An inflamed colon, an irritable colon, sometimes episodic cases or a real syndrome: the reality is that more and more people are affected, especially women, and the causes are still poorly understood.
In relatively recent times the microbiota, our intestinal flora, has also been recognized, also called the "sixth sense", a veritable organ made up of billions of cells, of microorganisms, which when they change composition or undergo an alteration causing inflammation of the colon and food is the basis of microbiota modifications.
Symptoms of the inflamed colon
Except for special exceptions the symptoms of the inflamed colon are common even if not all of them are always present:
> belly swelling;
> abdominal pain;
> meteorism and flatulence;
> intestinal irregularity;
> altered stool consistency even with mucus.
To these direct symptoms there are also conditions of malaise associated with headaches, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, back pain, feeling of indigestion.
The causes of the inflamed colon
The actual causes are not yet known, in the sense that it has not yet been shown which substances are inflamed in the intestine .
However, often the irritative disorders of the colon become chronic and are associated with the stress that pours and somatizes in the intestine, our second brain, to easy infections in case of lowering of the immune defenses, to drugs that have depleted the microbiota and have damaged it, to foods that can be intolerant or even allergic.
Feeding for inflamed colon
The first "cure" for the inflamed colon passes from feeding, because if we think about it we eat at least 3 or 5 days a day, we drink many more times and if our food becomes our primary medicine it would be really a great success.
Each subject reacts to himself to foods that may be irritating to the colon, but we can indicate some that are potentially harmful for those suffering from inflammation of the colon, spastic colitis and irritable bowel syndrome:
> milk, dairy products;
> refined flours;
> sausages;
> fruit (peaches, pears, plums, grapes)
> vegetables (artichokes, onions, rocket, cucumbers)
> legumes and potatoes;
> chocolate;
> coffee, tea;
> carbonated drinks.
Inflamed colon, what to eat
Given that nutrition must be formulated by a nutritionist ad personam we can indicate certain foods that are tolerable by individuals suffering from inflammation of the colon:
> blue fish;
> white and red meat, possibly coming from grazing animal farms;
> whole grains (also brown rice to be preferred over white);
> fermented foods such as sauerkraut and Miso soup;
> vegetables (zucchini, cabbage, radishes, chard);
> eggs;
> white yogurt without sugar;
> dried fruit (almonds and walnuts).
Fruit, unfortunately, is a sore point, however good it is in general, in the specific case due to its sugar content it can promote bacterial production and create fermentation.
The rose of fruits allowed is restricted to the acid ones like lemons and grapefruits or to the fat ones like avocado, coconut, banana and kiwi due to its contribution of prebiotic fibers.
It can happen to be celiac subjects without knowing it, because no in-depth studies have been done in this regard. Uncertainly taking gluten free foods may be advisable : we now easily find brown rice or corn pasta, whole grain biscuits, gluten free starchy foods that can be added to the diet of those suffering from inflammation of the colon.
Natural anti-inflammatories for irritated colon
We can take some natural remedies to soothe inflammation of the colon, promote transit and regulate intestinal functions.
Mauve
Mallow is rich in mucilage, flavonoids, Vitamins A, C, B1, mineral salts. Mallow is a real anti-inflammatory to be used in case of colitis, since it acts directly on the mucous membranes with which it comes into contact.
It performs an emollient and soothing activity on inflamed intestinal walls. We can take it as an infusion, the whole digestive tract will also benefit from the oral cavity.
Chamomile
Chamomile is rich in flavonoids, mucilages, azulene, salicylic acid, oleic acid and lactones. It has sedative, calming, muscle relaxant, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is a complete anti-inflammatory in the case of an irritated colon, as in addition to soothing inflammation it has a decongestant, pain-relieving and disinfectant action on the bacterial flora.
Aloe
Aloe Vera is rich in mucilage with anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Aloe performs many actions from antibacterial to antioxidant, antiviral and detoxifying.
It acts on the gastrointestinal system and the immune system. It serves to strengthen our microbiota, to soothe the inflamed colon, to soften the faeces. Pay attention to which Aloe you buy. It must be of excellent quality extracted from leaf gel, the most noble part of the Aloe plant, deprived of aloin, which would be irritating to the intestinal mucosa.
Probiotics
Probiotics such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, which manage to arrive unaltered in the intestine, are useful in the case of an irritated colon because they play an anti-inflammatory action and replenish the intestinal epithelium . They can also be associated with prebiotics such as psyllium and inulin to regulate constipation / diarrhea alternations. They help increase intestinal bacterial flora and strengthen it.
