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Diverticulitis Home Remedies?

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✓ Glucomannan

Glucomannan (konjac fiber) from the root of the konjac plant is one of the richest natural sources of dietary fiber. It is available as a dietary supplement, or can be added to beverages or certain foods. This plant has a long history of use in herbal blends and traditional foods. Glucomannan soluble fibre supplementation is used as Diverticulitis Home Remedies to relieve symptoms in people with chronic diverticulitis and to prevent acute diverticulitis.[1]

✓ Curcumin

Curcumin Drops ?

Turmeric is a herbaceous plant also called “India saffron”. Turmeric is known for its use as a spice and has the same coloring properties as saffron. Turmeric is a plant with various virtues thanks to the curcumin it contains. Antioxidant thanks to the curcumin, turmeric protects us from certain diseases and from bowel diseases.[2]

Turmeric Powder, Turmeric Capsules

✓ Boswellia

Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) is an herb with anti-inflammatory properties that may be very helpful in the case of diverticulitis. Indeed, natural anti-inflammatory compounds may counteract some of the inflammatory processes that contribute to diverticular disease. [2]

Boswellia Extract

Recommendation: Try Curumin drops and Boswellia drops together ?

FYRON G1 + G2
CURCUMIN Drops + BOSWELLIA Drops

✓ Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that contains gel and latex. It is a plant that can be of great help in treating diverticulitis due to its beneficial properties for the digestive system. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help moving the fecal matter along, that could otherwise get stuck in the pouches and lead to infection or further inflammation.

✓ Psyllium

Psyllium husk is a very beneficial supplement to your diet if you have diverticulitis because they contain soluble fiber that binds to water in the intestine. Fiber helps to soften the stool so it can pass easily through the intestines.

✓ Probiotics

Probiotics are known to reduce symptoms and recurrence of the disease. These beneficial bacteria will help balance the flora in the digestive tract and maintain intestinal health.

✓ Ginger

Ginger has been used as an herbal remedy for the treatment of various gastrointestinal ailments for centuries. Indeed, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is a popular remedy for soothing stomach upsets.

✓ Garlic

Garlic has natural antimicrobial abilities and can be a big help to maintain the intestinal health. A pure allicin supplement is suggested because it also contains high amounts of certain carbohydrates that can disrupt the digestive system.

 

Diverticulitis home remedies Diverticulitis home remedies

Diverticulitis Home Remedies

From the age of 40 onwards, diverticula can form in the large intestine. These are small hernias or outgrowths, like small “pockets” the size of a marble, located in different parts of the large intestine. This anatomical abnormality is called colonic diverticulosis. It affects the colon or large intestine.

Diverticulitis, or colonic diverticulosis, is an inflammation of these diverticula due to infection. It causes unusual, severe pain and fever. There are some complementary approaches that can be effective in treating diverticulitis naturally such as Glucomannan or Curcuma. [3]

Colonic diverticulosis is a common phenomenon and in Western countries it occurs in about 50% of people over 60 years of age. Most of the time, diverticula do not cause any symptoms. They are often discovered during a routine examination for other digestive problems. However, diverticulitis, where there is inflammation and infection of a diverticulum, causes severe pain. Symptoms of diverticulitis include fever, nausea, frequent urination, tenderness in the abdomen, etc.[4]

It can lead to abscess formation in the diverticulum, bleeding, obstruction of the colon or small bowel obstruction.

