Toxic Megacolon: A Complication Of IBD

The large intestine is the lowest part of the digestive tract which consists of appendix, colon, and rectum where re-absorption of water occurs from the food and processing of waste products along with its elimination in the form of stool through the anus.

There can be various reasons for the malfunctioning of the large intestine. One of them is toxic dilatation of the colon or toxic mega colon. Abnormal dilatation of the mega colon is the anomaly for which these terms are used. It is a very serious medical condition which needs to be corrected as soon as possible otherwise results in severe signs and symptoms. Although it is a rare condition in which within a small span of time, widening of the large colon or intestines occur and can prove to be fatal. It is usually presented as a complication of the IBD, i.e. Crohn's disease or Ulcerative colitis.

WHAT CAN BE THE CAUSES OF TOXIC MEGACOLON?

Inflammatory bowel disease is the main cause of toxic mega colon. IBD comprises of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In both of them, there is irritation and swelling of the intestines, both large and small. Both of them are very painful and distressing conditions which may cause severe and permanent damage to the colon. Intestines become dilated, expanded and distended in IBD that results in the inability of those to remove stool and gas present in them. The gradually huge amount of gas and waste products build up in the colon ultimately leading to rupture of the colon. This rupturing of intestines is a life-threatening condition as due to the rupturing of the colon the normal bacteria present in them may spread to the whole body causing infection and death.

In some cases, it can also occur due to infection from Clostridium difficile.

WHAT CAN BE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TOXIC MEGACOLON?

As it can occur within a short span of time, symptoms also appear suddenly, which include:

• Pain in the abdomen
• Distention of the abdomen
• Bloating
• Fever
• Tachycardia i.e. increased heart rate
• Shock
• Diarrhea which may contain blood
• Painful bowel movements

HOW CAN TOXIC MEGACOLON BE DIAGNOSED?

It can be diagnosed through physical examination and some lab tests. Patient case history can reveal any of the inflammatory bowel diseases. During the physical examination, abdominal tenderness can be detected. Some of the lab tests can confirm the diagnosis:

• Abdominal X-ray
• Abdominal CT scan
• Blood tests like complete blood count and blood electrolytes

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR TOXIC MEGACOLON

Meaning- Digestive fire is the main of all the fires in the body. All other fires or Agni depend upon the Jatharagni as it illuminates all others. They all get strength from Digestive fire and their strength depend upon it. Hence, food consumption should be according to the nature of this digestive fire. The strong state of digestive fire provides strength, longevity, health, excitement, and intelligence to the body.

Reference- Charak Samhita, Part 2, Chikitsa sthanam, chapter no. 15, Shloka no. 39 and 40

Ayurveda has proved to be very effective in treating inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease, and Ulcerative colitis. On the other hand, in modern medicine, these diseases are considered to be non-curable but Ayurveda treats them effectively that too only with herbal medicines. According to Ayurveda, these diseases occur due to increased Pitta dosha in the body and low digestive fire resulting in inflammation and ulceration of the colon. Toxic megacolon occurs when this disease is not treated timely or maltreated. Ayurveda can help in treating this disease as well as its complications.
Dr.Vikram Chauhan (MD-Ayurveda) from Planet Ayurveda has expertise in treating Ulcerative colitis and patients from worldwide consult him for their treatments. Many of them have been treated successfully. For toxic megacolon also Planet Ayurveda offers some herbal remedies which are prepared from pure extracts of herbs of the best quality. The herbs which have been used since ancient times and have specific pathogenesis in this disease are taken to prepare these herbal medicines. No artificial preservatives, chemicals, dye, additive or fillers are added in these medicines. These remedies are purely vegetarian and not tested on animals.

As it is the complication of the IBD and Ayurveda treats the diseases from its root cause hence, in this case, to treat toxic megacolon IBD, i.e. Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease must be treated so that if root cause will be eradicated, the complications will go on its own. Early intervention and proper herbal treatment is the key to prevent Toxic megacolon, a life-threatening condition.

Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack

1. Kutzghan Vati

As in toxic megacolon there is severe diarrhea which can even contain blood so the best remedy for controlling it is kutazghan vati. It is an herbal tablet prepared from Holarrhena antidysentrica (Kutaja) that is very effective in controlling diarrhoea and dysentery. Kutazghan vati also relieves pain in abdomen and tenderness.

