Diverticular disorders

There are two main types of diverticular disorders: 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 (diverticula) ranging from pea-size to more than an inch in diameter. Though diverticulosis often produces no symptoms, food can get trapped in these pouches, which then become inflamed and infected. The result is diverticulitis, whose symptoms are impossible to ignore.

Most cases of diverticulosis probably stem from a low-fiber diet. A lack of fiber means the colon must work harder to pass the stool, and straining during bowel movements can aggravate the condition. A diet low in fiber also increases the likelihood of diverticulitis because waste moves slowly, allowing more time for food particles to become trapped and cause inflammation or infection. And lack of exercise makes the colon contents sluggish. The tendency toward such disorders may run in families.

Supplements and herbs

Although supplements cannot reverse diverticulosis once a pouch has developed, they (and changes in your diet) can help prevent or ease flare-ups. Providing fiber that forms bulk, psyllium acts to relieve or prevent constipation. Ground flaxseeds are also rich in fiber and ward off infection by keeping intestinal pouches clear. These two can be taken together long term first thing in the morning to assist with the initial bowel movement, along with probiotics such as acidophilus.
The fiber helps protect the acidophilus from stomach acids and carries it into the intestine, where it alters the bacterial balance in the digestive tract, enabling the body to fight off intestinal infections. Acidophilus is especially important if you're taking antibiotics during a flare-up.

Additional supplements, which may be particularly useful for treating flare-ups, are best taken at least two hours after taking psyllium, which can interfere with their absorption. Aloe vera juice promotes the healing of inflamed areas, as does the amino acid glutamine, which is essential for regenerating the cells that line the intestine. These two can be combined with one or more relieving herbs. Slippery elm is a mild natural laxative that soothes infected diverticula. Chamomile and wild yam are anti-inflammatories. Peppermint relaxes digestive spasms, and valerian and melissa likewise help soothe the digestive tract.

What else you can do

• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to boost your fiber intake to 20 to 30 grams a day.
• Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water or other fluids every day.

How much to take

Psyllium

1 tbsp. powder dissolved in water or juice twice a day.
Be sure to drink extra water throughout the day.

Flaxseeds

2 tbsp ground flaxseeds in glass of water twice a day.
Be sure to drink extra water throughout the day.

Acidophilus

2 pills twice a day between meals.
Get 1-2 billion live (viable) organisms per pill.

Aloe vera juice

1/2 cup juice twice a day.
Containing 98% aloe vera and no aloin or aloe-emodin.

Glutamine

500 mg L -glutamine twice a day on an empty stomach.
When using for longer than 1 month, add a mixed amino acid complex (follow package directions).

Slippery elm

1 cup bark powder; prepared like hot cereal each morning.
Or use tea (1 tsp per cup) 3 times a day.

Chamomile

As a tea,1 cup 3 times a day.
Use 2 tsp dried herb per cup of hot water; steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Alternatively, try melissa tea.

Wild yam / Peppermint / Valerian

1 cup tea 3 or 4 times a day.
Use 2 parts wild yam, 1 part peppermint, 1 part valerian per cup of hot water; steep 10 minutes, strain. Sweeten to taste.

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