Other names for Colitis

Colon Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Colitis form
Large Intestine Inflammation
Ulcerative Colitis (specific type)

Synopsis of Colitis

Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon (large intestine) and can result from various causes including infection, autoimmune conditions, ischemia (lack of blood flow), allergic reactions, or chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Symptoms typically include diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), abdominal pain, bloating, urgency to have bowel movements, fatigue, and weight loss.

There are several specific types of colitis, each with different causes and treatments. Some are short-lived (like infectious colitis), while others are chronic (like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease affecting the colon). The severity can range from mild inflammation to severe ulceration of the colon lining.

Types of Colitis:

• Ulcerative Colitis (UC): Chronic autoimmune inflammation limited to the colon and rectum.

• Crohn’s Colitis: Crohn's disease involving the colon.

• Infectious Colitis: Caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.

• Ischemic Colitis: Caused by restricted blood supply to the colon.

• Microscopic Colitis: Inflammation seen under microscope; includes collagenous and lymphocytic colitis.

• Allergic or Drug-Induced Colitis: Reaction to medications or allergens.

Common Causes:

• Autoimmune dysfunction (in IBD)

• Gastrointestinal infections (bacterial like Clostridium difficile, viral like CMV)

• Decreased blood flow (ischemic causes)

• Prolonged use of NSAIDs, antibiotics, or certain medications

• Radiation therapy (radiation colitis)

• Food intolerances and allergies

• Chronic stress (may exacerbate symptoms in some types)

Severity Factors:

• Chronic colitis increases risk of colon damage, strictures, perforation, and colorectal cancer.

• Severe cases can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and hospitalization.

• Acute flare-ups of chronic colitis may require medical therapy or hospitalization.

When to See a Doctor:

• Persistent or severe diarrhea (especially with blood or mucus)

• Significant abdominal pain, cramping, or swelling

• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, low urine output, dizziness)

• Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or anemia

• High fever or signs of systemic infection

• If diagnosed with IBD but symptoms are worsening or changing

Natural remedies for Colitis

Anti-inflammatory diet: Focus on low-residue, anti-inflammatory foods during flares.

Probiotics: To help rebalance gut flora (under medical guidance).

Hydration: Use electrolyte-rich fluids to prevent dehydration from diarrhea.

Gentle fiber intake: Soluble fiber (e.g., oatmeal, bananas) during remission; avoid insoluble fiber during active flares.

Bone broths: Nourish and are gentle on inflamed intestines.

Stress management: Yoga, breathing exercises, or meditation can help modulate flare triggers.

Small, frequent meals: To reduce digestive burden.

Eliminate trigger foods: Such as dairy, gluten, or high-fat, spicy foods if sensitivity is suspected.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Colitis

Acemannan
Akkermansia muciniphila
Alchornea
Algae
algal oil
Aloe vera
Amor seco
anamu
andrographolide
anemarrhena asphodeloides
anthocyanins
apigenin
apple
apple cider vinegar
astaxanthin
Asteraceae
astragalin
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bacillus
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
bacteria
bael
barberry
Basidiomycota
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacteria
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
bio ecolian (proprietary)
black nightshade
blackboard tree
blueberry
Boswellia
Boswellic Acid
bromelain
buckthorn
butyrate triglyceride
butyric acid
cabbage
cactus
cat's claw
Chinese salvia root
chlorella
Clostridium butyricum
colocynth
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
Curcuma
curcumen
curcumin
Curcuminoid
diterpenes
Euphorbia
fiber
fiber blend (proprietary)
flavonols
Frangula
fucoidan
gallic acid
garlic bulb
ginger
Glycomacropeptides
Glycyrrhetinic acid
green tea
Guava
Hedyotis
Helicteres isora
hemp oil
hericium mushroom
Humic acid
immunoglobin G
Immunoglobulin G
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
Kefir
L-glutamine
L. lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus delbrueckii
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus johnsonii
Lactobacillus kefiri
Lactobacillus lactis
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus sakei
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus casei
Lactococcus lactis
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lactoferrin
licorice root
Mucilage
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Nimbidin
Oligosaccharides
Osthole
Oxymatrine
Patrinia
Pediococcus acidilactici
Peptides
phlorotannins
picrorhiza kurroa
Plantago
plantain
polysaccharides
pomegranate
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
probiotics
Propionibacterium freudenreichii
quercetin
resveratrol
Rhus coriaria
rosmarinic acid
Saccharomyces boulardii
Scabrous Gentian
Slippery Elm
slippery elm bark
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
Swertia
Tayuya
Trametes
tributyrin
Triphala
Triterpenes
turmeric
Varuna
xanthium (cockleburs)
Zinc