Treating Ischemic Colitis with Alternative Medicine

Ischemic colitis is a condition in which the colon, or large intestine, is injured or becomes inflamed. Although there are several medical conditions that can cause ischemic colitis, the main cause is an interruption in the blood flow and an inadequate supply of oxygen-rich blood to the colon. Ischemic colitis can occur anywhere in the colon but most patients will complain of pain on the left side of the abdomen. This is where the descending colon and sigmoid colon are located. Once a gastroenterologist, a doctor that specializes in diseases and disorders of the digestive tract, makes a diagnosis he will decide what the best route of treatment will be. Ischemic colitis is generally treated with prescription medications that increase the blood flow to the colon. In some cases, antibiotics are also used to treat and prevent any further infection. Although conventional medicine is thought to be the best route of treatment, some patients find it much more beneficial to use natural methods. Because ischemic colitis is mainly caused by a disruption or restriction of blood flow to the colon, it is favorable to approach this issue first. When trying to increase blood flow in a natural way dietary modifications and lifestyle changes are important factors.

Dietary Modifications

Citrulline.
There are different substances found in food that naturally help to increase blood flow in the body. One of these substances is an amino acid called citrulline. It has been found to be very effective in increasing blood flow, not only in the digestive tract, but also throughout the entire body. Citrulline occurs naturally in watermelons. Once citrulline enters the body it promotes the formation of another substance called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is essential in supporting an improved blood flow in the body.

Probiotics.
Another dietary supplement is useful is probiotics. I have had some personal experience with probiotics and have seen great improvements in healing the inflammation and damage done to the colon in ischemic colitis. Probiotics are "friendly bacteria" that are usually missing or insufficient in patients who suffer from disorders of the colon. The objective in using probiotics is to help the body reestablish its natural flora in the digestive tract. The two main strains of bacteria used in probiotics are lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. Both of these strains of bacteria can be found in foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, pickles, and some grains. Probiotic mixtures can also be purchased over the counter.

Lifestyle Changes

Stress.
Although it has not been proven that emotional stress causes digestive disorders patients have complained that this type of stress exacerbates their symptoms, pain in particular. There are several ways to decrease emotional stress in your life. The most traditional methods are meditation and yoga. In learning to relax your mind you also allow your body to function as it is meant to function. Emotional stress can trigger the release of certain chemicals in your brain that can negatively affect your body's functions.

Smoking and Alcohol.
Smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol have been shown to increase the chances of developing a digestive disorder and aggravating a disorder that already exists. Smoking also slows the healing process. Eliminating these factors from your lifestyle will greatly improve your chances of healing more efficiently and preventing any further damage.

Sources:

www.ayurveda.uk.com

www.phisciences.net/health

www.mayoclinic.com

www.medicinenet.com

www.vls3.com

www.health24.com