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More rarely, diverticulitis can develop into a fistula, which is a duct that forms abnormally between the colon and various organs in the abdominal cavity such as the bladder, the small intestine, the uterus or the vagina.[5]

Diverticulitis can also lead to peritonitis. This is because if the wall of the diverticulum that has become an abscess tears, it allows the contents of the intestine to pass into the abdominal cavity. This leads to an infection of the peritoneum, the membrane containing the intestines and the abdomen. Peritonitis requires emergency medical intervention.[6]

To prevent diverticulitis, there are basic measures to take. For example, an active lifestyle and a diet with a good amount of dietary fibre are recommended. A special diet based on legumes, whole grain cereals, fruit and vegetables.[7]

The following are general recommendations for doing this:

  • Gradually increase dietary fibre intake to 30 grams per day;
  • Reduce consumption of refined grain products;
  • Drinking enough fluids;
  • Eat less meat and fat;
  • Consume probiotics;
  • Consume prebiotics, such as glucommanan, blond psyllium,…
  • Regular physical activity;
  • Have a bowel movement as soon as you feel the need;
  • Chew well;
  • Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids in people who have already had diverticulitis.
  • Taking natural anti inflammatories such as curcuma, boswellia,…

How do you treat colonic diverticulosis?

The treatment of colonic diverticulitis depends on whether it is complicated or not, the type of complication, and whether it is a first attack or a recurrence.

The treatment of diverticulitis is simply to relieve the symptoms without prescribing antibiotics. Indeed, in the majority of cases, diverticulitis without complications heals spontaneously. However, if the symptoms persist or in more fragile people, it is preferable to prescribe antibiotics for a week to avoid possible complications. In the majority of cases, the first attack of diverticulitis does not recur.

It is not recommended to carry out systematic biological (blood tests) or radiological monitoring in the case of a favourable evolution of diverticulitis. If there are complications, the treatment of colonic diverticulitis varies according to the type of complications observed.

In all cases, intravenous antibiotic therapy is recommended, combining several antibiotics. Its duration varies according to the type of complication and the evolution of the disease.

How serious is colonic diverticulosis?

Diverticulitis is the inflammation with or without infection of a diverticulum, which can lead to phlegmon of the bowel wall, peritonitis, perforation, fistulas or abscesses. Treatment is based on bowel rest, home remedies, sometimes antibiotics and sometimes surgery.

Diverticulitis that is treated non-operatively can recur as an acute or chronic process. A large population-based study found that after an episode of acute diverticulitis, the recurrence rate at 1 year was 10% and at 10 years was 25%. About half of second episodes of diverticulitis occur within 12 months. In some patients, however, recurrence is manifested by chronic, ongoing abdominal pain that may develop after one or more acute episodes.

Thus, potentially serious because of its complications (abscess, fistula, hemorrhage, peritonitis, narrowing of the intestine), diverticulitis can recur and become disabling. In this case, surgical treatment may be prescribed to remove the area of the colon that carries the diverticula.

Is colonic diverticulosis cancerous?

Diverticula are not malignant, they are a benign disease. There's maybe 10% of the population that has diverticula without it being symptomatic. So they don't cause any major consequences. There is no greater risk of cancer in patients with diverticulosis than in the general population. However, colonoscopy is recommended in patients with diverticulitis complicated by abscess or peritonitis.

So, these conditions are not cancerous, but they may develop into colorectal cancer in some cases. Certain risk factors for colorectal cancer can also cause these precancerous conditions.

What is the best thing to do when you have diverticulitis?

If you have colonic diverticulitis, eat a high-fibre diet and keep well hydrated.

Fibre softens the stool and helps prevent constipation. It can also help reduce pressure on the colon walls. The result is a better balance of intestinal flora and fewer attacks of diverticulitis.

In particular, it is recommended to replace refined products (bread, cereals, pasta and bakery products made from white flour and refined cereals) with their wholemeal alternatives.

Fibre-rich foods recommended for sigmoidal diverticulosis are:

  • Beans and legumes ;
  • Bran, whole wheat bread and whole grain cereals such as oatmeal;
  • Wholegrain starch;
  • Brown and wild rice;
  • Fruits such as apples, bananas and pears;
  • Dried fruit, such as dates, prunes and figs;
  • Vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, corn and squash;
  • Whole wheat pasta.

If your diet is currently low in fibre, add fibre gradually. The aim is to avoid abdominal pain and bloating. If you have diverticula in your colon, your diet should include 25-30g of fibre per day. Drink at least 8 glasses of fluid a day and be physically active.

