What is Colitis?
Colitis is a chronic bowel disease that causes inflammation in the lining of your colon i.e. the large intestine.

Prevalence in India -
Once prevalent in Western countries, colitis is on the rise in India among other Asian countries. The causes for this rise are mainly the degrading environment and the consequent changes in your genes. Colitis brings many changes to your lifestyle. Therefore, it is important to arm yourself with all the information about the disease to better manage it and lead the life you want.

What are the causes?
The common causes of colitis are -

Infection due to virus, bacteria and parasites
Decreased blood supply
Allergic reactions
What are the signs and symptoms of Colitis?
The signs and symptoms of colitis include the following-

Extreme pain before, during or after diarrhoea in the lower abdomen
Aches in joints and muscles
Tender abdomen
Swelling of colon
Redness on the colon surface
Bleeding from stool
Diarrhoea or constipation
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Fever, fatigue
Dehydration
Eye and skin inflammation
What can you do to prevent it?
In order to prevent the occurrence of colitis, you can adopt a few steps. Precautionary measures mostly include dietary changes. You should avoid intake of certain foods to eliminate the symptoms of the disease.

Avoid the consumption of dairy products
Avoid eating spicy foods
Avoid including vegetables like cabbage, dried beans, peas in your diet
Refrain from drinking alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks
Instead, include white bread, white rice, pureed vegetable soup, canned fruits, etc
Depending on the diagnosis and the treatment, people do get better. Many people can build successive careers after getting treatments. However, initially, the symptoms will cause a problem in your daily life. It is important to know how you can identify the early signs and what you can do to manage or prevent them.

Know More About Colitis!

Do you know not all foods can be consumed on an empty stomach? So, it is imperative that you should be aware of such foods and restructure your breakfast menu accordingly. Here is a list of foods to avoid on an empty stomach. 

Stay away from the following foods when you eat after a considerable gap

Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits contain fruit acids. When these acids enter an empty stomach, they can lead to heartburn. Hence, if eaten after a prolonged period post meal, a person is at risk of gastritis and stomach ulcers.
Soda: Consuming cold soda drinks on an empty stomach may cause damage to the mucosal membrane while reducing blood flow to the stomach. This may lead to a slow digestive process and difficulty in the abdomen.
Spicy foods: Spicy foods are known to cause irritation and damage to the digestive tract, and are especially not recommended for people who suffer from acid reflux issues since very spicy food leads to consequences such as acid reflux in the food pipe.
Cucumber and other green vegetables: Green vegetables and cucumber are rich in amino acids. If consumed on an empty stomach it may very well lead to pain and bitterness in the upper abdomen.
Tomato: Tomato is a fruit containing high levels of tannin. Tannin causes acidity in an empty stomach and leads to consequences and appearance of gastritis if frequently consumed in such a manner.
Fermented milk products: Fermented milk products such as yogurt typically come with loads of health benefits being full of probiotics. But if consumed on an empty stomach it can interfere with the balance of healthy bacteria as the hydrochloric acid produced tends to be destructive.
Sweets: Items such as candy or sweetmeats contain high levels of sugar and cause a sudden and sharp surge of insulin levels in the blood. Over a long period, this has a bad effect on the pancreas.
Products containing yeast: Edible items such as biscuits, puff pastry, vinegar and beverages such as beer and wine contain yeast which can significantly irritate the stomach and cause bloating.
So, be a little conscious and avoid consuming these items on an empty stomach since a little effort goes a long way. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Empty Stomach - 8 Food Types That You Must Avoid!

Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil is the Best Oral Hygiene Treatment

Oil Pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic way of removing all the harmful bacteria, plaque and decay causing microbes from your mouth. All you have to do is squish oil in mouth for 10-15 minutes and spit it out. The best oil for oil pulling is coconut oil, although it can be done with sesame, sunflower or mustard oil.

Coconut oil has antibacterial and antiviral activity which makes it ideal for bacteria heavy oral region. The antimicrobial power of coconut oil combined with goodness of oil-pulling technique makes your oral health concrete - it can’t get better. Besides, coconut oil tastes good too.

If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on 'Consult'.

From Lybrate: If you found this tip useful, please thank the doctor by clicking on the heart icon below. Also, spread good health by sharing this tip with your loved ones over WhatsApp, Facebook and other media.

Best and Cheapest Oral Hygiene Therapy: Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil 

Cumin, also known as 'jeera' in the Indian subcontinent, is an ancient seed that has been prized for more than 3000 years. Ayurveda holds this spice in high regards and uses it for treating a host of health disorders including burning of excess fat.

Why are cumin seeds considered to aid in weight loss?

