Natural Health Journals

Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation in a small pocket or pouch that has formed in the bowel. In most cases this infection is caused by a blockage of stool. In some cases, diverticulitis can lead to perforation of the bowel that can in turn lead to peritonitis. However, in most cases the sufferer will seek treatment well before this occurs.

The main cause of diverticula is a diet that is low in fiber and lack of exercise. In the western world up to 50% of the population can expect to suffer from diverticula, although they may never develop diverticulitis. This high rate of diverticula is due to eating so much processed food, typically very low in fiber. People in countries where the natural diet frequently consists vegetables – often raw – rarely suffer from diverticula.

So what is the best way to prevent diverticulitis? Firstly you need to be sure that is what you have, and only a health-care professional can tell you. Once the condition is diagnosed you will certainly be motivated to take steps that will prevent further bouts of inflammation. The symptoms of diverticulitis are cramps and tenderness on the lower left of the abdomen, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding may be present as well as chills or fever.

The first thing that should be attended to is the diet. Adding high fiber foods such as fruit and vegetables to the diet is really the most pleasant way to help prevent diverticulitis. However, there are two types of fiber, digestible and indigestible. Some types of indigestible fiber are not good for diverticulitis and that is what you get from some seeds such as popped corn, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and perhaps peanuts. Pieces of these seeds can be quite large and the risk of bowel perforation increases. Besides, pain such as cramps can often be experienced.

Since the stool must be kept moving, the use of stool softeners may be recommended at first. Drinking plenty of water will also help; fruit juice – particularly pear juice – is also good for keeping the stool moving through. The sufferer should be sure to get plenty of rest and sleep and eat nutritious meals. All food should be chewed properly and eaten slowly. Gulping food whilst running out the door is a big no-no. Constipation should be avoided at all costs. Regular exercise is another thing to help keep constipation under control and enhance regularity.

Foods that are high in fiber include baked beans, squash, brown rice, oats and all fruit but especially pears and prunes. Processed foods that should be avoided include white bread, cake and sugary treats.

Some doctors have traditionally banned acidic foods, red meat and food with small seeds such as tomatoes, while others have found that this makes little difference to the condition. If you have had instruction from a health-care provider on how to manage diverticulitis, then it should be adhered to as closely as possible. However, if pain killers have been prescribed, remember that many of them cause constipation, so steps should be taken to prevent this side-effect.