Table of Contents:
- Natural Supplements and Herbs for Diverticulitis
- Hydration and Diverticulitis
- Diet and Exercise for Diverticulitis
- Probiotics for Diverticulitis
- Symptoms
- Conventional Medical Approaches
- How Can We Help at Evinature?
Diverticulitis is an inflammatory condition of the diverticula, or pouches, that develop along the length of the GI tract. The most common cause of diverticulitis is through microbial infection, where the stomach and intestinal enzymes fail to eliminate bacteria carried by food or even endemic to the GI tract. As a result, bacteria settle in these pouches and proliferate, leading to an immune response and inflammation. Early treatment of this condition is essential in preventing complications, both revolving around the GI tract and systemic.
There is certainly a role for conventional medicine to play; however, natural remedies have emerged as an effective measure to reduce and prevent diverticulitis, through enhancing gut health and efficient symptom management. It is always important to confer with a trusted medical professional about the use of nutraceuticals to ensure safe and effective use.
The body is generally positioned to keep this condition under control. Through making small adjustments to daily life, treatment without the use of drugs or therapies can manage diverticulitis.
Natural Supplements and Herbs for Diverticulitis
Throughout history, diverticulitis has been treated with herbal remedies, with high rates of success. Compounds such as berberine and curcumin, active natural ingredients in Evinature’s DivertX nutraceutical formulated for diverticulitis, are helpful in treating diverticulitis and maintaining the strength and integrity of the gut lining.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric root, used as a potent anti-inflammatory to reduce immune system strain on the gut lining. It demonstrates success both in decreasing the frequency of flare-ups, and strengthening the intestinal barrier for maintained remission. Through bolstering the overall health of the GI tract, diverticulosis patients are less susceptible to developing diverticulitis, the inflamed pouches that are the cause of the condition.
Berberine
Berberine, an active compound found in Coptis Chinensis, reduces gut inflammation and directly combats the proliferation of the bacteria causing diverticulitis. Berberine blocks pathways that trigger excessive immune responses, which can help reduce pain and swelling in the gut. Additionally, it strengthens the gut lining, preventing harmful bacteria from leaking into the intestinal wall and worsening inflammation. By promoting a healthier gut environment and improving digestion, berberine may help ease symptoms of diverticulitis and support long-term gut health.
Ginger
Ginger is a prominent biophenol used to reduce inflammation in many gastrointestinal diseases, including IBD, IBS, and diverticulitis. Literature reviews conclude that ginger reduces inflammation by reducing the oxidative stress in the digestive tract. Oxidative stress is caused by the production of radical oxygen species that damage the mucosal inner lining, the part of the intestine that faces inward. In the case of diverticulitis, where the pouches become inflamed, this inflammation could be caused by an imbalance in the gut microflora through oxidative stress impacting the commensal bacteria, leading to overgrowth and consequent pathogenization of certain species. In this case, ginger could help reset gut microbiome balance and restore the inner gut lining.
Chamomile
Chamomile is often used to soothe irritated gut linings and relax strained muscles. Diverticulitis patients commonly experience intestinal strain, trapped gas, and abdominal pain, which chamomile, especially in a tea form, can treat. By relaxing the gut walls, the digestive system gets a break, which allows the body to begin the healing process and reduces the chance for additional inflammation to form. Chamomile is also an anti-oxidant and possesses some anti-microbial properties, which can pare back bacterial overgrowth underlying diverticulitis flare-ups.
Licorice Root
Licorice root, in certain strains, can act as a laxative and contains materials that can regulate the gut microbiota to combat diverticulitis. Through strengthening the mucus layer of the inner gut lining, this protects the GI muscles from irritation while pruning bacterial communities back from causing infection. However, significant side effects have been associated with certain doses and strains of licorice, such as raising blood pressure; therefore, discussing this option with a licensed physician or nutritionist is essential before implementing it as part of your diverticulitis treatment plan.
