Diverticulitis is a painful, inflammatory condition driven by bacteria settling in the small pockets that can develop in the colon. The pockets or bulges, called diverticula, are susceptible to bacterial growth and inflammation, causing symptoms from mild to severe pain and discomfort.
Those suffering from diverticulitis may experience:
- Left-sided abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rectal bleeding
- Chills or fever.
Due to the inflammatory nature of diverticulitis, researchers are currently investigating curcumin (Turmeric) as a therapy for diverticulitis.
What Causes Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is believed to be caused by a combination of factors. These include a sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol use, poor dietary habits such as consumption of seed oils, chemical preservatives, additives, colors, and flavors, and refined, processed, and packaged foods, all of which induce inflammation and strip the gut of healthy bacteria. Other factors include age, stress, the use of non-steroid inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and the overuse of antibiotics.
Can Curcumin (Turmeric) Help Manage Diverticulitis?
Curcumin is the active compound extracted from turmeric, the bright, yellow spice used in traditional Indian and Middle Eastern cooking for centuries. In the traditional Indian healing modality, Ayurveda, it is used internally and topically as an antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory.
Due to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Curcumin has undergone thorough clinical investigation, emerging as an effective therapy for IBD and a range of other digestive disorders. Now, researchers are exploring the use of Curcumin for Post Acute Diverticulitis – referring to the lingering inflammation and digestive symptoms that linger long after an acute episode of diverticulitis.
Is Curcumin Useful for the Treatment of Diverticulitis?
In numerous studies cited in a 2018 review, curcumin repeatedly showed a reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, as well as an increase in glutathione, an antioxidant viral to our immune response. Additionally, Curcumin has been found to heal the mucosal lining of the stomach and strengthen the barrier of the intestinal wall.
But most interesting in relation to Diverticulitis is how curcumin affects the gut microbiota itself. In this same review, curcumin altered the gut microbiome towards the proliferation of more helpful gut bacteria such as bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, and butyrate-producing bacteria while simultaneously reducing the troublemakers E-coli, Prevotellaceae, Coriobacterales, and Enterobacter.
Since diverticulitis is primarily driven by otherwise benign diverticula pockets creating a breeding ground for bacterial overgrowth in the colon, curcumin can be used to reduce bad gut bacteria, increase good gut bacteria, and promote overall gut health. Furthermore, in a 2021 study on Curcumin and Boswellia for diverticular disease management, patients reported a significant decrease in gastric pain after 30 days of treatment.
If you are interested in exploring Curcumin for Diverticulitis, take our free online assessment to receive a tailored plan.
How Does Curcumin Affect Overall Gut Health?
- Curcumin improves the gut microbiota, fostering the production of good gut bacteria and inhibiting the production of unhealthy gut bacteria.
- Curcumin ameliorates intestinal inflammation and reduces pain in many gastric conditions.
- Curcumin affects intestinal motility by altering bile acid metabolism.
- Curcumin inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha, an inflammatory messenger associated with acute diverticulitis.
So, is Curcumin good for Diverticulitis? It would seem so. Studies on the compound emphasize its benefits for general gut health and diverticulitis, as it promotes and supports healthy gut function on many levels with few side effects, and reduces bacterial pathogenesis and colonization of the diverticula pockets.
Rebecca Bermeister
