Diverticulitis
is a progressive inflammatory disease
Diverticulitis
is when the diverticula, which are small pockets in the wall of the large
intestine become inflamed and infected. This occurs when the muscles of the
colon start to become weak. Diverticulosis is the name given to the illness
before the diverticula become inflamed or infected. It is more common as people
age and only a small percentage get the full blown diverticulitis. It is more
common in the lower part of the colon.
Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis
is often unnoticed until it becomes infected and inflamed, basically until it
becomes diverticulitis. Some of the common symptoms are ongoing constipation or
diarrhoea, a tender abdomen or cramping and bloating, pain from bowel
movements, blood in the stool or nausea and vomiting. Diverticulitis can be
very painful when it flares up and becomes inflamed or infected. Some severe
cases may require immediate surgery.
The
cause of this condition is not fully understood but some researcher’s suspect
it could be caused by a combination of poor eating habits, age and genetics. Diverticulitis is
a disease that is influenced by factors such as obesity, physical activity
levels, and smoking.
Diagnosis and treatments
The
symptoms can vary from person to person. You will be asked about your symptoms
and have some tests done such as blood tests and a colonoscopy.
Sometimes
diverticulitis requires surgery but this is usually in severe cases. Your doctor
may prescribe antibiotics to help ease the infection, however there has been
research that shows that this treatment is overused. Instead perhaps search for
a natural treatment to help relieve the pain and infection from your trained
naturopath and nutritionist.
Probiotics
Probiotics
are bacteria that is in the food we eat; these bacteria are good for your
health and has many benefits. There are many different strains of probiotics
that are very helpful in reducing the symptoms of diverticulitis, particularly lactobacillus
casei and lactobacillus paracasei.
Some
of the best foods containing probiotics are fermented, such as yoghurt,
sauerkraut, miso and yoghurt. You can also use probiotic supplements; however,
it is best to seek advice from your natural health care practitioner to insure
you are taking the correct dosage and strain for your diverticulitis.
A
diet rich in fibre may help prevent diverticulosis turning into diverticulitis.
Good sources of fibre include nuts, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. So when
you are suffering from the painful symptoms of diverticulitis why not change
your eating habits and take vitamin supplements under the guidance of your
natural health care practitioner? We have had much success in this area of
health care. Give us a call today.