It is the chronic inflammation and/or ulceration of the mucous membranes of the lower intestine, and colon and rectum, and it implies that the contents of this part of the digestive system may act as irritants or possibly be toxic.
Evidence shows that a clear relationship exists between Colitis and a poorly constituted diet. Excessive amounts of refined carbohydrate foods encourage colitis, in part because it tends to be low in fibre. Flesh foods also appear to irritate colitis, most likely because they are more difficult to digest and therefore put the gut under greater stress.
Agricultural residues and food processing chemicals may also be implicated, but there is not yet consensus research data. It is likely that artificial chemicals and some drugs, in particular antibiotics, adversely disturb normal bowel flora. Food sensitivities can also be implicated, notably sensitivity to wheat.
However some relief of symptoms does not totally get to the cause, and prolonged colitis runs down body reserves of Vitamins A, D and K, impairs absorption of B vitamins (including Folic acid and Pantothenic acid) and affects various minerals too - such as Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Zinc.
Table of Beneficial Nutritional Supplements
This information is offered as an introduction to supplements, herbs, foods and substances that are known to help with colitis. This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and it is suggested that sound advice is taken by an appropriately qualified practitioner.
The supplements highlighted are generally considered to be those of greatest importance.
| |
Formula |
Daily Intake |
Initial Period |
Ongoing Intake |
Ongoing |
| Vitamins |
Multivitamin-Mineral |
1 twice daily |
2 weeks |
1 daily |
1 daily |
| |
Anti-Oxidant with with Co-Q10 |
1 twice daily |
4 weeks |
1-2 daily for 3 months |
1 daily |
| Minerals |
Iron |
1 daily |
1 daily |
1 daily |
1 daily |
| |
Magnesium |
1 twice daily |
4 weeks |
1-2 daily for 3 months |
1 daily |
| Fats |
Essential Fatty Acid Complex |
1 twice daily |
2 weeks |
1 daily |
1 daily |
| Additional |
Probiotic |
taken as directed |
taken as directed |
taken as directed |
taken as directed |
| |
Beta-Glucans |
1 twice daily |
|
1 daily |
1 daily |
Dietary Recommendations Positive Foods Cereal grains oats, whole brown rice, millet, wheat grass.
Vegetables garlic, chives, onions, leafy green vegetables, miso.
Fruits freshly squeezed & diluted lemon juice, grapes (including pips), pears, apples, plums.
Legumes beans & pulses.
Teas, Herbs & Spices camomile tea, fenugreek seed tea, green tea, basil, turmeric, ginger.
Nuts & Seeds sesame seeds, sunflower seeds (chewed thoroughly).
Fungi Maitake mushrooms.
Fish oily fish (but not mackerel) – not grilled or fried.
Dairy daily small portion of live organic yoghurt.
Additional Foods organic honey.
Negative FoodsRefined carbohydrates, hydrogenated fats, battery chicken & hens’ eggs, white sugar (sucrose), excess garlic, artificial sweeteners, sulphates (preservative), tartrazine
Coffee, chocolate, alcohol, cheese, salami, pickled foods, most nuts, foods with additives
Reduce intake of proteins from red meat especially; also dairy products (especially cheese)
Avoid citrus fruits (except lemons), and especially orange
Additional CommentIt is important that attention is paid to the balance between acid-
forming and alkali-
forming foods. The optimum balance is around 60% alkali-
forming to acid-
forming. See
Acid Forming and
Alkali Forming guidelines.
Take plenty of fresh water. Good quality still mineral water from a glass container is the superior form; though a good tap filter is also satisfactory.
Possible irritants include high intake of saturated and hydrogenated dietary fats, caffeine drinks, alcohol, chocolate, eggs, cheese, red meat and salty foods.
Additional Help & Support
Homeopathy and Alexander Technique can be valuable adjuncts.
Slippery elm powder helps to reduce gastric distress.
