Diverticulitis or diverticular disease is the inflammation of small sacs (diverticula) or otherwise called out-pouchings that are sometimes formed along the small or large intestine (colon) in areas of weakness.

When the sacs are empty, the diverticula do not cause unpleasant symptoms.
However, when food becomes trapped in these sacs and digestion via colon bacteria begins, the digested food particles become stagnant, thus causing inflammation and infection.

Some symptoms to look out for are:

• Cramping pains (especially on left side)
• Bloating in the abdomen region
• Diarrhea alternating with constipation
• Blood in stool
• Mucus in stool
• Nausea
• Fever
• Excessive flatulence

If the diverticulitis becomes more severe & spreads, the infection can spread out of the sacs to the rest of the colon and to other organs of the abdomen.
In extreme cases, perforation of the colon wall may result causing severe bleeding - surgical intervention may then be necessary.

The most effective prevention for diverticulitis is to:

• Eliminate junk foods
• Prevent constipation
• Maintain the correct bowel flora balance
• Ensure an efficient digestive system
• Maintain colon health

Conventional treatment depends on the symptoms & severity of the condition.
This ranges from increasing fluid & fibre intake to treatment with antispasmodics, antibiotics, pain killers or surgical removal of the affected colon area in extreme cases.

The drug free approach is with the use of 'clean food' & food supplements.

Most symptoms can be improved via diet manipulation and a specific supplementation program.
The supplements are used to maintain optimum sterilisation & digestion of foods and keep the infection under control.

SUMMARY: Improve your diet i.e. eliminate all junk & processed foods Improve the digestive process. Restore correct bowel flora (favourable bacteria in the colon). Provide the bowel with certain supplements to help it fight off food fermentation & infection. BENEFICIAL SUPPLEMENTS Psyllium Husk Digestive Enzymes FOS Probiotics e.g.. Bifo & Acidophilus Antifungals Caprylic Acid Flaxseed oil Garlic Grapefruit Seed Extract Vitamin C Aloe Vera Magnesium Zinc