If you suffer from collagenous colitis, an alkaline diet may reduce your symptoms. The goal of an alkaline diet is to adjust your body’s pH by decreasing acid levels and raising alkaline levels. Some homeopathic medicine proponents believe an alkaline diet can successfully treat a variety of health conditions, but there is no scientific evidence to confirm this view. Even so, an alkaline diet may help control flare-ups of colitis.
Collagenous Colitis
Collagenous colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease in which the layer of collagen -- a connective tissue -- in your colon becomes irritated, causing persistent diarrhea. It can be accompanied by stomach pain, cramps and nausea. Doctors are not sure what causes collagenous colitis; however, unlike other inflammatory bowel diseases it does not lead to colon cancer and is less severe. Collagenous colitis can usually be managed by diet changes and medication and rarely requires surgery.
Alkaline Diet and Colitis
While an alkaline diet is typically used to combat the effects of aging, it could help some colitis sufferers. An alkaline diet restricts the intake of fats, dairy, legumes and some fruits. Since high-fiber foods, such as beans, can aggravate colitis, following an alkaline diet that avoids the consumption of high-fiber foods may help control your symptoms. Fatty foods also can worsen colitis symptoms, so a low-fat alkaline diet can be beneficial. Always follow your doctor's advice for treating colitis.
Problems with Alkaline Diet for Colitis
Foods that irritate collagneous colitis can vary from person to person, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. An alkaline diet that includes high-fiber fruits and vegetables, or spices such as chili pepper, curry, ginger and mustard, may increase collagenous colitis symptoms in some people.
Principles to Follow
The first step in determining whether an alkaline diet is right for you is awareness. Keep a food diary, noting which foods aggravate your colitis. To reduce bouts of diarrhea, choose low-fiber foods that are easy to digest, like applesauce and bananas, according to the Mayo Clinic. A nutritious, well-balanced alkaline diet includes carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Collagenous Colitis, Lymphocytic Colitis
- National Digestive Disases Information Clearinghouse; Microscopic Colitis: Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis
- Aetna InteliHealth; Alkaline Diets and Cancer: Fact or Fiction?
- Journal of Environmental and Public Health; The Alkaline Diet: Is There Evidence That an Alkaline pH Diet Benefits Health?
- The Wolfe Clinic: Alkaline vs Acid Foods - Do You Know?
- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America: Diet and Nutrition
