in the rectum and sigmoid colon, subsequently progressing along the ascending and transverse colon. This condition is considered to be the result of an overactive immune system, which reacts abnormally to the saprophytic bacteria normally present in the large intestine. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, bleeding, and diarrhea.

As for Crohn’s disease, it is characterized by ulceration and inflammation of the digestive tract and can affect any part of it: esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon (although the small and large intestines are most commonly involved).

Microscopic colitis

Microscopic colitis is divided into two distinct types:

• Lymphocytic colitis;
• Collagenous colitis.

Regardless of their type, these conditions are characterized by inflammatory changes in the colon, without other transformations or ulcerations of the mucosa.

Chemical colitis

Chemical colitis occurs as a result of ingesting chemicals, causing inflammation of the colon. For example, one of the adverse effects of using enemas is the swelling of the colon mucosa caused by the action of aggressive chemical substances.

Fermentation colitis

Fermentation colitis is a condition associated with excessive proliferation of microbial flora in the first part of the colon, also known as the ascending colon. This problem can occur when the natural balance of bacteria in the colon is disrupted, and certain types of beneficial or harmful bacteria multiply excessively.

Putrefactive colitis

This form of colitis is associated with excessive protein intake, which can be partially undigested and undergo putrefaction in the colon. A diet high in animal protein, especially if not properly balanced, is considered to contribute to this form of colitis.

Diet in colitis

In ulcerative colitis or other types of colitis, it is important to follow a diet that minimizes colon irritation and helps manage symptoms. Certain natural products, such as 3L ECO Aloe Vera Gel, can be helpful in such situations. Of course, each person may react differently to certain foods, and consulting with a doctor or nutritionist is crucial to personalize your diet.

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Foods allowed in colitis:

• Fruits with low fiber content;
• Mashed potatoes;
• Lean meat;
• Eggs;
• Cooked vegetables;
• Ripe fruits;
• Gluten-free cereals;
• Probiotic-rich foods;
• Foods rich in fatty acids and Omega 3.

Foods not allowed in colitis:

• Dairy products;
• Raw fiber;
• Alcohol and caffeine;
• Products with gluten;
• Fried or greasy foods;
• Spicy foods;
• Products with added sugar;
• Citrus fruits and tomatoes – can be irritating;
• Honey is contraindicated in ulcerative colitis.

Colitis – symptoms

Abdominal colitis is a condition that greatly affects our body’s well-being. It can vary in its manifestations and presents various symptoms depending on the stage of the disease and its evolution. Diagnosed individuals may experience periods of exacerbation, as well as longer periods of remission, characterized by mild symptoms or even their absence. Therefore, it is advisable to know the symptoms of colitis to analyze how we feel. This way, we will know when to go to the doctor.

Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

• Frequent presence of loose stools or diarrhea;
• Abdominal cramps and pain are common symptoms, indicating colon inflammation;
• Blood in the stool may indicate damage to the colon lining;
• Discomfort and bloating may occur during flare-ups;
• Unintentional weight loss may be observed, especially in cases of severe flare-ups;
• Increased body temperature can be an indicator of inflammation or an associated infection.

Symptoms outside the gastrointestinal sphere may include:

• Arthritis;
• Nausea and vomiting may be present;
• Skin inflammation, manifested by painful, red, and swollen areas;
• Loss of appetite and malnutrition can occur in severe cases;
• Mouth sores and lesions;
• Eye inflammation.

In severe cases, symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fast or irregular heartbeats, fever, and an increase in the volume of blood in the stool may also occur. It is crucial to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and management of ulcerative colitis.

Old remedies for colitis and natural treatments

A proper diet plays a crucial role in managing colitis, an inflammatory condition of the colon, with multiple benefits for the health of those affected. Adopting a suitable diet can significantly contribute to symptom relief and maintaining a satisfactory quality of life.

First, a balanced diet can help reduce inflammation in the colon. Foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, such as fruits, vegetables, and fish, can help manage the inflammatory process associated with colitis.

Also, adapting the diet can help manage unpleasant digestive symptoms. Avoiding foods known to worsen these symptoms can bring significant comfort to patients. Another important aspect of the diet in colitis is maintaining good nutritional status. Colitis can affect the absorption of essential nutrients in the body, and a balanced diet can help prevent nutritional deficiencies and maintain adequate caloric intake.

Probiotics also play a significant role in managing colitis, offering considerable benefits for intestinal health. These are “friendly” bacteria that help restore intestinal balance by increasing the number of beneficial microorganisms. Furthermore, regular probiotic consumption can help manage digestive symptoms associated with colitis, such as diarrhea and bloating. Probiotics can modulate intestinal transit and improve stool consistency, providing significant comfort.

Natural remedies for colitis

Natural remedies have captured the attention of many people, offering natural and potentially beneficial alternatives for our gastrointestinal health. Aloe Vera is probably one of the most popular plants that help us in this situation. Known for its soothing properties, it can help reduce irritation, inflammation, and redness in the colon. The gel obtained from its leaves contains substances with anti-inflammatory potential, thus offering natural support for digestive comfort.

Among the most effective natural products is 3L ECO Aloe Vera Gel. One of the important aspects of Aloe Vera is its ability to support digestion and contribute to regular bowel movements. By supporting peristalsis and stimulating colon motility, Aloe Vera helps maintain healthy intestinal flow and avoid discomfort associated with constipation or other digestive problems.

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Also, Aloe Vera is recognized for its ability to maintain gastric acidity within normal limits. This property is essential for stomach comfort and preventing discomfort caused by an imbalanced gastric environment.

Another valuable characteristic of Aloe Vera is its rich antioxidant content. These are a natural source of protection against free radicals, helping the body cope with oxidative stress and maintain cell health. Regular consumption of Aloe Vera can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of cell damage caused by free radicals.

Therefore, colitis is a serious condition that should not be neglected. Consider the symptoms above and the suggested remedies to ensure you know how to help your body when needed.

References:

Colitis

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541037/

Ulcerative colitis

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ulcerative-colitis/

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