Natural Relief for Diverticulitis

by Luella May

Diverticulitis, an inflammatory disease of the colon caused by infection, is an age related illness common in individuals over 40 in industrialized countries. As an individual ages, the risk of getting this disease increases. Whereas about 10% of Americans over the age of 40 suffer from diverticulitis, the number increases to around 50% of Americans over the age of 60.

Diverticulitis develops from the condition known as diverticulosis. Diverticulosis occurs when pouches, called diverticula, form outside of the colon. Diverticula form when pressure forces the inner lining of the intestines through weak spots in the outer layer of the colon. Diverticula pouches do not necessarily cause discomfort. The problem arises when waste or food particles become lodged in the pouches. The diverticula then become inflamed and the result is an infection known as diverticulitis.

The primary culprit for diverticulitis is a diet lacking in fiber. People who live in countries where the diet is rich in fiber have a very low incidence of diverticulosis, the condition which leads to diverticulitis. Since the cause for this condition is a poor diet, many of the remedies involve eating plenty of fiber and the right foods.

The onset of diverticulitis symptoms can be sudden and severe or they can be mild, growing in intensity. If diverticulitis is not treated or relieved, it can lead to formation of an abscess, perforation of the colon, or peritonitis (a life threatening infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity). Diverticulosis cannot be reversed. Thus it is important to prevent flare-ups.

Diverticulitis symptoms include:

*Abdominal cramping – more prominent on the lower left side
*Abdominal tenderness
*Diarrhea or constipation
*Blood in stools
*Nausea
*Vomiting
*Fever and/or chills
*Fatigue

In severe cases, diverticulitis may require hospitalization and may necessitate intravenous feeding. In less severe cases, a liquid diet will allow the colon to rest and the diverticula to heal.

Colloidal silver is very effective when treating diverticulitis or any other infection. Colloidal silver, “nature’s antibiotic” effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, even at times when antibiotics fail. Additionally, colloidal silver reduces inflammation and repairs injured tissue.

A healthy diet is of utmost importance in preventing diverticulitis. All processed foods, junk foods, fast foods, etc. should be eliminated. A diet high in fiber should be the focus, making sure to include as many raw fruits and vegetables as possible. Food should be chewed thoroughly. Additionally, it is important to drink plenty of liquids, consisting of water and natural fruit juices to flush out the system and prevent constipation. 

Exercise is another important key in avoiding diverticulitis. Regular exercise helps to strengthen and tone the muscles of the abdomen, aiding in digestion.

Other remedies that may help to prevent the onset of diverticulitis include the following:

*Taking a good whole foods derived multi-vitamin/multi-mineral supplement daily is important to help balance nutritional deficiencies. It is important to choose natural supplements, as many over-the-counter supplements are synthetic, the base ingredients being rock minerals and petroleum. Whole foods plant derived supplements are the best option.

*Digestive enzymes aid digestion, especially when eating cooked foods.

*Powdered barley grass juice is nutritious and restores general health. 

*Wild yam helps to balance hormones in the body and aids in healthy bowel functions.

*Papaya soothes the digestive tract and aids in digestion. 

*Slippery elm soothes the stomach, easing digestive pain and irritation.

*Sutherlandia frutescens is also effective in easing digestive pain and irritation. Known as the Cancer Bush in South Africa, it is used in the treatment of many health conditions.

*Rely on natural laxatives. For information on natural remedies for constipation, see:

http://www.tbyil.com/Constipation.htm

Sources:

http://www.collectivewizdom.com/Diverticulitis-Top10NaturalRemedies.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diverticulitis/DS00070/DSECTION=risk-factors
http://www.regenerativenutrition.com/content.asp?id=185