An effective detoxifier: Ayurveda considers the accumulation of toxins to cause weight gain and other medical conditions. While certain toxins are easily removed with water, fatty toxins stick to cells and disrupt cell metabolism resulting in weight gain. To detox such hard-to-remove toxins, cumin seeds are predominantly used in Ayurveda. The seeds remove excess kapha from the intestines and detox liver effectively.
Lowers cholesterol that aids in burning fat effectively: Black cumin is rich in phytosterols which are plant fats resembling cholesterol present in animal fats. When consumed, they limit the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the body. Taking a tablespoon of cumin seeds every day has been medically proven to lower the amount of cholesterol up to 10 percent and bad cholesterol up to 14 percent. This reduction in addition to the cholesterol-lowering measures that you may have adopted would be helpful in burning fat much faster. Taking about 2 grams of cumin seeds combined with light freehand or aerobic exercises can lead to subsequent weight loss in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Lowers blood sugar levels and regulates metabolism: Any person with high blood sugar levels is aware that low insulin levels tend to create a craving for sweets and carbs while high insulin levels can cause extreme thirst and fatigue. Cumin seeds have been proven to lower the blood sugar levels. It lowers blood sugar levels by increasing insulin and glucose sensitivity. In this way, black cumin seeds can aid you to shed off extra pounds by improving the blood glucose levels as well as glucose absorption. In addition to all these benefits, black cumin seeds contain high amounts of oleic acid which is a fatty acid causing acceleration in the way in which the body burns fat.
Other benefits from cumin seeds: Constipation and indigestion are other common reasons for weight gain. An excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, and that has anti-flatulent properties, the cumin seeds can cure constipation, bloating and heaviness, thus, aiding in weight loss. Lack of sleep may also be causing weight gain. Cumin seeds can cure you of insomnia, thus. regulating your sleep pattern and metabolism.
Hence, cumin seeds are a simple and effective ayurvedic remedy for weight loss. Cumin seeds are more potent, and you can take a spoon of roasted or plain cumin seeds every day. Obese or normal, irrespective of your weight, taking cumin seeds regularly have quite a few benefits.

1 Tablespoon Of Cumin - Know How It Can Work Wonders!

Psoriasis is a chronic dermatosis characterised by an unpredictable course of remissionn & relapse. It is an non-infectious skin disaease chracterised by scaly, silvery patches mainly on the scalp and extensior surface of the body. Its exact cause is unkown. In ayurveda, it is closely resembles with ekakushta. The features of ekakushta explains in ayurveda classics resembles with the symptoms of psoriasis. Psoriasis is the challenge for modern science. There is no definite treatment for psoriasis in modern science till today. The drug available in the market use to treat psoriasis are not very effective and have local and systemic effects.

In ayurveda, vata pitta and kapha dosha is the main contributory factor for the disease. Due to vitiation of three dosha, the disease manifest and main line of treatment for psoriasis is panchkarma and internal medicine. It is considering the best approach for skin disorder in ayurveda. A case report of 42-year old male, presented with well demarcated red scaly, silvery patches mainly on both legs, hands, scalp, chest and back with itching, and also nail and joint involvement has been presented in this article.

Etiology of Psoriasis: 

Unknown but many factors have been associated-

Genetic: may be autosomal dominant

Triggers: physical trauma ,infection and drugs.

Biochemical change: like increase level of arachidonic acid and Cgmp.

Immunological factors: helper T cells PLAY A KEY ROLE.

Epidemiology: 

Roughly, 1% of population is affected. Can occur at any age and affected both sex. Most patients as worse in winters.around 7 million people are affected in developed country.

Histopathogenesis:

Increased epidermal cell proliferation.

Retention of nuclei in stratum corneum.

Proliferation of fibroblast.

Dilated and tortous capillary loops.

Shortened epidermal turnover time from normal of 60 to 10 days.

Clinical features: Usually chronic indolent lesions which persist for month. Lesions are mildly papule or plaque.erthematous plaque lesions with characteristic slivery, large, loose scales. The patients of psoriasis may also suffer from depression and low self-esteem.

In a patients with psoriasis always check for nail and joint involvement.

Nail: 10 to 15% of the patients have nail involvement. Pitting, nail plate thickening, subungual debris, discolouration of nail plate and oil spot seen in the nails.

Joints: 10% patients have joint involvement.

Sites: Scalp, pressor points & extensor. Sometimes generalised.

Chronic recurrent psoriasis is difficult to treat. Modern science treat with PUVA and corticosteroids but these drugs having local and systemic side effects like liver and kidney failure etc. So, it is the time to find out the effective and safe treatment for Psoriasis. Medicines which are used in ayurveda are safe and practised since many years. A huge numbers of drugs are prescribed in ayurveda for the treatment of kushta.

Case details: A 42-year old male patient, hindu brahman by religion, presented on 10 april 2016 with well demarcated raised red scaly, silvery patches on chest, back and both legs and hands. He complained of itching all over the body and on scraping, white powder like substances fall down and leaves a bleedy surface. On history, patients had complaints since 20 years and diagnosis of psoriasis by allopathic physician. Since 20 years he has been taking allopathy and homoepathy patients from various practioners of U.P and delhi. He is brahman and lives in well known temple of delhi and visit homes of peoples for religious ceremony. He is afraid that if the disease is spreading continously, then he is unable to work as priest because people neglect him due to disease. The disease is spreading all over his body and also involves nail and joint. Destruction of nail plates of hand and legs was also developed. For this, patients took allopathic treatment for such a long time but do not get relief.