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Pitta Balance

Pitta dosha is aggravated severely in this condition which results in accumulation of gases and feces in the colon. Hence to treat this vitiated Pitta, Pitta balance is the remedy of choice. As the name implies it balances the Pitta dosha in the body and relieves all the complaints caused due to it. Pitta balance capsules relieve gas and heat in the body. Coral calcium (Praval pishti), Agate calcium (Akik pishti), Pearl calcium (Mukta pishti), Tinospora cordifolia (giloy) etc. All these are cooling in nature and Pitta balancing compounds.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals.

3. Vatsakadi Churna

This herbal churna is the combination of the Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysentrica), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare), and coriander (Coriandrum sativum). All these herbs act to treat IBD and its complications. Vatsakadi churna is full of medicinal properties like carminative, digestive, healing, astringent, anti-dyspeptic, and antihelmenthic. It treats digestive problems and relieves inflammation.

Dosage- Take 1 teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Arjuna Capsules

It is the natural healer and used to treat many health ailments since ages. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. It helps to heal the ulcers in IBD and prevents its complications. In the case of toxic megacolon, Arjuna capsules help to treat the inflammation and relieves distention, and abnormal expansion of the intestines.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Ileitis (Inflammation of the Ileum) - Symptoms, Causes & Herbal Remedies

Ileitis is a rare condition in which there is an inflammation of the ileum. It is often caused by Crohn's disease. However, it may be caused by the variety of other diseases. The clinical presentation of ileitis may vary from an acute and self-limited form of right lower quadrant pain or diarrhoea, as in majority of cases of bacterial ileitis, but some conditions like infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis follow a debilitating course complicated by obstructive symptoms, haemorrhage and extra-intestinal symptoms.

Crohn's ileitis is a form of Crohn's disease and causes inflammation in the ileum (the last part of the intestine). Crohn's disease is thought to account for around 30% of cases of Crohn's disease. It is considered among the groups of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

It is common for people with Crohn's disease to be diagnosed with more than one type of the condition if inflammation is present in several places in GI tract.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ILEITIS?

In some people with Ileitis, only the last segment of the small intestine (ileum) is affected while in other cases, the disease is confined to the colon which is a part of large intestine. The most common areas affected by this disease are last part of the small intestine and the colon.

Symptoms are:

• Cramping pain in the right lower part of middle of the abdomen.
• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Significant weight loss
• Blood in the stools
• Fever
• Mouth sores

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ILEITIS?

According to modern medicine, the exact cause of ileitis is not known. Previously, diet and stress were suspected, but now doctors know that these are the factors that trigger ileitis but don't cause ileitis. According to Ayurveda, ileitis is caused when Vata dosha is pushes pitta dosha into the colon causing inflammation. The nervous system controls stress response. When stress is high from an increase of stimulation from prana, the first signs of the development of Crohn's disease are seen. The patient, at this stage may experience early symptoms of digestive upsets such as gas and constipation, patient may have mild systemic dryness and feeling of weakness. As the disease continues, white blood cells invade the intestinal lining and produce inflammatory toxins causing chronic tissue swelling, injury and ulceration.

Ayurvedic treatment includes the treatment of Vata and Pitta in the digestive tract throughout time of the treatment because ileitis roots back to sensitivity towards stress and anxiety.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF ILEITIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Ayurvedic treatment by Planet Ayurveda for Ileitis involves the following steps:

• Agni deepana (stimulation of appetite)
• Digestive/pachana medicines (formulations that directly digest ama)
• Grahi (digestive and retain food-formulations)
• Vrana ropana (healing of ulcers by drugs and formulations with wound healing properties)
• Stambhana (ayurvedic formulations that stop the movement of elimination, when there is bloody diarrhoea with normal appetite).

ILEITIS CARE PACK BY PLANET AYURVEDA CONSISTS OF

1. Kutajghan Vati
2. Belgiri Churna
3. Cap. Pitta Balance
4. Vaska Capsules

Herbal Remedies for Ileitis

(Inflammation of the Ileum)

1. Kutajghan Vati

These are herbal tablets which are prepared from the herb Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica). This herb is very effective to treat diarrhea in Ieitis. Apart from these it also helps to remove the toxins (Ama) from the body. This herb helps to balance the vata and pitta dosha.

