< previous page | page_72 | next page >
Page 72
| Diverticulitis and Colitis |
| Both disorders are caused by inflammation of the colon. Colitis brings alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, while diverticulitis causes intense pain and discomfort. Holistic health practitioners link both disorders to diet: food sensitivities, too little fiber, too much wheat and dairy, too little variety in food choices or, too much cooked and processed food. The long term cure is a complete dietary overhaul in which these factors are addressed. |
| For short-term relief, fresh vegetable and non-acidic fruit juices provide nutrition without irritating intestinal lining. Demulcent, mucilaginous herbs like comfrey root, slippery elm bark and arrowroot soothe and nourish. Add between 1 and 3 teaspoons of powdered root or bark to a glass of water, stir well and drink. Eliminate foods most likely to cause intestinal irritation, such as wheat, dairy products and caffeine. Add water soluble fiber to the diet, such as psyllium husk powder or pectin. Drink several glasses of water in addition to herbal teas and juices; avoid coffee, colas and alcoholic beverages for now. |
| In the May 1992 issue of Let's Live, Jonathan Wright, M.D., described his treatment of ulcerative colitis. He associated this disorder with a history of chronic ear infections, asthma or hay fever and attributed the disease to untreated food allergies. According to Wright, more than two-thirds of ulcerative colitis patients have incompletely digested food in the stool, small particles of which can be absorbed into the body (this disorder is called "leaky gut syndrome") causing further allergic reactions. Wright's therapy for ulcerative colitis includes testing for food allergies, stomach function, pancreas function and intestinal bacteria, then supplying supplements as needed. Patients with advanced cases often have insufficient hydrochloric acid, digestive enzymes and beneficial bacteria and their diets emphasize the foods they are most allergic or sensitive to. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common and require supplementation. |
| To prevent deficiencies of this type, consider adding digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid, acidophilus supplements, vitamins |
< previous page | page_72 | next page >

If you like this book, buy it!