What is the best treatment for diverticulosis?

The treatment of diverticulitis depends on the severity of the symptoms and whether or not there is a complication.

For a simple diverticulitis, the treatment does not require hospitalisation. It generally includes :

  • antibiotic treatment (ciprofloxacin or metronidazole),
  • a water diet (drinking plenty of fluids),
  • a residue-free diet (food that does not leave residues in the colon, i.e. no fibre),
  • taking painkillers to relieve the pain.
  • After treatment, you can resume a high-fibre diet to prevent recurrence.

For a complicated diverticulitis, hospitalisation may be necessary. The treatment will then include :

  • intravenous antibiotic therapy,
  • insertion of a drain to empty the pus from the abscess, if necessary.
  • Surgical treatment is often recommended for complications and recurrences that are resistant to antibiotic treatment and dietary changes.
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Can diverticulitis go away on its own?

Once formed, a diverticulum cannot disappear by itself. It appears that the best preventive measure to avoid colonic diverticulosis is a well-balanced, high-fibre diet as early in life as possible. There are many other health benefits associated with such a diet. Drinking adequate amounts of fluids and maintaining physical activity may prevent further diverticula and flare-ups. Many people with colonic diverticulosis can be asymptomatic by making these lifestyle changes. Medical and surgical treatments are available for those whose disease is persistent and does not respond to these changes.

To prevent diverticulitis infection or to make it go away, you can turn to antiseptic herbal teas (thyme or peppermint), or essential oils (lemon, one drop on a spoon of honey) while fighting against constipation. Indeed, the stagnation of matter favours the erosion and then the inflammation of the diverticula, making the bed of the infection.

Blond psyllium or glucomannan can help you: they have a mild laxative effect without being irritating. It is therefore well-suited to the treatment of diverticula. Rich in mucilage, it turns into a sort of gel in the intestines; two thirds of it is insoluble fibre and the remaining third is soluble fibre. In addition, They are prebiotics: it contributes to the health of the flora. It can be mixed in a glass of water or in yoghurt, compote or soup, starting with about one teaspoon a day. Depending on the results, you can gradually increase the doses up to 2 tablespoons per day.

What is a diverticulitis flare up like?

Sometimes referred to as left appendicitis, the most common symptoms of diverticulitis are, in 90% of cases, pain in the lower left side of the abdomen, fever in 1 in 2 patients, constipation and sometimes an increase in the white blood cell count. In the most severe cases, an abscess may form in the wall of the large intestine, or even perforation. Bleeding into the abdominal cavity is sometimes observed.

So, severe pain in the left groin (iliac fossa) combined with fever and bowel movements are often signs of acute diverticulitis. This inflammation or infection of a diverticulum (a growth along the outer wall of the colon) is painful and causes fever. The symptoms are similar to those of appendicitis, but instead of being on the right side, they are on the left side!

What triggers your diverticulitis?

Most diverticula are thought to be caused by unnoticeable muscle spasms or a lack of muscle synchronisation (pairs of muscles not contracting in sync). This creates a brief but strong pressure on the intestinal mucosa, which is exerted on the weakest points of the intestinal wall, leading to diverticulum formation. The weak points are located in the areas surrounding the blood vessels that run through the inner wall of the large intestine (also called colon). In older people, the lining of the intestine is more fragile; this is probably why they have more diverticula.

Factors that can increase the risk of developing a diverticulum include a low-fibre diet and lack of exercise. Being overweight and smoking can also contribute to diverticulitis.

So, in addition to the person's age, risk factors for diverticulosis are:

  • a diet low in fiber, especially so-called "soluble" fiber such as that found in whole grains;
  • a diet too rich in sugary foods;
  • a lack of regular physical activity.

The development of diverticulosis is more common in people who suffer from chronic constipation, as this is due to the same risk factors.

What are the warning signs of diverticulitis?