Marshmallow Root
Althaea officinalis is usually used to treat sore throats, though there is a growing number of nutritionists that are beginning to use it to treat diverticulitis and other gut disorders associated with an inflamed or irritated gut lining. Like psyllium and licorice root, marshmallow root is known for its mucilage properties, where water adheres to the material, creating a gel-like compound that can soothe an overworked gut lining and possesses some anti-inflammatory properties helpful in treating diverticulitis.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium is the name of a group of plants whose seeds form a gelatinous layer when they come into contact with water. Ayurvedic practitioners used the seeds for thousands of years to treat constipation, mild diarrhea, and inflammation in the gut. Clinical trials in recent years have demonstrated this herb’s potency in specifically treating diverticulitis; however, while it does increase the time food spends in the gut, it can interfere with digestive processes if used in excess. With regard to diverticulitis, the benefits of holding water in the gut for longer, as well as promoting excretion while combating inflammation could be beneficial during a flare-up.
Hydration and Diverticulitis
Making sure that you are adequately hydrated is vital for maintaining digestive function. Dehydration is linked to constipation and food remaining too long in the intestine, which may contribute to or worsen diverticulitis symptoms. Aiming for a healthy 6-8 cups of water a day, in addition to water intake from other sources such as foods and herbal teas with high concentrations of water, helps the body to better regulate the mucosal layer and protect against harmful gut bacteria.
Diet and Exercise for Diverticulitis
Before a diverticulitis flare-up, consuming fiber-rich foods assists in regulating bowel movements and reduces intestinal strain. However, during a flare-up or while experiencing inflammation, a liquid diet gives your gut the rest it needs to heal and recover. Additionally, adequate exercise on a consistent basis improves blood circulation and digestion, further preventing diverticular flare-ups.
Probiotics for Diverticulitis
Research suggests that probiotics, or foods containing specific bacteria such as Lactobacillus can assist in managing the symptoms of diverticulitis. These bacteria have demonstrated that their presence in the gut microflora restores balance in the intestinal ecosystem and prevents the extended proliferation of other bacteria in quantities that impact digestion. For diverticulitis patients with bacterial infections, consuming probiotics may aid in maintaining gut function and integrity.
Symptoms
Diverticulitis may feel like an IBD flare-up, with a few noticeable differences:
Abdominal pain:
In both conditions, inflammation and abnormal bowel movements contribute to abdominal pain. However, whereas IBD leads to discomfort in a variety of places throughout the intestinal tract, diverticulitis abdominal pain typically appears on the lower left side and usually remains local to that area.
Fever and chills:
Unlike IBD, diverticulitis may appear with fever and chills, which are symptomatic of an immune response. This is the body’s reaction to infection and inflammation of the diverticula. It is usually a sign of a more severe infection and requires medical attention.
Nausea and vomiting:
Diverticulitis primarily affects the digestive system; therefore, nausea and vomiting, common symptoms of digestive dysfunction, are also expected with the onset of diverticulitis.
Bloating and loss of appetite:
Since digestion cannot commence as usual, bloating occurs both as a response to strain in the intestines and as part of the immune response. Loss of appetite is also common, typically in combination with nausea.
Bloody Stool:
In severe cases, diverticula can tear through pressure or strain, leading to blood appearing in poop. Depending on if this is from the diverticula or rectum, the color will vary from brownish-maroon to bright red, respectively.
Conventional Medical Approaches
While natural treatments can support gut health and reduce inflammation, medical intervention may be essential in moderate-to-severe cases of diverticulitis. If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotic therapy—such as amoxicillin—is often prescribed to eliminate harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation. Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial to preventing complications and the development of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Pain management is another key aspect of treatment, with medications like acetaminophen helping to alleviate discomfort. Acetaminophen also contains antihistamine properties that can reduce inflammation at the source of pain. In more severe cases, diverticulitis may result from a mechanical obstruction in the bowel, leading to intense pain, inflammation, and, in some cases, rectal bleeding. Surgical intervention may be necessary to correct structural issues in the intestine and restore proper digestive function. Hospitalization is required in severe cases, especially when high fevers, persistent infections, extreme pain, or surgical needs arise. In such instances, medical supervision ensures appropriate treatment, recovery, and complication prevention.
How Can We Help at Evinature?
It is important to understand the options for treatment of diverticulitis, including Evinature’s DivertX nutraceutical. The symptoms of this condition can be managed well through natural medicine and healthy lifestyle choices, and conventional medicine plays a role in addressing more severe cases. If you are struggling to manage your diverticulitis, Evinature has a free assessment available online to advise which of their gut-targeted protocols will be best for managing your diverticulitis.
Summer Pitocchelli-Schwartzman
