Every single cell
throughout your body needs oxygen to breathe. How well it fulfills this
task
depends on how you maintain a healthy blood pH level. An optimal level
is about
7.4. This is a slightly alkaline level and is vital for several major
body
functions including fat digestion, blood circulation, cell and nerve
functions
and bone density. If the pH level drops too low, this causes red blood
cells to
clump together, slowing down blood flow, which means less oxygen is
circulating
throughout your body and overall performance is slowed and weakened.
When your
blood pH is at an optimal level, it means that you can burn a greater
amount of
energy while requiring less oxygen. Keeping
your pH level balanced is particularly important if you suffer from
colitis
because it can help you maintain remission. If your blood pH decreases
suddenly
it may contribute to a flare-up. Detoxifying your body on a regular
basis helps
to maintain a pH level around 7.4. If you suffer from colitis your body
may
already be overloaded with toxins and this could hold your pH level
down. Here
are some tips on how to rebalance and maintain a healthy blood pH level.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional therapy plays a
crucial role in the management of colitis. Focusing on nutrition as a means of
reducing flare-ups and lengthening periods of remission is not as complicated
as it may seem. A substantial number of studies have shown that colitis can be
managed relatively easily by simply modifying your daily diet. Because many
sufferers are deficient in a number of nutrients, dietary modification can also
help to create a more nutritionally efficient diet as well as reducing
inflammation and other symptoms.
Aloe Vera
The
cells that make up the lining of the colon require regular nutrients in order
to maintain a high immunity barrier. Mike Adams, The Health Ranger, explains that one of the most important
nutrients for this purpose is the amino acid l-glutamine. Aloe Vera is rich in
l-glutamine and so can enhance cell regeneration throughout the intestinal
lining. This can help to prevent ulcerations and fissures caused by ulcerative
colitis and also help to prevent leaky-gut syndrome in which harmful toxins
pass from the intestines into the bloodstream.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help to combat
the negative effects of free radicals on the body, preventing them from causing
cellular, genetic and tissue damage. They are beneficial for colitis sufferers
for a number of reasons. Supplementing the diet with antioxidants such as
vitamins A, C, E, and flavonoids can help to boost the immune system and reduce
inflammation. Adding foods rich in antioxidants to your diet can also ease the
stress on your digestive system and promote healthy absorption of nutrients.
B-12
If you suffer from colitis
your body will not be able to absorb an adequate amount of nutrients from food.
A deficiency of vitamin B-12 will slow down the overall function of your
gastrointestinal tract. The recommended daily allowance for B-12 is 2.4
micrograms. If you are taking an iron supplement, take it at the same time. A
B-complex supplement also includes folic acid. This may discolor your urine
slightly as most of it is secreted. Natural food sources of vitamin B-12
include liver, clams, haddock, trout, yogurt, tuna, milk, cured ham and eggs.
Bromelain
Bromelain is a combination of
protein-digesting enzymes extracted from the pineapple plant. It has been found
useful for treating digestive disorders because it decreases the number of
cytokines that cause inflammation of the colon. A recent study conducted by
researchers at Duke University showed that pineapple extract shows a lot of
promise for reducing inflammation in cases of colitis.
Butyrate
Butyrate is a short chain
fatty acid. It encourages the production of friendly microbacteria in the
intestinal tract and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of
colitis. Butyrate taken as an oral tablet appears to reduce intestinal
inflammation caused by this disorder. It has no reported side effects.
Calcium Phosphate
Calcium primarily functions
in the formation of strong teeth and bones, and is vital for the proper
absorption, storage, and metabolic functions of vitamins A, C, D, and E,
phosphorus, and magnesium. It is required for muscle contraction and relaxation
and is needed for the activation of enzymes. Natural food sources include
Brazil nuts, almonds collard greens, broccoli, oats, parsley, cheese, molasses,
salmon, sardines, sesame seeds, prunes and cabbage.