The patients visit our clinic for the first time. He told use that his problem not solves since 20 years and spreading continuously. So, he is unable to trust us. So, we first give him counselling because reassurance and emotional support are invaluable. Physical and mental rest enhance the effects of the treatment. It is also important to tell him that the disease is not contagious and is benign.

SYMPTOMS OF THE PATIENTS :

Itching all over body

Silvery patches, especially, on legs ,chest ,back but now spreading in his hand and scalp.

Destruction on nail plates

Swelling and pain in left middle fingers and flexor deformity in proximal interphalangeal joint

Swelling in right middle metatarso phangeal joint and pain

Some blood test of the patients were done like CBC, LFT, KFT, SR, URIC ACID to assess outcome.

His general health was good and both physical and all blood test were within the normal limts.we advise patients for panchkarma and oral medication but patients refuse for panchkarma so we start his oral or internal medication. 

Investigation Done :

CBC(Complete Blood Count)

LFT(Liver Function Test)

KFT(Kidney function Test)

Sr. Uric Acid

Investigation was done to rule out any other pathology. Investigation were within normal limit.

Internal Medication :

Medication are given into two phase. In First Phase, we are given panchsakara churna - one spoon two times daily for anulomana and pachan, Panchnimba churna- one spoon two times daily with luke water, panchtikta ghrita gugulu - two tab two times daily, and one oil for local application containing jyotishmati,bakuchi, and chakramad for five days. We told patient to apply the oil firstly only on legs for 5 days. Patient taking the same for 5 days and come on 5th day, we see the fabulous result, the rashes which are developed within 4 to 5 months just disappear and other rashes are also subsiding.

After 5 days, in second phase, we continue the same treatment and also added haridra khand - one spoon two times daily, gugulu tiktam kashaya - three spoon two times daily (one hour before food for 15 days). The patient came back on 20th day, with great result, the rashes were almost 60 % subsiding and pain and swelling in finger and ankle also reduce to great extent. Now, patient is not taking any pain killer for pain. Patient also get improvement in nails of legs.

We prescribe the same medicine for one month that time and ask him to do some physiotherapy additional for finger deformity. After that patient came with 70 to 75 % relief in symptoms and patients also tell that during the treatment, he will not develop any additional rashes.

During the treatment, we also told the patients to follow some dietary changes and live according to the rules of Ayurveda.

Result: Psoriasis is a disease with unkown etiology and triggered by many factors. In modern science, treatment of psoriasis is a challenge. They do not have any safe and proper medicine for psoriasis. But, ayurveda treatment gives satisfactory results as well as the quality life to the patients. Ayurveda removes toxin out of the body and corrects the formation of aama. Ayurveda gives the prevention as well as the treatment. So, by following the dietary and lifestyle change we prevent the reoccurrence of the disease.

Ayurveda For Psoriasis 

Being diagnosed with cancer is something no one looks forward to and Gynaecological Cancer is every woman s worst nightmare. However, if diagnosed in time, it can be treated. Cancer in any part of a woman s reproductive system is termed as gynecological cancer. It is of five types:
Cervical cancer
Ovarian cancer
Vaginal cancer
Vulvar cancer and
Uterine cancer
Paying attention to your body and understanding its natural rhythm can help you recognize signs of gynecological cancer. This is because signs of gynecological cancer can be difficult to identify unless you know your body. Here are a five signs to watch out for-
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Bleeding in between periods is okay once in a while but if it happens continuously over a period of 2 to 3 months, do not ignore it. Vaginal bleeding after menopause should also never be ignored. Abnormal bleeding could be triggered by a number of conditions including cancer of the lining of the uterus. Sudden changes in your menstrual blood that persist for over 2 cycles such as heavy bleeding can also be a symptom of uterine cancer. Heavy bleeding can be defined as a period that lasts for over 7 days.
Changes in the Vulva: Any change in colour of development of bumps, sores of thickened skin should be immediately shown to a gynecologist. Any form of vulvar itching or burning should also not be ignored. These conditions could be symptoms of vulvar cancer. Hence, it is important to know what your vulva looks like normally.
Bloating: Persistent bloating that lasts for over a fortnight can be a sign of ovarian cancer. This is especially true in cases of bloating accompanied by sudden weight loss or between-period bleeding.
Change in Bathroom Habits: Due to the proximity of the bladder to the reproductive organs, a tumour or swelling in the reproductive organs can trigger symptoms similar to those of a urinary tract infection. This includes pain while urinating, difficulty passing urine, diarrhea or constipation. Urinary incontinence could also a sign of gynecological cancer.
Abdominal or Back Pain: In rare cases, lower back pain could be a sign of ovarian cancer or uterine cancer. Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area can also be a sign of ovarian cancer.
The above could also be signs of other health disorders. The only way of knowing for sure is by consulting a doctor. Hence, understand your body and if you notice any of these symptoms consult your gynecologist at the earliest. 

Signs of Gynecological Cancer

Don't wait any longer, manage your Kayachikitsa Specialist online with a Lybrate doctor today

Consult for Kayachikitsa Specialist - Online and Easy!

FilterClear All

COMMON SPECIALITIES

COMMON ISSUES