Dosage – 2 tablets, two times in a day after meals with plain water.

2. Belgiri Churna

It removes toxins from the body and provide relief from painful condition of colitis and smoothens bowel movement. Its tannin content has ability to overcome severe inflammation and heals the ulcers. It helps in various disorders like IBD, IBS and Bowel movement.

Dosage – 1 tsp twice daily after meals.

3. Pitta Balance

This is herbal remedy to pacify the pitta dosha. These are in capsule from and prepared from different natural ingredients. The ingredients are listed below:

• Praval pisti (Coral calcium) - It is found at sea bed and it is rich source of calcium and It helps in balancing pitta dosha and provides calcium to body.
• Akik pisti (Agate calcium) - It helps to balancing vata and pitta doshas and effective against vata and pitta doshas related problems.
• Jawar mohar pisti (calcium compound) - It is the natural source of calcium.
• Kamdhudha rasa (calcium compound) - It keeps the system healthy by balancing pitta dosha.
• Mukta pisti (Pearl calcium) - It helps to balance the pitta vitiated conditions.
• Giloy (Tinospora cordifola) - It helps to balance all three doshas of body and enhance immune system of body therefore it provides complete health.

Dosage – One capsule, two times in a day after meals with plain water.

4. Vaska Capsules

These are herbal capsule obtained from the standardized extract of Adhathoda vasica. This herb helps to balance the kapha and pitta dosha. It helps in various problem like respiratory problem.

Dosage – 1-2 capsule twice daily after meals.

Along with the treatment, life style modifications like good sleep, stress free life, healthy eating habits such as wholesome food at right time and in right quantity must be followed. Junk, spicy and stale food is not recommended along with the treatment because if a person suffering from ileitis keeps on taking pitta aggravating foods, many complications will take place causing the disease more serious.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030

Natural Cure for Ulcerative Colitis

There is a serious disorder called ulcerative colitis and Inflammatory bowel disease ( Crohn's disease ) which is having serious physical, mental and psychological impact on one's health and personality. People are looking for answers - Is there any natural cure for ulcerative colitis?

I have seen many patients start suffering from depression, stop working, lose their jobs, can't travel and lead normal lives if they suffer from ulcerative colitis.

To find out a real solution to the problem, I looked out for solutions in ancient ayurvedic texts like Charak Samhita (2500 BC - ancient Ayurvedic text), Sushruta Samhita ( Father of Surgery- 2000 BC text ) , Bhavprakash Nighantu ( 1700 AD - herbs text ) , Sharanghar Samhita ( 1300 AD book ) , Chakradutt Samhita ( 1100 AD Book ) and many others.

The problems of loose stools, bleeding with stools, drop by drop or occult bleeding, dark stools, frothy stools with mucus and painful cramps in abdomen, wind, dyspepsia, are the symptoms described in Ayurveda for this problem of inflammatory condition of the bowel.

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS TO COLON - MODERN VIEW ?

According to modern medicine, the cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. If the cause is unknown then how can we treat it? So the disease is listed as incurable disease in modern allopathic text books.

Many books quote it's an auto-immune disease i.e. when our own Immunity starts to attack our own digestive tract. Our own army becomes our enemy. So what do you do in this situation? Kill our own army with Immunosuppressants like Azathioprine etc. or stop the fighting ( inflammation ) between Antibodies ( our immunity ) and antigens ( unknown enemy) with Steroids ?

The other drugs like Mesalazine ( 5 Amino Salicylic acid) with brand names Asacol, Mesacol, Pentasa, Lialda, Apriso are given for life long. This is also an acidic drug and can cause serious side effects like kidney disease, nausea, diarrhea, pain abdomen, bone marrow depression ( leukopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, low platelets ), hair loss, rashes, drug induced fever, interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome ( This list is taken from Wikipedia ) –

Steroids have their own side effects and they may cause diabetes, disturbance of hormonal axis, bone loss, muscle loss, redistribution of fats ( round face ), severe weakness and many more. Mesalazine enemas are also given sometimes.

These are temporary measures to stop the bleeding for a while but as soon as you stop the drugs like Mesalazine (Asacol, Pentasa or Mesacol) the bleeding starts again.

AYURVEDIC VIEW OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS, CROHN’S DISEASE AND INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES

In Ayurveda, these diseases are described as Grahani, Sangrahani ( many types ) Raktatisaar, Pitta Atisaar.

