Colitis
Research
Diet & Lifestyle
Live yoghurt
& Colitis
Researchers at the University
of Lille in France discovered that 'live' yoghurt (ie. containing
probiotic bacteria) is effective in preventing and remedying diarrhoea
induced from antibiotics(1). In fact the bacteria known as lactobacillus
(found in live yoghurt) has even been found to benefit colitis
(inflammation of the colon) sufferers. In one study(2), five patients
suffering from colitis accompanied by diarrhoea were given concentrated
doses of lactobacillus acidophilus every day. After ten days , 4 out of
the 5 had complete relief from their diarrhoea. The remaining patient
continued the course of treatment for a further ten days by which time her
symptoms had also completely gone!
(1) Colombel CD et al 'Yoghurt with
bifidobacterium longum reduces erythromycin-induced gastro-intestinal
effects' The Lancet 4th July 1987, 2 (8549) p43.
(2)Gorbach SL et al Successsful treatment of relapsing clostridium
difficile colitis with lactobacillus GG' The Lancet 26th Dec 1987, 2
(8574) p1519
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Pectin
& Colitis
Pectin is a binding agent found in many fruits and other
sources such as carob beans. Carob flour is frequently used as a healthy alternative to
chocolate. It is rich in pectin and has been found in a number of medical studies to be
extremely beneficial for those people suffering diarrhoea by normalising loose stools.
Bananas are another traditional and very effective remedy
for diarrhoea because not only do they contain pectin, but they also contain magnesium,
potassium and many other essential nutrients including easily digested carbohydrates which
help replace those lost through diarrhoea and keep energy levels normal and stabilise
weight. (3)
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High Fibre - Low
fat
& Colitis
A high fibre diet has been reported to be of definite benefit
to people suffering from chronic diarrhoea as well as those patients diagnosed as having
crohn's disease (4) . This is thought to be due to the fact that the fibre absorbs excess
fluid and the low fat diet reduces bile acids manufactured by the liver which irritate the
lining of the intestines. One medical study showed that patients with chronic diarrhoea
(half a dozen or more bowel movements a day) were helped by adding bran to their diet. The
effect was even greater than the well known benefits of bran for constipation. After
adding small amounts of bran to the diet, all the patients had normal bowel movements.
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Gluten-free diet
& Colitis
Many cases of chronic diarrhoea respond well to a gluten free
diet (Foods high in gluten are wheat, barley and rye) (5)
Rice on the other hand is low in gluten and has been shown
by research at the International Centre of Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh,to have
a highly beneficial effect on persistent diarrhoea (6)
Ensuring good digestion and assimilation of food is the
paramount consideration in diarrhoea. Simple steps can be taken to help in addition to
those mentioned above. For instance, chewing your food thoroughly, relaxing when eating,
not mixing high protein foods (eg. meats, poultry, fish, eggs, soya and dairy) with high
carbohydrate foods (eg, bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, wholegrains) are very basic measures
we can all take. Sound dietary advice can be obtained from a qualified naturopath or
nutritionist (see below).
Footnotes: -
(1) 'Yoghurt with bifidobacterium longum reduces erythromycin-induced gastro-intestinal
effects' Colombel CD et al The Lancet 4th July 1987, 2 (8549) p43.
(2) 'Successsful treatment of relapsing clostridium difficile colitis with lactobacillus
GG' Gorbach SL et al The Lancet 26th Dec 1987, 2 (8574) p1519
(3) Reported in The Practical Encycopedia of Natural Healing (Rodale Press) 1976
(4) K.Heaton 'Treatment of Crohn's Disease with unrefined carbohydrate, fibre rich diet'
Br Med J 2 (1979):764
(5) Dr John A McDougall 'The McDougall Plan' New Win Publishing Inc P.124
(6) Persistent Diarrhoea: efficacy of a rice based diet and role of nutritional status in
recovery and nutrient absorbtion Roy SK et al. International Centre of Diarrhoeal Disease
Research, Bangladesh, Mohakhali.
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