Stomach ache, abdominal flatulence and constipation can be warning signs of diverticulitis. A complication is when food remains get stuck in a diverticulum and cause an inflammation. This is accompanied by fever, severe pain on the left side of the abdomen and even blood in the stool. The diagnosis of an inflamed diverticulum can only be made by a CT scan. It must be done at the time of the crisis in order to determine the treatment.

Diverticulitis causes distressing clinical signs that often lead to consultation:

  • intense pain (sometimes of progressive intensity) in the lower left part of the abdomen: we often refer to the disease as "left appendicitis";
  • tenderness of the abdomen on palpation
  • fever;
  • constipation (more rarely diarrhoea)
  • bloating ;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • loss of appetite, weight loss.
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How long do diverticulitis flare ups last?

Diverticulitis is an acute inflammation of the diverticula, of varying intensity. As an acute condition, it tends to resolve itself in an average of 10 days, often requiring antibiotic coverage and observation to monitor its evolution, as it sometimes requires surgery.

Fortunately, most episodes of acute diverticulitis are usually mild or moderate, lasting no longer than 10-14 days, and requiring antibiotic treatment. However, some episodes may be more serious and require hospitalisation and even surgery.

Acute diverticulitis, treated with antibiotics, responds within 12-15 days. However, it should be remembered that there are at least two other entities (segmental colitis associated with diverticula and symptomatic non-inflammatory diverticular disease) that can be sequelae of acute diverticulitis or sometimes present as independent entities and are the cause of abdominal pain and changes in intestinal rhythm.

What causes colonic diverticulosis?

Diverticula form when weak areas of the colon wall stretch under pressure. If the pressure causes a small lesion in the wall of the diverticulum, infection can occur. This can be caused by:

  • a sedentary lifestyle;
  • lack of physical activity;
  • a diet with too little dietary fibre.

In fact, the cause of diverticulosis and diverticulitis is not precisely known, but it is more common in people who eat a low-fiber diet. It is believed that eating a low-fiber diet for several years creates increased pressure in the colon and forms pouches or diverticula.

How do you feel when you have diverticulosis?

People with diverticulosis often have no symptoms, but some people feel:

  • usually a sudden, fairly severe pain in the lower abdomen on the left side;
  • sometimes pain of moderate intensity, variable and gradually increasing over several days;
  • tenderness in the abdomen
  • fever;
  • nausea ;
  • constipation;
  • diarrhoea.
  • Less common symptoms
  • vomiting ;
  • bloating;
  • blood draining from the rectum;
  • Frequent need to urinate;
  • pain or difficulty in urinating;
  • tenderness in the abdomen when wearing a belt or bending forward.

Sources

  1. Carabotti M., Annibale B., Severi C and Lahner E., Role of Fiber in Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease: A Systematic Review, Nutrients, MDPI | View at: Publisher Site
  2. Bharucha AE, Parthasarathy G, Ditah I, et al, Temporal trends in the incidence and natural history of diverticulitis: A population-based study. Am J Gastroenterol | View at: Publisher Site
  3. Francis NK, Sylla P, Abou-Khalil M, et al: EAES and SAGES 2018 consensus conference on acute diverticulitis management: Evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice | View at: Publisher Site
  4. Sallinen V, Mali J, Leppäniemi A, Mentula P, Assessment of risk for recurrent diverticulitis: A proposal of risk score for complicated recurrence. Médecine (Baltimore) 94 (8) View at: Publisher Site
  5. Giacosa A., Riva A.,  Petrangolini G. et al, Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease management: an innovative food-grade formulation of Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata extracts, National Center for Biotechnology Information, NIH, PubMed Central View at: Publisher Site
  6. Shahedi K, Fuller G, Bolus R, et al, Long-term risk of acute diverticulitis among patients with incidental diverticulosis found during colonoscopy. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 11(12):1609–1613, 2013. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2013.06.020 View at: Publisher Site
  7. Williams M., Diverticulosis and Diverticular Disease, Life Extension, The Science of a Healthier Life View at: Publisher Site
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