Nutritional needs vary and often depend on other factors, so it is important to consult a holistically-trained health care provider to assess your needs. They also can perform a detailed nutritional evaluation, including a comprehensive digestive stool analysis. However, there are some general rules that are important to overall well-being.

Wholesome, natural foods are best, and a diet high in complex carbohydrates also will provide adequate fiber. Include fresh fruits to alleviate constipation. Vegetables and raw juices also help maintain health. The remainder of your diet should consist of legumes and whole grains. Eat brown rice, lentils, or barley to get fiber, and remember that green leafy vegetables are high in magnesium, which aids in regular bowel movements. Protein is best obtained from vegetable sources, but baked or broiled fish, chicken, turkey, and lamb will supply you with acceptable levels. If you eat dairy products, buy the low-fat versions, which are easier to digest. Avoid red meat, sugar, carbonated beverages, and anything containing caffeine-all of which irritate the colon.

Don't skimp on spices; they often aid digestion. Cayenne and horseradish quicken digestion, while basil and dill work to calm an upset stomach.

Food preparation is also important to your diet. Eat food raw as often as possible. If you must cook, steaming is preferable to boiling. Avoid irradiated foods and foods prepared in the microwave. As always, drink plenty of liquids, at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water daily.

These daily supplement suggestions will help prevent and/or treat an attack of colitis:

Most Important

proteolytic enzymes (as directed on label)-vital for proper digestion of proteins

a prodophilus formula (as directed on label)-balances intestinal bacteria

free-form amino acid complex (as directed on label twice daily on an empty stomach)-supplies needed proteins

L-glutamine (500 mg twice daily on an empty stomach)-maintains the absorption surfaces of the intestines; for better absorption, take with water or juice, 50 mg vitamin B6 and 100 mg vitamin C

vitamin B complex (50 to 100 mg in divided doses)-essential for proper digestion and the breakdown of fats, protein, and carbohydrates

Aromatherapy

Try the essential oils of black pepper, Roman chamomile, lavender, neroli, and rosemary to relieve the symptoms of colitis. For specific instructions, see a qualified aromatherapist.

Ayurvedic Medidne

According to Ayurveda, colitis comes about when vata pushes pitta into the colon. The result is inflammation. gas diarrhea, and abdominal tenderness. Ayurvedic practitioners may recommend fish oils, flaxseed oil, and the herb boswellia to lower inflammation. They may also encourage taking Lactobacillus acidophilus (a good bacteria that's found in yogurt) to boost intestinal flora and using generous amounts of cumin and ginger, which are soothing seasonings, in cooking. Drinking cumin-ginger tea is helpful, too.

Bodywork and Somatic Pradices

Gentle manual therapies can help reduce inflammation, spasms and consti pation. Try Oriental bodywork, Cranio Sacral Therapy, reflexology, and massage. Movement re-education, manual deep tissue techniques, and energy work can also make a difference.

Hydrotherapy

A warm sitz bath with water to the waist or daily contrast therapy (alternating hot and cold compresses) can help relieve discomfort. During an attack, try a hot moist compress on the abdomen.

Traditional Chinese Medidne

Acupuncture The acupuncturist typically attempts to treat the symptoms of colitis (diarrhea, fever, gas, abdominal pain, weight loss) and the cause (be it stress, food allergies, or autoimmune dysfunction) simultaneously.

Different acupoints are targeted, depending on the individual's specific complaints. The bladder and stomach meridians are usually the primary focus, along with points related to the colon.

Acupressure To relieve the symptoms of colitis, a practitioner typically works on Stomach 36 and 40, Spleen 6, and related points in the front and back of the ear. If diarrhea is a problem, Stomach 25 and Conception .vessel 6 may be added to the routine. Acupressure also can help reduce fever, abdominal cramps and bloating.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Chinese medicine holds that colitis and other irritable bowel syndrome ailments are caused .by sadness and anxiety, which results in blocked or stagnant chi. To tone the liver, kidneys, and blood, an herbalist may prescribe Ginseng Stomachic Pills or Bupleurum, Inula and Cyperus Forumula (both multi symptom preparations) may be used to treat colitis-related gas, loss of appetite, loose stools, and poor digestion.

Herbs also may be prescribed to strengthen the immune system, minimize allergic reactions, and alleviate stress and tension.

Yoga and Meditation

The following yoga poses can improve blood flow to the intestines and help release the overall tension that accompanies colitis: Chest-Knee, Plow, Locust, Elevated Lotus, and Half Twist.