Finding Relief from Colitis

The NIH (National Institutes of Health) and the Mayo Clinic Web sites say there are a few different types of colitis and the symptoms can be controlled, most of the time, with medication and diet. Drinking lots of water is critical to replace lost fluids due to the frequent passing of loose stools. Avoiding aspirin and ibuprofen is important as is staying on the medication. Out of control, some types of colitis can cause cancer. Finding and following good medical advice should help keep the condition in check.

There is no cure for colitis. Stress seems to make the condition worse, so medical professionals recommend finding healthy ways to manage stressful situations.

Since this blog was first published, a friend of mine who has suffered with colitis found a holistic physician in NYC and with his help has modified her diet. The result is that she went from taking sixteen pills a day and feeling lousy to taking zero pills and feeling great. She adopted a gluten-free diet, thus reducing inflammation, now avoids dairy and specific foods that cause inflammation, and takes probiotics.

She also told me she uses a heating pad to help relieve abdominal cramps if she has a flare up.

If you need a heating pad or ice pack to help relax and reduce the stress of dealing with colitis or to help with abdominal cramps check out Maine Warmers' microwave heating pads and gentle ice packs.

If you know of someone dealing with colitis, you might want to give them Maine Warmers Comforting Creature and mention that Maine Warmers has a lot of gluten-free recipes on their blog.