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digestive system
Diverticulosis
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
Diverticulosis is the presence of small pouches that form in the intestines. This condition is due to a weakened digestive system brought on by poor nutrition or overuse of laxatives.
When food gets trapped and decays and the small pouches become infected, the condition is called diverticulitis.
Common symptoms are cramps, a frequent urge to defecate with no results, constipation alter-nating with diarrhea, and possible fever.
In prolonged cases, the infection may spread to other parts of the body or sores may develop in the intestines. Both conditions have serious complications. If the symptoms become worse or more frequent, if there is blood in the bowel movements, or if fever goes above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, consult a physician immediately.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
B-complex vitamins 25 milligrams per day.
Folic acid 1 milligram per day.
A multivitamin and mineral supplement taken daily according to the product label. Make sure the supplement is free of sugar, yeast, and artificial ingredients.
A fiber supplement of either psyllium seed, guar gum, or pectin taken only when you are on a high fiber diet. This can help encourage regular bowel movements. One tablespoon of the supplement with 1 cup of water is taken at night just before bedtime.
THE PROPER DIET FOR DIVERTICULOSIS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
A high fiber diet can help prevent diverticular disease.
However, if you're experiencing pain and inflammation, fiber may first need to be removed from your diet.
For this purpose, the first stage is to temporarily use a liquid diet of vegetable juices, broths, and herbal teas. Choose from the following liquids: Carrot, beet, celery, unsweetened apple and grape juice, vegetable broth, and spirulina liquid drink, which is made from seaweed. Continue with the liquids until all pain subsides.
The second stage is to add soft foods such as mashed bananas, sweet potatoes, cooked carrots, and papaya.
The third stage is to add grated foods such as raw apples, carrots, and, later on, whole grains and proteins. These must be chewed slowly and well. When introducing new foods, do it one at a time to see which ones are tolerated better.
After 1 to 2 months on a diet of soft foods, if no further symptoms are experienced, a high fiber diet may be introduced.
Occasionally, when fiber is introduced, gas and mild discomfort may develop, which will resolve in 2 to 10 days. Increase fluid intake. Drink at least 8 glasses of fluids per day. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices are recommended to provide vitamins and minerals.
Maintain an overall healthy diet. Use fresh foods as close to the natural state as possible, avoiding prepackaged and processed foods. Eat daily servings of leafy green vegetables, whole grains (such as brown rice and rolled oats), fresh fruit, and proteins with a minimum of animal fat. Avoid sugars (such as pastries and candy) and refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and white rice). For more information, listen to our program on healthy diet (number 343).
PHYSICAL THERAPY MEASURES FOR DIVERTICULOSIS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. Colon therapy may be helpful. Consult a knowledgeable physician. Caution: Overuse of colonics or laxatives will worsen the condition.
2. It is important to exercise regularly. Engage at least 30 minutes, 3 times per week in physical exercise that will get the heart working vigorously. Brisk walking, aerobics, swimming, tennis, and racquet-ball are all excellent forms of exercise. Consult a physician before you begin an exercise program.
3. Castor oil packs Moisten a thin cotton cloth with castor oil (which is available in pharmacies) and place on the lower abdomen. Cover with a plastic bag and then a dry cloth. Leave in place and rest for an hour. Do this once a day.
NOW, LET'S LOOK AT HERBS FOR DIVERTICULOSIS:
Slippery Elm tea 1 teaspoon of Slippery Elm per cup of boiling water. Simmer 5 minutes. Steep 20 minutes. Drink 2 to 4 cups a day.
Marshmallow Root can be prepared in a similar way or taken in capsule form 2 capsules, 3 times a day.
HOMEOPATHY:
Nux Vomica 12C: If the major problem is constant urgency to move the bowels with little or no result, dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue, 3 times a day between meals.
Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with diverticulosis. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.