By Yvette Santiago

 Special to CSMS MagazineContinuing with the digestive disorder issue, Yvette Santiago brings us new tips in combating this dangerous problem. In this article, she explores the different techniques that could be used to substantially reduce the impact of this problem that effects millions of Americans. The Effect of ColitisWhen colitis strikes, it can be a localized inflammation of the lower part of the large intestine or colon, or it may be more universal, causing inflammation and sores throughout the colon (ulcerative colitis). Although the cause of colitis attack may be unknown, once food sensitivities and infections are ruled out, acupuncturists and naturopaths sometimes prescribe a course of acupuncture to calm the inflammation and hyperactive immune system that is in large part responsible for the condition. Acupuncture can bring considerable relief to symptoms of pain, diarrhea and cramping. Treating may continue for weeks or even months, depending upon the various imbalances identified.A Bark Eases the Bite For those who have inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis who are being treated with standard allopathic medicines (e.g., prednisone and/or sulfa drugs), slippery elm bark may help ease some symptoms during the flare-ups of the conditions. It may also help soothe the digestive tracts of patients during remission. To take this remedy in liquid (decoction) form:1.      Combine one to three teaspoons of powdered bark (found in good natural food stores) with a cup of water. 2.      Boil and simmer for about 15 minutes. Some cinnamon or sugar may help the taste. Try drinking two or three cups daily.Unlikely Nicotine Aid It is not often that you hear positives things about the drug known as nicotine. But recent research has shown that for unexplained reasons, people who have ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease causing diarrhea and intestinal upset, seem to respond well to nicotine. When nicotine patches were placed on subjects for weeks at a time, the colitis condition improved noticeably. Now this early research is not meant to be a license for any afflicted person to start smoking, but in years to come, ingesting nicotine in some form may prove to be an option for some.Aloe Vera—For “Internal” Skin, TooThe soothing, cooling properties of the aloe vera plant are not limited to sunburn, scrapes and abrasions. For some patients who have intermittent bouts of Colitis, or inflammation of the colon, drinking one teaspoon of pure aloe juice (found in larger health food stores) after meals can have lasting effect. They notice a lessening of intestinal upset and diarrhea. However, at higher dosages, aloe vera juice can have a laxative effect—the last thing that colitis patients need.Slow Down and Stop ChewingSwallowing air can cause digestive problems, plus excessive belching. Eating and drinking too fast is one way to swallow too much air. Another less obvious offender is chewing gum. If this is a habit, stop a few days to see if your symptoms subside.Note: Yvette Santiago is a nutritionist who lives in San Diego, California. She wrote this piece exclusively for CSMS Magazine.Also see Meals That Heal