What Are The Leading Causes of Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a form of chronic immune-mediated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in digestive tract. This is characterized by rectal bleeding, diarrhea, tenesmus and abdominal pain which causes weakness and weight loss. According to Ayurveda, Raktatisara or ulcerative colitis which is mostly developed in people having Pitta Atisar and don't follow Pathya Ahara & Vihara. This is an extended form of Pittatisara.

Types of Ulcerative Colitis

Classification of ulcerative colitis can be done on the basis of two parameters

Severity of Symptoms

• Mild
• Severe
• Moderate
• Fulminant

Affected site of colon

Ulcerative proctitis-This is the mildest form of ulcerative colitis that affects the rectum only with rectal bleeding, rectal pain and tenesmus.

Procto-sigmoiditis-This causes inflammation in sigmoid colon with rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

Left sided colitis-In this type of ulcerative colitis descending colon (largest part of intestine) and characterized by bloody diarrhea along with abdominal pain on the left side.

Pan colitis-This is also considered as universal colitis which affected whole colon (ascending, descending and transverse colon), which is symbolized by bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, sudden weight loss and severe fever.

Fulminant colitis-It is considered as a chronic or severe acute form of ulcerative colitis which causes persistent bloody diarrhea, dehydration and severe abdominal pain.

Prevalence of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic combination of diseases that affects an individual between 20-40 years of age and around 5-10 % of total population are at risk.

Signs and symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Some of the common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are as follows

• Severe abdominal cramps
• Bloody diarrhea along with mucus
• Sudden weight loss
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Sudden urge to defecate
• Dehydration
• Tenesmus
• Rectal bleeding
• Skin lesions
• Mouth ulcers
• Inflammation
• Proctitis

Leading causes of ulcerative colitis

Some of the factors that contributes to the cause of ulcerative colitis are discussed as follows

1.Autoimmune Condition

Immune system is known to be body's defense mechanism against infections. It is believed that ulcerative colitis is an auto-immune disorder which is caused when our immune system starts attacking healthy cells/tissues. Generally, immune system fights off infections by producing white blood cells (WBC's) which helps in destroying the cause of infection. In this case, it causes the inflammation that leads to formation of ulcers on colon and painful sores.

2.Environmental factors

There are some major external factors that can cause the onset of ulcerative colitis like diet, smoking, air pollution, poor hygiene and improper lifestyle.

Diet

Diet and Nutrition intake plays an important role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management. Certain fooding habits & food items or beverages cause irritability in digestive tract. Food allergies and intolerances can triggers the immune system response which results in severe life threatening reactions and can cause GI symptoms. Beverages like tea, coffee and ice-cold liquids dehydrate the body and increase the inflammation. Consuming gluten, non-absorbable sugars like sorbitol, mannitol, high-fat and fiber also increase the risk of ulcerative colitis.

Air-pollution and smoking habits

According to the epidemiological data, increasing industrialization and air pollution not only causes respiratory and cardiovascular disorders but also gastrointestinal effects when air pollutants gases that may cause intestinal injury. According to medical surveys people with ulcerative colitis are likely to have higher levels of exposure i.e. PM2.5 and PM10. Ingestion of contaminants while inhalation or consuming contaminated food can directly affects epithelial cells.(2)

Poor hygiene and lifestyle

Onset of ulcerative colitis may be related to environmental parameters. Less hygienic practices/lifestyle and infections can contribute to symptoms of ulcerative colitis.(3) (4)

Genetics and ulcerative colitis

Studies have shown that genes plays an important role in inducing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. There are certain genetic variations that may make any person prone to overactive immune responses to microbes and infections which will ultimately triggers the onset of disease

Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis

1. Blood tests
2. Colonoscopy
3. CT scan
4. MRI
5. Flexible sigmoidoscopy

What are the complications of ulcerative colitis?

