Diverticulitis is considered a “lifestyle disease” in that nutritional factors can cause it, and in turn, reverse it. Diverticulitis is the inflammation of pouches in the colon which become more problematic when the contents of the colon get into those pouches. That exacerbates inflammation and leads to infection. Symptoms include:
- pain in the abdomen, usually in the lower left side; as that is where your lower descending or sigmoid colon is, and most common place of diverticuli. This is where most of the pressure is when you are constipated, and the pressure leads to the protrusion of fecal matter that is trapped.
- bloating and cramping
- bleeding, bright red or maroon blood may appear in the stool, in the toilet (a symptom of rectal bleeding), or on the toilet paper. Bleeding is often mild and can stop by itself; however, it can become severe where hospitalization is necessary. (Abdominal CT scan will indicate if surgery is required for perforations)
- Avoid all types of sugars (all types includes pasta, bread and flour which react in your body like sugar) as these will increase inflammation by increasing your insulin levels.
- Also avoid grains until your symptoms are under control. Additionally, the grains tend to increase insulin levels, promoting inflammation. Many with inflammatory bowel disease have gluten sensitivities, so long term give up the gluten, mainly anything with wheat and wheat flour.
- While you’re making general anti-inflammatory dietary changes, please note that little seeds are hard to digest and can aggravate the diverticulum and inflammation. I’d recommend avoidance of small seeds and stomach lining irritants like popcorn.
Kill the bad bacteria by reinoculating with the good bacteria. One of the causes of Diverticulitis is definitely bacterial dysbiosis. Either from multiple rounds of antibiotics in a lifetime, too many processed foods, pesticides and herbicides on food and in our environment, aging, etc., the good bacterial flora of the stomach (the microbiome) has been severely disrupted. The unfortunate thing is that antibiotics are prescribed to clear up the infections that can occur with diverticulitis, and that leads to further disruption of the microbiome, which of course leads to stomach upset, constipation, bloating, and….diverticulitis!
- Get plenty of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in your diet. Heal your stomach and intestinal flora population by regularly consuming traditionally fermented foods such as sauerkraut, or taking a high quality probiotic supplement. The proprietary formula of pre-biotic fiber and probiotic microorganisms contained with PB Assist+ includes L. acidophilus, B. bifidus, B. longum, L. plantarum, and L. caseii to promote a positive balance and variety of beneficial gut bacteria. While the benefits of probiotics are well documented, many supplements cannot pass through stomach acid unharmed. The time-release, double-layer vegetable capsule used in PB Assist+ protects the probiotic cultures as they pass through the stomach so they can provide the digestive and immune support you need. (Don’t forget probiotics for your kids!!!!)
- Some cases of diverticulitis (after abdominal CT to check for perforation) may require antibiotics. Just remember to take a probiotic supplement in between antibiotic dosing if you are able.
Heal and Repair the Mucosal Lining with Herbs and Amino Acids. Once we eliminate the irritants, and reinoculate with probiotics, we then move to healing and repairing the mucosal lining of the stomach, intestines and colon. This can actually be started from day one of an acute attack.
- Drink Aloe Juice. Up to 16 ounces per day would help to heal the mucosal lining of the stomach and intestines. Try Lily of the Valley original or the Stomach Formula Version that has some other beneficial herbs in it.
- Take a Glutamine Supplement. L-Glutamine is a non essential amino acid that increases the number of cells in the small intestine along with the number and height of villi on those cells. This basically helps to repair the function of the digestive tract. For ease of dosing, I would get capsules of 500mg each, and empty one onto your tongue once or twice a day, on an empty stomach. 1-2 grams daily would be optimal.
- Add Slippery Elm. Heals the lining of the digestive tract from the mouth, through whole alimentary system, down to the colon and rectum. An easy way to take this is in a cool lozenge I just heard about. I found mine at the health food store, or check out a whole page of options on amazon here.
- Drink bone broth through all stages of symptoms and through the healing process. This will give you the much needed protein and minerals required to help heal and repair the gut and digestive tract. There is a ton of information out there on making homemade bone broth and Collagen Hydrolysate. I like this brand, and I add it to soups and smoothies.
Maintaining a Healthier Lifestyle. This means making sure you are able to eliminate everyday, which requires a high functioning digestive system. This could be a VERY long list, but along with everything I listed above, the basics to keep your digestion running smoothly are as follows:
- Increase your fiber, mainly your fruits and veggies. Shoot for 6 cups of vegetables everyday. Sounds like a lot but it isn’t once you get on a roll. An apple a day really can make an impact on your elimination.
- Take a high quality omega-3 fat supplement. The fatty acids DHA (from fish oil) and GLA (from borage oil) decrease inflammation and improve intestinal functioning. 1400mg EPA, 1000mg DHA, 300-600mg GLA daily.
- Optimize your vitamin D levels. Take your D3 with a meal, or at least make sure you take it with something oily, like fish oil, as it is a fat soluble vitamin. Ideal levels should be 40-60ng/ml when testing your blood. If you do not take my recommended LLV supplements or need extra support, I like these two brands; Biotics Research and Life Extension Mint Flavored drops.
- Add Psyllium for extra fiber in small doses after some healing has taken place. Ideal amount of fiber per day would be 25-35 grams total of vegetables, fruits, legumes and supplements. The supplement I recommend is Zendocrine Detoxification Complex.
- Essential Oils: Diffuse peppermint and orange for digestive issues. Cardamom Essential Oil can help maintain a healthy colon and a well functioning GI tract because helps stimulate a balanced secretion of gastric juices, bile, and other vital digestive acids. Especially when it comes to bile production, a drop or two of cardamom in a veggie cap before meals with protein. It can act as an analgesic and antispasmodic for pain relief as well. Peppermint Essential Oil or DigestZen Softgels will help with multiple stomach issues, discomforts, and digestive issues.
- Drink more water! If you don’t, you will get constipated again, and that means more pressure in the colon when eliminating, which means irritation of the diverticula. And the nightmare could begin again! Drink half your weight in ounces every day.
- Don’t forget digestive Enzymes, as everyone needs these too for a healthy digestive tract! I take the doTERRA Terrazyme product, and I have many testimonials on the amazing results my clients are getting from these.
- Have your hormones tested. This is always on my list, as hormonal imbalances contribute to all metabolic chaos in the body. I would love to help you with this, as it is my favorite topic!!!
Nelie caraballo says
I was just diagnosed with diverticulosis. I have had several flare ups (itis), extremely painful and I need help! All that you suggest is a bit overwhelming. Can I take all these supplements together on a daily basis?? I am willing to do whatever it takes to be diverticulitis free. Please help!!!
Deavah says
Nelie, it is definitely overwhelming to think about doing everything at once. Some people have the time and energy to do it all at once, but it can take a year to implement these things. Take a breath and understand that you have time, as it took time to get you to this painful point. So you breathe and one by one start reversing the habits that got you to this point, and slowly add in the things that allow your body to get itself back into balance! If you would like to talk live about what might be best for you to begin with, call or text me at 949-201-9656. Leave me a message and we can book a 15 minute free consult for next week, just give me 2 time options.
Lorie R Hawkes says
Can I take most or all of these products together? I already have Zendocrine and TerraZyme, but did not know they could be taken together. Can I add Digest Zen and the essential oils, along with Aloe Vera. What are the most important things to take?
Thank you for this very helpful, informative article!