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.