COLITIS

The symptoms are uncomfortable and more than a little scary: abdominal pain, blood or mucus in the stool, diarrhea, cramping, urgent bowel movements, weight loss and more. When you have colitis, a serious inflammation of the colon, you may feel as if you’ll never be comfortable again.

Doctors aren’t sure what causes colitis, although they think it may steam from infection or problems with the immune system. There also appears to be a genetic link-if your parents have colitis, you’re at a higher risk of getting it, too. One of the worst things about colitis is that it’s so unpredictable. In some cases it goes away for weeks, months, or even years at a time then comes roaring back.

There are things you can do at home, however, to reduce the symptoms and make this painful condition a little bit easier to live with.

Keep eating well. It’s hard to keep up your appetite when your insides are acting up, but it’s critical for people with colitis to eat plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious foods. This condition can cause the body to lose enormous amounts of nutrients. Eating well as often as you can will help keep your body strong and able to cope with the discomfort.

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WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR
There isn’t a cure for colitis, and it’s not a simple problem you can treat at
home. People with colitis or who suspect they might have it should always be
under a doctor’s care. In many cases they will need drugs or surgery to keep it
under control.
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But keep track of what you eat. For many people, certain foods appear to trigger colitis flare-ups, or to make the symptoms they’re already suffering worse. There is not one food that is right-or wrong-for everyone, so it’s up to you to discover if certain foods are causing your problems. Doctors often recommend that people with colitis keep a food diary, in which they write down everything they’re eating. That way, when your symptoms return, you’ll be able to look back and see what may have contributed to the problem-and what you’ll want to avoid next time.

Use fiber wisely. Research suggests that eating fruits, vegetables, and other fiber-rich foods can help prevent colitis flare-ups. On the other hand, eating fiber when you’re
already having symptoms may make you feel worse instead of better. Doctors usually recommend that people with colitis get plenty of fiber in their diets when they’re feeling well, then cut back on it during bad times. During flare-ups, many people still eat fruits and vegetables, but peel them to remove a lot of the fiber. This is one time when you may want to use canned fruits and vegetables. They have less fiber than fresh.

Go easy on dairy. Many people with colitis have difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar in milk and other dairy foods. You may find that giving up dairy-or at least eating less of it-will help relieve your symptoms.

COLDS

There’s a good reason it’s called the “common cold.” Adults get colds an average of two times a year, and children usually come down with them a lot more often. Yet in some ways, the common cold is unique. Experts have identified more than 200 viruses that can cause colds, and the viruses are changing all the time. Even when your immune system learns to recognize one virus, there’s always a different strain waiting to take its place.

Doctors have been trying for years-without success-to find a cure for the common cold. In the meantime, there’s a lot you can do to reduce the symptoms and help your body get well.

Take some Echinacea. Echinacea is an herb that’s renowned for its ability to strengthen the immune system. In fact, doctors in Europe recommend Echinacea as much or more than some prescription drugs. You can buy Echinacea in capsule, liquid, or even tea form at health stores. Follow the directions on the label and take it as needed. Make sure you take it at the onset of a cold, however, it’s much more effective in preventing colds that are “on their way in” than colds “on their way out.”

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WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR

Colds by themselves are rarely serious ad will go away on their own. When
you’ve been sick, however, the immune system may have a hard time
protecting you against other infections. That’s why people with colds will
sometimes develop other, more serious conditions, like bronchitis or
pneumonia. If your cold is lasting much longer than usual, or if your phlegm
is thick and discolored, you may have picked up a “secondary” infection,
and you should call your doctor.
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Put vitamin C to work. This powerful vitamin has been shown to help neutralize the effects of harmful oxygen molecules in the body that can weaken the immune system. Studies suggest that getting lots of vitamin C can help relieve cold symptoms and shorten the length of time colds stick around. You can get a lot of vitamin C in your diet, but when you’re sick you may want to take a supplement. For colds, experts re commend taking 500 milligrams (or more) of vitamin C a day.

A chicken in every pot. For years, people have sworn that chicken soup helps relieve congestion and other cold symptoms. Modern research suggests it really can make a difference-and what a wonderful, comforting home remedy it is! When you feel the sniffles coming on, make a big pot of chicken soup and enjoy it all day long. (Canned soup may help, but the homemade kind probably works better.) As an added benefit, sipping the hot liquid will help loosed congestion in your nose and throat, which will help you breathe more easily.

Some like it hot. Research has shown that eating spicy foods, like chili, hot peppers, or cayenne, can help break up congestion so you can breathe more easily. Even if you aren’t in the mood for Mexican, Indian, or other spicy cuisines, you can get quick nose relief by mixing about a quarter-teaspoon of hot pepper powder in a glass of water and drinking it down. You can also buy cayenne capsules in health food stores.

Keep the fluids flowing. To ease the scratchy throat and dry eyes that often accompany colds, it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water-a least eight to twelve glasses a day. Getting more fluids-not only water but fruit or vegetable juices too-will help thin mucus in your nose and chest, so you’ll feel more comfortable.

Keep your hands clean. The viruses that cause colds can live on the hands for a long time. Washing your hands several times a day is one of the best ways to prevent colds. Even if you’re already sick, washing your hands will help prevent cold virus from reinfecting you and prolonging the misery.

Take a long shower. A long, steamy bath or shower can work wonders for sore, crampy muscles that often accompany colds. And, the steam will help thin and loosen secretions in your airways, so that you can breathe more easily.

Think about zinc. Research has shown that zinc lozenges can help sore throats heal more quickly and reduce the amount of time that you’re sick-in some cases by as much as several days, doctors say. Ask your pharmacist about where you can obtain these pain-tamers.