This vicious chain of acid formation goes on to leave the system in a perpetually unhealthy state of acidity, which is diametrically opposite to the normal slightly alkaline state of good health. Such constipation eventually renders the nutritive system a troublesome brew pot of acid residues, which is detrimental to good health. But once it is allowed to set in, constipation stays on to become chronic, resulting in accumulation of waste food leading to putrefaction and the inevitable formation of toxins in the blood stream. Meanwhile, the putrefying wastes in the intestines serve as a substrata for pathogens (disease causing micro–organisms) making it a breeding ground for serious forms of fever and acute disorders.

The overlying acidity and the underlying chronic constipation together form a Pandora’s box. The resulting disease depends on the resistance an individual has built up.
So, essentially, it is the food we eat and how much we eat forms the root cause of various ailments generally labeled as digestive disorders. Let us, therefore, now look at each of them in detail.

Colitis

Colitis is inflammation of the Colon and is two types–mucus and ulceration. It can occur both in adults and children. Though the exact cause of this problem is not known, in a typical case of Ulcerative Colitis, lining of ‘Crypts’ are involved (crypts are tubular depression in the colon). The crypts break down and purulent effusion fills them. The mucus membrane is inflamed and swollen and the damage may slowly spread to the deeper layers of the intestine. This effectively reduces the diameter of the large intestine resulting in abnormal constriction. This results in difficulty in evacuation of wastes causing pain and passing of 6–12 times loose stools with blood and mucus. Causes weight loss and in a few cases it may be severe.

Treatment

Soothing diet for 3–6 months at least, consisting of soft cooked vegetables, rice or dal and well ripened fruits like banana and papaya. Tender coconut water is soothing to soft mucosa of the colon. Cooked (boiled or baked) apples aid in healing.