Inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine, or colon, is medically termed as Colitis. This inflammation can be caused by bowel diseases (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis), infections or allergic reactions.

The condition can cause symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, that can be extremely belittling.

Given below are a few home remedies for colitis management.

Dietary changes
When dealing with colitis, it is important to understand how diet can cause adverse effects on your symptoms.

Sugars (refined carbohydrates) in our food-intake breaks down; it can cause the pH in the bloodstream to spike to abnormal levels. This highly acidic environment harms the good bacteria and can lead to repeated episodes of diarrhea.

Sugars harm the lower intestines when certain bacteria or fungi (similar to yeast), start to feed off them. With the growth and multiplication of these microbes, the chances are that the colon might get infected, and make your condition even worse.

So, you should start off with cutting out refined carbohydrates from your diet, to help relieve symptoms.

Replace the refined carbohydrates in your diet with high-complex forms, as these add more fiber and promote better bowel movement. Add a good quantity of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, that help to alleviate the condition, by providing relief to the constipated bowels.

When picking options for a high fiber diet, make sure you are not allergic to foods like wheat, dairy products or corn. The reaction to these allergens is known to be one of the causes of colitis.

Also, public drinking water that has chlorine and other chemical agents, could be an irritant to lower bowels. Switch to making use of boiled or distilled water.

Nutrition
Recurring episodes of diarrhea can cause a serious loss of nutrients from the body. Also, the inflammation in the lower intestines hinders the process of nutrition absorption from food. These issues coupled with a loss of appetite can have grave repercussions on your overall health.

Deficiencies of vital minerals and vitamins, can lead to other complications and worsen the condition.

To counter these adverse effects, you should add supplements of minerals and multivitamins, in your daily intake. Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that works to boost the immune system. It helps to fight off infections in the colitis, and alleviate the inflammation. Although vitamin C is present in most citrus fruits, you could also take additional quantities to keep their levels maintained in the body. Make sure you do not overdose on vitamin C, as it can cause further irritation of the bowel syndrome.

Pre-digestive protein powders can also be taken to maintain the balance of amino acids. The recommended dosage is one and half an ounce (about 15 grams), that should be taken thrice a day.

Colon balance home remedies for colitis
Enemas consisting of butyric acid are one of the most effective home remedies for colitis. Butyric acid is made in the colon, by the fermentation of fiber-contents. This natural process is carried out by the cells in the lining of the large intestine, producing more energy to the functioning of the colon.

Butyric acid enemas aid this energy making process, and help in bringing down intestinal swelling, and preventing diarrhea and any blood discharge.

Another effective way of restoring the balance in the colon is by using enemas that have a healthy dose of bacteria that are beneficial for your bowels. By re-establishing these bacteria, these retentive enemas can bring a turnaround in the symptoms, and overall condition of colitis. These enemas can be made and administered at home by following the steps given below:

• Take a one-quarter cup of lukewarm distilled water.
• Mix 8 ounces of plain yogurt (at room temperature) with water.
• Add 6 to 8 tablets of pulverized lactic acid yeast.
• Take half of this solution and administer as an enema.
• Hold the solution as long as possible and then repeat the process with the remaining half.

Natural home remedies for colitis
There are a few natural (herbal) condiments in your kitchen that could work on improving your condition. They are:

• Bromelain: It helps in the breakdown of proteins in the body, which can help in lowering of bowel swelling, and control future flare-ups. This enzyme is found in pineapples.
• Psyllium seed (husks): These are a type of fiber that increases the bulk of your stool. They enhance the bowel mobility and excretion, providing relief to your constipated state.
• Turmeric: The curcumin content of this spice works as an antioxidant, and helps decrease the inflammation within the colon.
• Honey: It   also works to curb chemical reactions within the large intestine, that’s responsible for inflammation.

The above-mentioned home remedies for colitis can be used along with any medication, that your healthcare provider may prescribe.

These simple home remedies for colitis go a long way in helping you manage the symptoms and the overall prognosis of the condition.