Diverticulitis

1. Diverticulitis The intestine is essentially a tube with an absorptive layer on the inside and muscles wrapping the outside that squeezes rhythmically to move food along. If the muscle layer is weakened, the inner tissue can push through it and form small outpouchings called diverticula. This condition is called diverticulosis. If these pouches become filled with fecal matter and bacteria they can become infected and inflamed, causing the condition called diverticulitis. Cause of Diverticulitis Many things can cause the outside muscle layer of the colon to weaken and allow the inner layer to form diverticula. Diverticulosis (the formation of the pouches) is most commonly caused by age, and low dietary fibre. Insufficient fibre in the stool makes the colon have to work harder to push it along, which can cause increased pressure and eventual weakening of the muscle. For more information, please see our Fiber article. Straining when passing stool, and prolonged constipation can both contribute to the problem. Abusing laxatives for long periods of time can eventually cause a weakening of the muscles of the colon as well. Once the diverticula have formed, the infection that causes diverticulitis is usually the result of low dietary fibre, high dietary sugar, chronic constipation and/or intestinal infections. Signs and Symptoms Although diverticulosis may not have any overt symptoms, it can present with mild cramps, bloating, and constipation. The symptoms of diverticulitis are abdominal pain and tenderness, usually in the lower left quadrant. The infection can cause fever, alternating constipation, and diarrhea, as well as painful intestinal spasms and even bleeding. It can also occasionally cause bloating and gas, nausea and vomiting, and lack of appetite. All of the above symptoms can be seen in cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well so further testing is required. For more information, please see our IBD article. Diagnosis is commonly found by contrast CT scan allowing medical doctors to see any diverticula in the colon and even inflammatory changes there as well. Lifestyle Changes The most effective ways to alter your lifestyle for improvement of diverticulitis include reducing stress, quitting smoking and regular exercise. It’s very important to never suppress a bowel movement. If you are regularly straining to defecate you can increase your chances of forming diverticula so it’s important to minimize straining. When you are sitting on the toilet, ensure that your thighs are parallel to the floor or that your knees are above your hips. This position helps to ease the release of stool by opening up the

2. 2 passageway. If you need to, you can even use a footstool to keep your knees at a desirable height. Regulating bowel movements will be beneficial and can be assisted through abdominal massage and hydrotherapy. Also, intestinal cleansing will rid the colon of build- up and optimize its functioning. Diet During a Flare Assess your diet for irritating substances that may contribute to diverticulitis. These are foods that can clog the diverticula and create a pocket of infection. Some examples are: nuts, seeds, non-leafy raw vegetables, millet, oatmeal, legumes, fruits and berries with skins or seeds, coconut, corn, and popcorn. High sugar in the diet can also promote infection by providing a rich food source for the bacteria. Drink 8-10, 8oz glasses of water each day to help soften the stool and promote proper colon function. Start your day with a bowel stimulating glass of warm water with lemon juice. Some practitioners will even recommend water or juice fasting to help give your colon a rest and a chance to repair itself. Diet to Prevent Flares Consume a low fat and high fibre (at least 30g a day) diet. Include fresh fruits (with skin) and vegetables, prunes, figs, garlic and well cooked brown rice in your diet. Avoid grains, seeds, nuts, dairy products, sugar products, spicy food, fats, and processed foods. Use water-soluble fibres like chicory root, oat bran or apple pectin. Broil or bake fish and meats instead of frying. Steam vegetables lightly. Be sure to continue to continue drinking sufficient water Supplements There are a wide variety of supplements that can benefit diverticulosis and diverticulitis. As mentioned above, fibre is a great way to treat diverticulosis and prevent diverticulitis. Once an infection has occurred, anti-microbial and immune-boosting herbs and nutrients can help it to resolve more quickly. Some examples are: Echinacea, Astragalus, Garlic, and Zinc. Probiotics can also provide a protective layer of good bacteria to prevent the growth of bad bacteria in the diverticula. For more information, please see our Probiotics article. Please see the list below for further suggestions. What you can do to help maintain Diverticulitis :  EAT LOTS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES  DO NOT EAT SEEDS; THEY CAN GET STUCK INSIDE THE POUCHES  TAKE ACIDOPHILUS  DURING A FLARE UP, TAKE HERBS LIKE ECHINACEA OR GOLDEN SEAL TO FIGHT INFECTION  TAKE SUPPLEMENTS TO ENHANCE THE HEALTH OF THE INTESTINAL LINING  TAKE A FIBER SUPPLEMENT

3. 3 DIVERTICULITIS QUICK FACTS   NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION FOR MOST PEOPLE IT IS PREVENTABLE IF A DIVERTICULAE BURSTS, IT CAN CAUSE SEVERE PROBLEMS REQUIRING IMMEDIATE MEDICAL HELP. Supplement Dosage Therapeutic Effect Fiber Supplement As Directed On Label Use Pure Psyllium Husk Powder. Do Not Use Flax. For Use During Diverticulosis To Prevent Infection. Echinacea As Directed Stimulates The Activity Of The White Blood Cells. Use At The Beginning And During Infections Only. Garlic 800 – 1200mg Daily Fresh Raw Garlic Can Be Eaten Regularly. Helps To Kill Bacteria And Viruses. Use A Standardized Type Or Kyolic Brand. Astragalus As Directed Can Be Used Over Long Periods Of Time To Boost Immunity. Digestive Enzymes As Directed On Label, With Meals. Help Digestive Food And Absorb Nutrients Properly. Probiotics / Acidophilus As Directed Helps To Properly Digest Foods. Limits Harmful Bacteria In The Gut. Enhances The Immune System. Glutimine 1000-3000mg Daily 1000-3000mg Daily Colostrum As Directed On Label Fights Infection, Enhances Health Of The Intestines. Vitamin B Complex 100mg Three Times Daily Essential For Digestion And Nervous System Regulation. Use A Hypoallergenic Formula. Essential Fatty Acids As Directed Helps To Soften Stool And Lubricate The Intestine. They Are Also Anti-Inflammatory. Water Soluble Fibre As Directed, Take Away From Meals And Other Supplements With A Glass Of Water Prevents Constipation And The Build Up Of Waste In Diverticula.

4. 4 Supplement Dosage Therapeutic Effect Aloe Vera Juice ½ A Cup Morning And Night, 1tbsp Daily For Maintenance Heals The Colon, Lubricates The Intestinal Lining And Decreases Pain. Also Beneficial For Diverticulitis: Multivitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Beta Carotene, Iron, Essential Fatty Acids, Pancreatin, Chlorophyll, Evening Primrose Oil, Medicinal Clay, Aerobic Oxygen, Quercitin, L- Glutamine, Alfalfa, Colostrum, Garlic, Licorice Root, Slippery Elm, Dandelion, Papaya And Red Clover. For Informational Purposes Only. Please Consult Your Health Care Practitioner Before Taking Natural Health Care Products. Click Here For Full Disclaimer.