According to Ancient Ayurvedic text Charak Samhita these two verses explain Grahani dosha in general and in particular.

Verse - 1:

Grahani dosha means defect of agni situated in grahani.

Verse - 2:

Grahani dosajanan denotes particularly the four disorders (vataj,pittaj,kaphaj and tridoshaj) of grahani and generally mildness of digestive fire, indigestion etc.

These are all curable with difficulty as per Ayurvedic texts. When a text says it's curable, that means it's curable. So all depends upon the doctor, the combination of medicines he uses, his management skills, patient compliance, how strictly the patient follows the doctor's advice and make some dietary changes. When the book says it's curable, that means it's curable.

Anyway, in my clinical practice, I have seen many patients getting completely cured rather than going into remission. My patients are free from allopathic drugs for ulcerative colitis, free from Ayurvedic herbs given to them for few months.

What I mean to say is that the patients are getting cured ! !

I urge all the allopathic doctors, the governments to take necessary steps to popularize Ayurvedic herbs to help as many patients as possible. At present, I don't have big funding for free clinical trials to establish the truth but I am seeing it every day happening in my clinic and I am happy about it.

WHICH HERBS I AM USING TO CURE ULCERATIVE COLITIS OR OTHER IBD'S

In Ayurveda, there are special ways to use pearls and corals to heal ulcers. Ancient methods are used to make medicines from precious cooling gems like pearls, corals, agate, Amber, Salmalia malabarica resin, Commiphora mukul Resin ( Ayurvedic names - Mukta pishti, Praval Pishti, Jahar Mohra Pishti, Kaharawa or Trinkant Mani Pishti, Moch Ras, Bol Parpati ).

Other than these costly gems, (Actually not so costly) because we don't need beautiful gems to make jewelry but we need the left over to crush them and make the medicines. We just need the left over from the jewelry. I developed a formula called Pitta Balance. Ancient Vaidya's use the mixture of all these to make into small sachets but I used the vegetarian capsules to make it easy for patient compliance. It's cheap Approx. 28 $ a month!

There are herbs which are cooling and Astringent in nature. Their cooling properties balances the heat, reduced the fermentation, acid formation in the intestines and the astringent property helps to heal the ulcers. I have seen patients with huge ulcers getting healed using these herbs. I have named these formulas as -- COOLSTRIN - A and COOLSTRIN - B. I am using them in advanced stages as most of the patients respond well to the basic herbs mentioned in ulcerative colitis care pack 1 and the herbs are for initial stages are Arjuna, Kutaz and above mentioned Gems ( Pitta balance ) + Vatsakadi Churna - a Blend of herbs containing Bark of Kutaz and 6 more herbs.

The herbs like Arjuna ( Terminalia arjuna ) and Vasaka ( Adhatoda vasica ) are known to have wound healing, cooling, astringent / bitter properties. I am using Arjuna in basic pack and Vasaka in advanced stages. They help to heal the ulcers, stop bleeding. Terminalia arjuna is full of natural enzyme known for energy called - Co Q 10. So it's good for heart as well as improving overall energy levels. Vasaka was originally used for bleeding while coughing but it's good for internal bleeding as well. It has remarkable ulcer healing properties. I am using standardized extracts of Arjuna and Vasaka and other herbs in vegetarian capsules with no extra fillers or preservative or chemicals.

There is a wonderful herb and the names says it all. Halorrhena anti-dysentrica. It's known to stop diarrhea and dysentery of any type, which can be infective diarrhea or E.coli, or due to IBD or Colitis. I developed Planet Ayurveda Kutazghan Vati (standardized aqueous extract of Halorrhena antidysentrica bark). This is used in dosage of 2 tablets twice daily or 2 tablets thrice daily to immediately stop the diarrhea. The dosage can be increased further as it's just bark of the herb and nothing else. No chemcials or preservatives but only the herb. It can be used along with any other ongoing drugs like Mesacol/ Pentasa or Azathioprine or Steroids like Omnacortil or Wysolone. If you feel constipated after using Kutazghan Vati or Motion Stop tablets ( another product containing the herb Kutaz ) then you can reduce the dosage accordingly.

