Collagenous colitis is inflammation of the colon. The colon attaches your large intestine to your rectum. Many doctors refer to collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis collectively as microscopic colitis because it can only be diagnosed microscopically from a tissue biopsy. It is not clear what causes collagenous colitis. Sometimes, dietary changes can influence the symptoms of collagenous colitis. Eating a low-fat, low fiber diet with softer foods, smaller meals and plenty of fluids may help relieve symptoms.
Collagenous Colitis Defined
Behind the cellular lining of the colon lies a layer of connective tissue called collagen. If the layer of collagen becomes thicker than normal, it is diagnostic of collagenous colitis. Several different tissue samples from various areas of the colon need to be sampled before collagenous colitis is confirmed. Because the inflammation is below the cellular lining, a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy alone cannot confirm collagenous colitis. The cause of colitis is unknown, but investigators theorize bacterial toxins, viral inflammation or autoimmune disorders may be involved.
Low-Fat, Low-Fiber Diet
If you prefer to use medication as a last resort, changing your diet is the easiest and most holistic treatment option to try first for collagenous colitis. Excess dietary fats will move undigested through your digestive system and further enhance loose stools already present as a symptom of collagenous colitis. High-fiber foods, touted as the foundation of a healthy diet, may make diarrhea, gas and pain worse for colitis sufferers. Decreasing fiber intake and eating soft, easy-to-digest foods may allow your food to move through the digestive tract without causing irritation to your colon.
Raw Foods
Uncooked and unprocessed foods contain higher amounts of fiber. Types of raw foods commonly consumed include fruits, vegetables, nuts and sprouts. If you have determined that consuming raw foods increases your symptoms of collagenous colitis, steaming, baking and stewing can soften such foods, making them easier for your digestive tract to handle. Also, peeling your fruit will eliminate a large bulk of its fiber content.
Dairy Products
Dairy products contain lactose, which has been associated with several digestive disorders such as colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease. The same amount of lactose is present in raw milk as pasteurized milk, but the pasteurization process kills harmful bacteria that may be present in raw milk. If your body does not have enough of the enzyme lactase to digest the lactose in dairy products, the lactose will move directly to the colon where bacteria interact with it and cause pain, gas and diarrhea.
Considerations
If your diet becomes too restrictive, weight loss or deficiencies may become a problem. Slowly adding back small amounts of certain foods, one at a time, should help balance your nutritional intake. Be careful when you increase your raw food intake. Also, eating several small meals, instead of a few large ones, may diminish stress to your digestive system and allow inflammation to decrease. Lastly, drink plenty of fluids, not to include high-sugar drinks, caffeine and alcohol.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House: Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis
- Mayo Clinic: Collagenous Colitis, Lymphocytic Colitis
- Mayo Clinic: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- United States Food and Drug Administration: Questions and Answers -- Raw Milk
- Mayo Clinic: Lactose Intolerance
