Colitis or irritable bowel syndrome

Also known as irritable bowel syndrome, colitis is a fairly common disorder that is manifested by cramping, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea often alternate. It is a disorder that, in world, interesting average 15% of the population, with a double frequency in subjects of female sex than male.
On Wikipedia, we read that the term colitis refers to a type of inflammatory process that affects the entire colon or just a segment and can arise due to bacterial infections, viral infections or diseases or develop into a chronic form without there being a cause precise origin.

Colitis causes

The irritable bowel syndrome is also known as nervous colitis, as it is often caused by a strong psychological stress. Generally, women tend more than men to somatize nervous stress and for this reason it is more prone to this disorder. The hormonal substances produced under nervous stimulus should in fact be acting on the brain to be assessed. Therefore, what happens in the brain tends to have an effect on bowel function. Where the sensory endings that innervate the intestinal tract are especially sensitive to this type of stimuli, with good probability you will have the tendency to suffer from colitis. Stress, anger withheld, anxiety and intense emotions can go to contract the walls of the colon, which produces the symptoms of colitis.
In addition to the above factors of a psychological nature, colitis can also occur due to intolerance to certain foods, a style particularly poor nutrition and inadequate fiber and water, alteration of the intestinal flora, with an increase of pathogenic microorganisms and chronic parasitic infestation of the intestinal tract.

Symptoms of colitis

The colitis is manifested by abdominal pain associated with cramps, bloating, constipation and diarrhea often alternate, and emission of mucus in the feces. Most people can control these symptoms simply by correcting your eating style, using some medicine in the acute stages and learning to manage stress better psychic. Although it is a very annoying disorder, irritable bowel syndrome is a condition entirely reversible and is in no way responsible for more serious complications of entities, such as colon cancer.
If you experience symptoms such as anemia, fever and bleeding bright red with feces, promptly consult a gastroenterologist.

Prevention and anti colitis diet

Colitis, more often than not, is determined by factors of nervous nature. However, even the diet can have a negative impact on this disorder, triggering or exacerbating the symptoms of colitis. It is advisable to follow a diet rich in water and fiber. The non-digestible remains of plant foods tend to absorb water, stretching the walls of the large intestine and preventing the contraction nervous. This valuable feature is mainly carried out by insoluble fiber, which we find in whole grains and in some types of vegetables. Foods that should not miss in daily food plan are carrots, potatoes, artichokes, cabbage, cucumbers, apples, cranberries, fennel and peppermint oil. Precisely for this precious ability to absorb water, these foods must be accompanied by adequate fluid intake, can soften the fecal content favoring the evacuation and the reduction of intestinal gas and pain. An excess of fat in the diet can aggravate the symptoms of colitis. It is advisable to exclude or at least limit sugary foods, dietary sweeteners, sugary drinks and sodas, foods high in air, such as whipped cream or milk shakes, high-fat foods, pepper, hot sauces, particularly processed foods and vegetables very digestible such as garlic, raw onions and peppers.
Another very important aspect of diet to prevent or counteract colitis is the consumption of probiotic foods, rich in good bacteria can rebalance and strengthen the bacterial flora of the colon. Especially if the origin of ulcerative there is a strong emotional component, the diet should be low in coffee and alcohol. It is also advisable to refrain from cigarette smoking. Combining these measures a constant exercise and some relaxation time, the majority of individuals are unable to considerable benefit.
However, if the simple correction of lifestyle should not prove to be effective and the symptoms of ulcerative persist, you should contact a gastroenterologist, which if necessary may decide to take a medication. Depending on the circumstances, may be prescribed medications such as anxiolytics, sedatives, antidepressants and antispasmodics. Disinfectants and anti-diarrheal medications may instead prove to be extremely useful in the acute stages of colitis.