• Chronic liver disorders
• Colon cancer
• Dehydration
• Severe rectal bleeding
• Inflammation in eyes and skin

Traditional Herbs that are Beneficial in Treating ulcerative colitis

1.Arjuna(Terminalia Arjuna)

Arjuna is a traditional Indian medicinal plant which is also known as Arjuna, Indradru and Partha contains enormous amount of phytochemicals like tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, proteins and triterpenoids. This chemical composition makes it an amazing cardio-tonic. It possess pacifying properties which makes it beneficial in internal and external bleeding. Arjuna is also effective in reducing various respiratory disorders. (1)

2. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel possess zinc, copper, selenium, niacin, beta-carotene, choline, zeaxanthin etc. Selenium is an essential micronutrient which improves immune response to infection. Fennel contains choline which helps in reducing chronic inflammation. Saunf seeds are helpful in secreting digestive enzymes that treats digestive disorders.

3.Kutaj ( Holarrehena antidyssentrica)

Kutaj which is known for its anti-diabetic properties, is also beneficial in treating gastric problems, severe diarrhea, detoxifying blood, improves digestive strength and reduces symptoms of ulcerative colitis.(5)

Natural Treatment From Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is offering Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack for treating Ulcerative colitis which have been formulated with pure quality herbs and under strict supervision.

This pack includes following products

1.Arjuna capsules

Arjuna capsules have been formulated by 100% pure and sterile extracts of Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) bark. These are very beneficial in controlling rectal bleeding and relieving pain. This product works tremendously in healing wounds which are caused due to ulcers and protects inner and outer lining of the intestines.

Dosage-2 capsules two times a day with plain water after meals.

2.Vatsakadi churna

Vatsakadi churna is an amazing herbal blend which has been formulated by various traditional herbs like Kutaj (Holarrehena antidyssentrica), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Dhania (Coriander sativum), Nagarnotha (Cyprus rotundus), Anar (Punica granatum), Choti elaichi (Eletterica cardomum) and Jaiphal (Myristica fragrans). These herbs works phenomenal in combination and treats severe diarrhea, dysentery, prevents indigestion etc.

Dosage-1-2 full teaspoon daily with plain water after meals.

3.Kutajghan Vati

Kutajghan Vati is a classical formulation of Planet Ayurveda which contains 100% pure Kutaj which are free from chemicals, preservatives, additives and binders etc. Kutaj possess antifungal, antiprotozoal, antitumor and anti-diarrhea properties which makes it useful in treating digestive disorders and gastrointestinal infections.

Dosage-1-2 tablets two or three times a day with lukewarm water.

4.Pitta Balance Capsules

Pitta balance capsules are formulated by combining medicinally important herbs like Praval pishti, Akik pishti, Jawar mohra pishti, Kamdudha ras, Mukta pishti and Giloy satva. This product is useful in controlling negative emotions, aggression, frustration and anger which ultimately keep your hormones in balance. Hormonal balance plays an important role in our digestion thus these capsules keeps our digestion healthy.

Dosage-1-2 capsules two times daily with plain water after meals.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q1. Will I eventually need to have surgery for ulcerative colitis?

A1. No, it is not necessary.

Q2. Does stress play a role in causing ulcerative colitis?

A2. Yes, it causes hormonal imbalance which affects one or the other way in causing diseases.

Q3. Can ulcerative colitis affects pregnancy?

A3. No, you can have healthy pregnancy with proper medication and living healthy lifestyle.

Q4. Can people with ulcerative colitis donate blood?

A4. No, rectal bleeding IBS causes loss of blood.

Q5. Are bananas good for colitis?

A5. Yes, ripe bananas are good for reducing ulcerative colitis.

Q6. Will I have to take medicines for the rest of my life?

A6. No, according to Ayurvedic principles balancing the tridosha naturally by traditional herbs can reduce the symptoms.

Q7. Is it possible to get the risk of colon cancer because of ulcerative colitis?

A7. No, it is not necessary and that can happen in one of the rare case.

Q8. Can Kutajghan Vati be given to infants?

A8. Yes, dosages should be managed after consulting to doctor.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198828/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5020109/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4073011/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4073017/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5628520/