Reviewed by Dr.Vijaykumar Kamat & written by Dr. Gauri Mane.

According to Ayurvedic theory, colitis (adoga raktapitta (or Raktatisara), is caused by excess or aggravated PITTA.

It is important to reduce pitta through diet and lifestyle changes.

Do’s:

• Diet is crucial in treating ulcerative colitis. Most often, freshly prepared buttermilk and fruits/fruits juices (avoid citrus juice) as well as vegetables (rich in Vitamin C) will help heal ulcerative colitis.
• Benefits of fruits such as banana, apple and cantaloupe Yellow fruits such as cantaloupes, pears, cucumbers, kelp and agar, are good for you.
• The following juices are particularly beneficial for the digestive system: wheat grass juice (coriander), green leaf juice (green papaya), raw cabbage juice and carrot juice.
• It is recommended to use coconut milk, barley water and tender coconut water regularly.
• Soups are good, but especially vegetable broths. Fruits are a great way to end a meal.
• The inner lining of your intestines will be soothed by a mixture of rice and buttermilk, or a gruel made with bananas that are ripe.
• Take 2-3 glasses of buttermilk with cumin seeds (jeera).
• Take Emblica fruit as it has been known to enhance immunity.
• Regular exercise such as brisk walking, swimming or 20-30 minutes of regular exercise is recommended.
• Sleep at least 8 hours at night.

Don’ts:

• Avoid spicy, sweet, sour and fat-rich foods.
• Do not overeat, and do not eat if you are not really hungry.
• Avoid eating raw vegetables/solid foods, wheat and drinking water or juices when you eat.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, and coffee.
• Avoid all fried, preserved and frozen food.
• Avoid curd, milk and cheese.
• Reduce your anxiety and stress by doing yoga, meditation or pranayama.
• Avoid day sleeping.
• Combining food is not recommended. Meat, fish and poultry, prawns or mushrooms, curds, buttermilks, sprouts and sour fruits are all incompatible.

Natural Treatments for Colitis