What is diverticulitis and diverticular disease?Many people over the age of 40 and up to 50% of those over 70 suffer from a diverticular disorder. Diverticulosis is a disease of lifestyle resulting mostly from a lack of fibre in the diet and inadequate exercise.
There are two main types of diverticular disorder: diverticulosis and the more serious diverticulitis. - In diverticulosis the inner lining of the large bowel pushes through the muscular layer that usually confines it, forming pouches ranging from pea-size to more than an inch in diameter. Though diverticulosis often has no symptoms, food can get trapped in these pouches which then become inflamed and infected. The result is diverticulitis, the symptoms of which are impossible to ignore ie sever pains in the colon, fever, bloating, diarrhea etc
What causes diverticulitis sacks?Most cases of diverticulosis probably stem from a low-fibre diet. A lack of fibre means that the colon must work harder to pass the stool, and straining during bowel movements can aggravate the condition. A diet low in fibre also increases the likelihood of diverticulitis because waste moves slowly, allowing more time for food particles to become trapped and cause inflammation or infection. Lack of exercise also makes the colon sluggish as it loses muscle tone. A tendency towards these disorders may run in families. What can you do about diverticulitis?Although supplements cannot reverse diverticulosis once a pouch has developed, they can help to prevent or ease flare-ups of infection. Providing fiber that forms bulk, psyllium acts to relieve or prevent constipation. Ground flaxseeds are also rich in fibre and ward off infection by keeping intestinal pouches clear. These two can be taken together first thing in the morning to assist with the initial bowel movements, along with probiotics such as acidophilus. The fibre helps to protect the acidophilus from stomach acids and carries it into the intestine where it alters the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, enabling the body to fight off intestinal infections. Acidophilus is especially important if you are taking antibiotics during a flare-up. The amino acid Glutamine is essential for regenerating the cells that line the intestine. Follow a healthy diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains to boost your fibre intake and drink at least eight glasses of water, or other fluids every day. |