Carotenoids
Carotenoids are the red and
yellow pigments in fruits and vegetables, some of which are converted to
vitamin A in the body. They include vegetable-derived nutrients such as lutein,
beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin and lycopene. They
protect against many forms of cancer and other degenerative diseases and also
have antioxidant properties which means that they help reduce inflammation.
Beta-carotene is the best source of vitamin A.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DHEA is a hormone that occurs
naturally in the human body. DHEA inhibits the production of TNF-alpha, the
cytokine linked to inflammation in colitis. It also protects the body against
the toxic effects cytokines. The daily suggested intake for people suffering
from colitis is 100-200mg. If you are considering taking a DHEA supplement you
should discuss proper hormone blood testing with your physician.
Digestive Enzymes
Enzymes are vital for healthy
digestion. According to Dr. Julian Whitaker, M.D., editor of Health and Healing, unfortunately, many
adults don't have enough of them. This is largely due to the high amount of processed
food in today’s Western diets. Although enzymes are abundant in raw fruit
and vegetables, cooking and food processing methods destroys them. Furthermore,
after age 35, enzyme production in the stomach, small intestine and pancreas
gradually begins to decline. As well as aiding digestion, enzymes also help to
maintain a healthy autoimmune system, eradicate inflammation, remove toxins
from the blood and repair damaged tissue. You can obtain more digestive enzymes from your diet by adding raw fruit and
vegetables. There is also a wide range of digestive enzyme supplements on the
market that can benefit colitis sufferers.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids (EFAs)
are vital components of every single cell in your body. Cells need a regular supply
of EFAs in order to function optimally. Your body does not produce them
naturally so it is important to ensure you are obtaining enough of them from
your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation caused by colitis
by balancing out the ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. You can increase
your daily intake of essential fatty acids by adding the following foods to
your diet: salmon, almonds, walnuts, dark green, leafy vegetables such as kale,
spinach and cabbage, whole grains and olives. You can also add an omega-3 fatty
acid supplement to your diet. The suggested daily dosage for an adult is
1000mg. Essential fatty acids can be taken as a supplement in the form of fish
oils, cod liver oil and flax oil. Dr. Joseph Mercola, founder of the National
Wellness Center, recommends a fish oil supplement to help reduce the symptoms
of colitis and also to reduce the patient’s need for steroid therapy.
Folate (Folic Acid)
Folic acid is vital for the
production and maintenance of new cells. Because of impaired absorption, people
suffering from colitis tend to be deficient in folate. Folic acid can also help prevent certain
forms of cancer and heart attacks. As a daily supplement the recommended daily
intake of folate for adults is 400 micrograms. Natural food sources include
oranges, lentils, lima beans, spinach, asparagus and beets.
Garlic
Garlic produces allicin when
it reacts with oxygen. Allicin has a number of beneficial properties: it is
antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Garlic can also reduce the
cytokines that produce inflammation of the colon in colitis.
You can add raw or cooked
garlic to your meals. If you don’t like the taste, garlic can be taken as a
supplement. The suggested daily dosage for adults is 200mg.
Histidine
Histidine
is an essential amino acid that helps with growth and repair of tissue as well
as the manufacture of red and white blood cells and maintenance of the myelin
sheaths that protect nerve cells. Because histidine produces gastric juice in
the stomach, people suffering from colitis may benefit from a supplemental form
of this nutrient. If you are suffering from a folate deficiency you may also
have depleted histidine levels due to increased urination. A combination of
folate and histidine can remedy this situation. Natural food sources of
histidine include wheat, rye, fish, chicken, turkey, beef and dairy products.
The suggested daily adult dose for histidine is 1000mg taken 2-3 times daily.
Iron
Anemia due to iron deficiency
is a common complication for colitis sufferers and if untreated can become
severe. For this reason it is important to make sure you have an adequate iron
intake in your daily diet. The recommended daily dosage of an iron supplement
for adults is 8-18mg. You can also add iron-rich food sources to your diet,
including liver, cockles, lean beef, shrimp, grapefruit, red kidney beans,
apricots, almonds, dried figs, wheat germ, and cashew nuts.
