It is essential for an individual suffering from lymphocytic colitis to conform to a healthy diet in order to recover faster. A diet rich in fiber is conferred ideal to treat the condition in question. However, there is more to your diet regimen that you may like to change after reading this article.
Before this article begins to explain the lymphocytic colitis diet, you may wish to know what lymphocytic colitis is. To begin with, lymphocytic colitis is a condition that results in inflammation of the colon. When the individual is diagnosed with this condition the lymphocytes, commonly known as white blood cell increase in the colon. The lymphocytes outline the boundary of the colon, leading to a sour and sensitive colon.
Causes of Lymphocytic Colitis
The causes — as to why lymphocytic colitis occurs, and prevails — remain uncertain. However, there are opinions declared for the occurrence of the said condition. There are scientists and medical experts who opine that the onset of lymphocytic colitis hits the middle aged masses, preferably after the age of 50. A cause that needs a definite mention is autoimmune disorders. An individual inflicted with this condition has his system affect all the healthy cells in the body. Another cause that is predominantly believed by medical practitioners is the presence of bacteria in the colon that spread toxins. This condition is observed to have imposed itself on individuals enduring certain health discrepancies such as diabetes, thyroid disorders and celiac disease.
Symptoms of Lymphocytic Colitis
The symptoms of lymphocytic colitis is predominantly, diarrhea. Due to the watery diarrhea, the individual feels weak and ‘watered down’, also developing dehydration of the system. Abdominal cramps accompanied with pain is another symptom, that continues even after the ailment is diagnosed and in the process of recovery. An individual might also encounter the feeling of bloating up, making the abdomen look and feel heavy and bulky. Nausea is also a potential symptom, that serves to be the counter effect of dehydration that occurs due to the liquid discharge in the form of diarrhea. Thus, the symptoms of lymphocytic colitis are inter-related.
Mode of Detection of Lymphocytic Colitis
The lymphocytic colitis is a condition that is best probed into by conducting microscopic examinations. It is due to this reason that the said condition is also referred to as microscopic colitis. The tests that are considered in order to understand the amount of damage inflicted causing an enlarged colon are termed as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Colonoscopy procedure is a tool of microscopic examination, where a tiny camera is inserted through the anus. It is through this camera that the imaging on the screen takes place. The imaging shows how far the lining of the colon is damaged.
The practitioner or the gastroenterologist performing the colonoscopy will capture certain images of the entire colon for further assistance in the term of prescribing medications and other respective tests that may be required in the due course of time. It is in colonoscopy that the tissue from the affected area is plucked out and preserved in order to send the specimen for a detailed biopsy. Another test called the sigmoidoscopy, captures images of the rear part of the colon and helps to diagnose the damage or the wound that the lining has borne due to the lymphocytes bordering the colon.
A Healthy Diet Plan for Lymphocytic Colitis
In terms of treatment, the condition is administered through medications such as anti-diarrhea medicines or immunosuppressive that are administered when autoimmune ailments are detected as the prominent cause. In cases where the condition has immensely flared up, it can also be controlled by prescribing steroids to the patients. Nevertheless, one needs to take care of the diet approach that one caters to.
- Low fiber foods such as mashed banana, rice and potatoes are perfect for the patient in order to cure the colon. High fiber foods, though nutritious, should not be consumed during this period when the colon is troubled. They may however, be added gradually to the diet plan once there is a noticeable change in the condition of the colon and the patient is considerably relieved from symptoms such as diarrhea, acidity, gas and abdominal cramps. Oatmeal, legumes, bran and barley are perfect sources of high fiber, but need to be introduced only when the condition is under control.
- Sometimes, there are patients who develop aversion to consuming dairy products. They may feel that the consumption of a glass of milk or a bowl of yogurt is causing them to visit the washroom several times, than their usual frequency. This may be true for those who are allergic to lactose content in any product and may develop rashes and severe diarrhea symptoms, however this is not the case with people inflicted with lymphocytic colitis. If you still feel that this condition is aggravated by consumption of dairy products, stop the consumption and resort to an immediate expert consult.
- Low fat diet should be adopted. Excessive coffee or tea is not advisable to consume in this condition. Thus, spicy and fried foods should be kept at bay. Eating bland food without any spices added is the best way to reduce the symptoms of lymphocytic colitis.
- Fruit juices and fresh-cut fruits, both are beneficial to soothe the colon. Last but never the least, increase your daily intake of water. Have 2 to 2.5 liters of water everyday. This will help in flushing the toxins present in the body.
Lymphocytic colitis can be treated if the diet is kept in mind and the medication prescribed by the gastroenterologist is followed diligently.