There is a herbal mixture called Vatsakadi Churna. I found this mixture combination mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic text as a blend of herbs to help in all forms of IBS, IBD's, Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis. It contains the herb powder of Kutaz bark and about 8 more herbs.

So The Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack 1 Contains:

1. Cap. Arjuna – 2 twice daily
2. Cap. Pitta Balance – 1 twice daily
3. Tab. Kutazghan Vati -2 twice daily
4. Vatsakadi Churna – 1 teaspoonful twice daily

About 70 % of the patients get relieved of the symptoms within first 10 days of using this combination. The diet also plays an important role in getting rid of the disease.

Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack

The Advanced Stages Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack:

To fortify the formula of basic pack, I needed more combination of herbs. So I developed Coolstrin-A and Coolstrin-B along with Vasaka. Instead of Kutazghan Vati, I am using Motion stop which contains Kutaz and also another useful herb called Aegle marmelos ( Bael seed).

Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack for Advance Stages

1. Cap. Arjuna - 2 twice daily  ( Contains Terminalia arjuna - 500 mg extract )
2. Cap. Vasaka - 2 twice daily ( Contains Adhatoda vasica - 500 mg extract )
3. Tab. Motion Stop - 2 twice daily  ( Contains Kutaz + Bael and others aqueous extracts )
4. Cap. Pitta Balance - 1 twice daily ( Contains Corals, Pearls, Agate - Purified and high grade)
5. Vatsakadi Churna - 1 teaspoonful twice daily ( Contains Kutaz + Bael + 6 more herbs )
6. Coolstrin A - 1 twice daily
7. Coolstrin B -  1 twice daily

Coolstrin A mainly contains herbs like Marigold (Tegetes erecta) Sheesham (Dalbergia sisoo), Pomegranate peel (Punica granatum)

Coolstrin B contains Nagkesar (mesua fera), Mochras (Salmalia malabarica), Lodhra (Symplocus racemosa), Lajjalu (Mimosa pudica), Dhatki (Woodfordia fruticosa)

ROLE OF DIET IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Diet is very important method of healing the ulcers and getting rid of toxins, stop the ongoing fermentation in the intestines. Ayurveda says this is AMA or endotoxins produced in intestines which can be understood as Ama can behave as antigens and the body reacts to them and tries to kill or neutralize them and in the process damages the intestines. Ama is a sticky material. It sticks to intestines, blocks the channels and blocks the flow of energies in the body. Patient feels lethargic, weak, stiff and tired with feverish feeling.

Stop These food items:

The best diet for Ulcerative colitis is stop consuming Milk, Cheese, Lassi (Butter milk). Although most of the texts in Ayurveda recommend Takra (buttermilk) But I have observed that approx.. 50 % of the patients do not respond well to Takra but 50 % of the patients respond well to Takra (buttermilk , Chachh or lassi) The butter milk should be prepared with Cumin seed water + Fennel Seed decoction or water. Then it has been found to be useful but usually I ask patients to stop consuming Chaach (Buttermilk / Lassi) and Milk and Cheese.

Sour fruits - Please don't consume Sour fruits like lemons, Citrus juices, oranges or mosami , kiwi and Pineapples. The tomatoes are also not recommended. Vinegar is really dangerous for ulcerative colitis patients.

Spices - Spices like Ginger, Garlic, Chillies are not recommended. Black pepper can be consumed in moderation with food. Bell Peppers can also be consume in moderation along with food.

Sweets - Sugar is not recommended at all.

Juices - All Packaged juices should be stopped immediately.

Fresh Juices - Pure pomegranate juice - 50 ml twice daily is recommended. Rather it is mandatory to be taken twice daily. Green grass juice - 10 ml once daily, Coriander leaves juice- 5 ml once daily or Marigold petals juice - 5 ml once daily is very good to stop bleeding. Rose petals juice 5 ml once daily is good. Just squeeze the petals in a clean cloth and take out the fresh juice. Apple juice / Beet juice can be consumed but only 20-30 ml twice daily.

Don't consume juices of other sour fruits. Don't consume too much fiber like Psyllium (Isabgol) If it suits you then it's ok, but in most of the cases, it doesn't suit. Do not consume too much fiber like Papaya or mangoes. Pears are ok like apples. Just consume pears only in moderation. Coconut water is perfect. Drink 1 fresh coconut water everyday in 2 divided doses.