Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis: Diagnosis and Treatment
The diverticula are little pockets which protrude from the lining of the large intestine. When they become inflamed or infected, this causes two conditions: diverticulitis and diverticulosis. Learn more about them in the following article!
What you need to know about diverticulitis
It’s caused when the pockets in the large intestine become inflamed and trap fecal matter. It often affects those over the age 60 and the exact cause is unknown.
It’s thought to be caused by prolonged poor nutrition. That is to say, lack of fiber, excessive constipation, and the consumption of processed foods.
One of the problems with diverticulitis is that it often doesn’t cause symptoms until the condition becomes chronic. If the condition is severe, patients may experience:
- Blood in the stool.
- Gas or distension.
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Sensitivity in the lower abdomen.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Lack of appetite.
- Pain in the lower back.
Don’t forget to read: Foods to Avoid If You Have Diverticulosis
Facts about diverticulosis
Diverticulosis can cause difficulty evacuating the bowels of accumulated fecal matter. When the colon is full of feces that isn’t eliminated, the risk of toxicity is increased. This can result in all sorts of diseases. The infection can spread to other organs like the peritoneum.
The causes of diverticulosis include:
- A poor diet containing toxic substances or irritants.
- Weak intestinal muscles caused by being overweight, constipation, or not going to the bathroom often enough.
- A sedentary lifestyle, bad habits, and lack of exercise.
- Emotional causes: negativity, stress, pressure, and anxiety.
The symptoms include:
- Constipation.
- Pain in the abdomen when going to the bathroom.
- Inflamed stomach.
- Hard stools.
- Gas.
The best natural remedies for diverticulosis and diverticulitis
In addition to changing eating habits and starting an exercise routine, you can take advantage of natural remedies that may help treat problems like diverticulitis and diverticulosis. The best home remedies are:
Flaxseed
The seeds or flour of the flax plant contain a lot of fiber. Don’t forget that you’ll have to grind and hydrate them, otherwise, they’ll make the condition worse.
Consume 1 tablespoon of powdered flax seed on an empty stomach and another before going to bed with a good amount of water.
This natural recipe is not recommended for pregnant women or those suffering from blood disorders or intestinal blockages.
Wheat bran
Another great source of fiber that you can take advantage of. It may help reduce constipation and improve the quality of stools. Wheat bread is the best way to ingest this grain. Some people add wheat bran powder to:
- Cakes.
- Soups.
- Creams.
- Salads.
- Smoothies.
- Juices.
Chamomile
This herb may help reduce inflammation and relieve the symptoms of diverticulitis and diverticulosis. It can be ingested as a tea.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers
- 1 cup of water
Instructions
- Boil both ingredients together and let brew for a few minutes.
- Drink when cool enough.
- Sweeten with honey, which also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Mint
This plant contains many beneficial properties for treating digestive and intestinal problems. Mint tea after a meal may help relieve bloating in the abdomen, stomach pain, and nausea.
We recommend drinking up to three cups a day.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of mint leaves
- 1 cup of water
Instructions
- Make a tea with the mint leaves.
- Sweeten with honey or stevia.
- Don’t use this remedy if you suffer from acid reflux.
Oregano
This aromatic plant may help reduce infections in the colon. In addition to using it on your foods (it’s one of the most-used spices in gastronomy), some people drink it as a tea.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of dried or fresh leaves
- 1 cup of water
Thyme
A great source of fiber which goes to show that not just seeds contain this nutrient. It also has analgesic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It may be an excellent remedy for people with problems like diverticulitis. Use it to add flavor to salads, soups, creams, or sauces.
Cumin
Cumin is a perfect anti-inflammatory. It should be consumed sparingly because it increases body temperature and has a very strong flavor.
It may help reduce swelling in the intestine caused by diverticulitis.
Apples
These fruits contain a lot of beneficial properties. They contain both insoluble and soluble fibers and may help keep the digestive system and intestines functioning properly.
Those suffering from diverticulosis should eat peeled apples, both raw and cooked, and always in small pieces to make them easier to digest.
Plums
Either fresh or dried, they’re a well-known remedy for constipation. They provide plenty of fiber and are recommended for patients with diverticulitis.
They may help regulate bowel movements and help the water in the intestines form softer stools.
Want to learn more? Read: 5 Smoothies to Fight Constipation
What should I avoid if I have diverticulitis or diverticulosis?
You shouldn’t consume these foods if you’re suffering from diverticulitis or diverticulosis:
- Whole seeds.
- Strawberries.
- Popcorn.
- Sesame seeds.
- Sunflower seeds.
- Pomegranates.
- Blackberries.
- Raspberries.
- Coffee.
- Chocolate.
- Soft drinks.
- Processed foods.
- Refined sugars and flours.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Poate, H. R. G. (1941). DIVERTICULOSIS AND DIVERTICULITIS. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1445-2197.1941.tb02867.x
- Touzios, J. G., & Dozois, E. J. (2009). Diverticulosis and Acute Diverticulitis. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gtc.2009.06.004
- Sheth, A. A., & Floch, M. H. (2012). Diverticular Disease of the Colon. In Textbook of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology: Second Edition. https://doi.org/10.1109/OFC.1999.766354
