Holistic Tips for Balanced Digestive Health
Navigating Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis
The colon (large bowel) is a long tube-like structure that stores and then eliminates waste material left over after digestion of food. Diverticulosis is a condition where the colon has multiple outward pouches that form when the muscle layers in the colon wall weaken. Some experts believe that abnormal intermittent high pressure in the colon is due to muscle spasm or straining due to constipation or loose stools. Once diverticula form, they do not disappear by themselves and become known as diverticulosis.
Diverticulosis is a common condition in the United States that affects half of all people over 60 years of age and nearly everyone by the age of 80. As a person gets older, the pouches in the colon become more prominent. Fortunately, most patients with diverticulosis do not have symptoms, and therefore do not need treatment. However, in some people it may lead to several complications including inflammation, infection, bleeding, or intestinal blockage.
Diverticulitis typically occurs when these pockets become irritated, inflamed, and infected. Most people with diverticulitis recover completely. But, at its most severe, a pouch/wall can develop an abscess, burst open, and spill fecal matter directly into a person’s bloodstream. This results in an immediate risk of developing a blood infection called sepsis, which can be life-threatening.
People with diverticulitis can develop related complications including stricture (a narrowing of the colon), fistula (an abnormal passageway between the bowel and nearby organs including the bladder or the vagina), perforation (a hole in the colon that allows bowel contents to leak into the abdomen).
Bleeding can occur from a rupture in one of the vessels that lines a diverticulum. Patients with this condition typically pass a large amount of red or maroon blood from the rectum. The bleeding tends to occur without warning and there is no associated abdominal pain. Most bleeding will stop on its own. Repeated attacks of diverticulitis may require surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon.
How to help diverticulosis
Taking good care of your colon daily is important. Having regular bowel movements and avoiding constipation and straining is crucial to prevent diverticular disease and reduce its complications.
Drink plenty of water: Eating more fiber absorbs more water, so you will need to increase the amount of water you drink to keep stool soft and on the move.
Exercise daily: Physical movement gets the bowel muscles stimulated and helps food pass through your intestinal system. Exercising for 15 minutes 2 x day on most days is very beneficial.
Eat high fiber foods and adding fiber such as psyllium powder or capsules, bran and ground flax seeds to your diet pulls more water into stool, making it bulkier, softer, and stimulates the bowel muscles to move stool quicker through the colon. Just be careful not to consume too much too quickly. This can become irritating and cause inflammation, gas, and potential constipation or diarrhea. It is best to start with a small amount such as ¼ tsp and gradually increase the dosage based on how you feel. (Do not take these supplements during a diverticulitis flair as they can aggravate the inflammation.) Adjust food and supplements based on how you feel.
Constipation
Magnesium Complex (Natures Way) is a natural stool softener. The dosage varies from person to person, so start with 1 or 2 caps before bed and increase dosage to am and pm until the stools become slightly soft then decrease by 1 capsule if the stools are too soft. Sometimes you need to make regular adjustments until you balance out.
Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic 2 x day and keep 1 hour from food if you can. This is a prebiotic, probiotic and postbiotic formula to help balance out your microbiome and keep your digestive tract and immune system healthy.
Eliminate non-fermented dairy products as they are very constipating. Watch out for protein drinks made with casein or whey. Use dairy substitutes like coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk or rice milk products. Bananas are constipating too.
Eliminate white flour and limit wheat flour products like bread and pasta, instead eat other grains and incorporate more gluten free products like Quinoa pasta.
Don’t overdo on coffee or caffeine consumption. Some coffee can help to stimulate the colon but too much over time dehydrates you, making your stools harder.
Diverticulitis
Oreganol capsules (North American Herb & Spice) to prevent infection 1 or 2 capsules 3 x a day before meals.
To decrease discomfort and inflammation of the colon take enteric coated peppermint oil capsules. 1 cap 2-3 x a day before meals.
Marshmallow root soothes the lining of the colon, 1 or 2 capsules 2x day.
Keep foods soft and bland and drink water with electrolytes. You can also try a clear liquid diet, which involves only consuming clear liquids such as water, non-acidic juice, and broth.
Foods to avoid: High fiber fruits and vegetables particularly raw. Whole grains like brown rice, wheat, oats, and quinoa, as well as whole wheat pasta. Beans and legumes, nuts, seeds and popcorn. Dairy products milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream. Fermented foods. Deli meat, hot dogs, salami, sausage, and bacon. Coffee, tea, soda, wine, and other alcoholic drinks
Diverticulitis flair with extreme pain and fever indicates you may have an infection. Make an appointment with your doctor or go to urgent care.
Remember, it is very important to have a regular easy bowel movement every day!
Even 2-3 times a day would be great providing you are not experiencing cramping/pain, having loose stools or uncontrolled urgency.
If you are experiencing chronic constipation or diverticulitis episodes, and need specific instructions, appointments are available at the Tree of Life Wellness Center (telephone or in-office) at 508-336-4242.
*Always check with your health practitioner when adding in new supplements.
Jane Jansen – Holistic Practitioner Tree of Life Wellness Center
Host Holistic Healthline Radio
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