Probiotics
Probiotics are dietary
supplements containing live beneficial bacteria. Taking them on a regular basis
can help to replenish and rebalance the bacterial ecosystem of your
gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics can also help to reduce the risk of
complications that arise from colitis such and candida, gas and bloating. The
usual measurement for probiotics is Colony Forming Units or CFUs. This refers
to the number of live bacteria present in each serving. The typical daily
dosage recommendation is 10 billion CFUs but can be up to 50 billion
Selenium
Selenium is an essential
trace mineral that is responsible for elimination of toxins and healthy
functioning of the thyroid. It also boosts the immune system by neutralizing
free radicals. It is generally depleted in colitis sufferers but it may be
rebalanced by adjusting your diet to incorporate selenium-rich food or by
taking a daily supplement. The recommended daily intake of a selenium
supplement for adults is 50-100mcg. Natural food sources of selenium include
oysters, turkey, Brazil nuts, peanuts, broccoli, tuna, spaghetti, cod, egg,
hard cheese, beef, brown rice and cottage cheese.
Soluble Fiber
Soluble
fiber helps to maintain healthy bowel function and can help to reduce the risk
of colon cancer. Along with starches, glutamine, and fish oils, fiber may all
help with malnutrition in colitis sufferers. Some people with intestinal
disorders do not respond to high-fiber intake so it is recommended that you
begin with a small amount of soluble fiber such as psyllium husk. Psyllium comes from the crushed husk of the Plantago
ovata plant.
Psyllium is a very gentle, bulk forming laxative that softens stools and helps
to alleviate the discomfort of constipation, hemorrhoids and speeds up the
elimination of waste from the body which reduces the risk of colon cancer and
helps the remission of colitis. Soluble fiber is another important
natural way to beat colitis according to Dr. Joseph Mercola. He recommends a
daily dose of 1-2 teaspoons dissolved in a glass of water with meals. Other
fibers which can improve digestive health in colitis are oat bran and guar gum.
You should drink plenty of water throughout the day if you are taking soluble
fiber to avoid becoming gassy and bloated.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a single-cell,
blue-green algae. It contains 18 different amino acids, 10 vitamins and 8 minerals.
It is high in protein and gentle on the digestive tract. Because it is rich in
digestive enzymes and is easy to digest, it may also be a good source of
protein if you suffer from ulcerative colitis. It is also rich in antioxidants.
According to the Doctor’s Health Press
Board, spirulina can reduce symptoms of colitis and improve digestion
Vitamin D
Ulcerative colitis has a
strong connection to immune system disorders. In order to support a healthy
immune system, you need an adequate supply of vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead
to a number of complications including depletion of bone density, osteoporosis
and joint pain. Vitamin D also assists with the absorption of calcium so if you
are deficient in vitamin D, you are probably also deficient in calcium. Natural
food sources of vitamin D include fish, liver, eggs, fortified milk, and
butter. You can also take vitamin D supplements in tablet form. The recommended
adult daily intake of vitamin D is 200 micrograms
Vitamin K
Osteoporosis can be a severe
complication of colitis for both men and women. Maintaining healthy levels of
vitamin K can reduce the risk of bone density loss and help prevent
osteoporosis. Natural food sources of vitamin K include green leafy vegetables
such as kale, cabbage and spinach, asparagus, peas and plums. The suggested
daily adult dose for a vitamin K supplement is 65-85 micrograms
Zinc
Zinc deficiency is a common complication with colitis.
Zinc is important for boosting the immune system and promoting general healing.
Because zinc helps to remove free radicals from the blood stream, it is
possible that supplementation may reduce inflammation of the gastrointestinal
tract. The recommended daily allowance for adult males is 11mg and for adult
females is 8mg.
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