Yes, fermented turmeric and ginger may be helpful. As I've mentioned in previous articles, both of these herbs have great anti-inflammatory properties, which may alleviate inflammation from diverticulitis. Ginger has anti-spasmodic properties and can be helpful in preventing and treating nausea.
Home remedies for diverticulitis that may be recommended include following a liquid diet, increasing your intake of fiber and anti-inflammatory foods, avoiding red meat and high-fat foods, cutting back on alcohol, exercising, and trying certain supplements.
Natural anti-inflammatory compounds may counteract some of the inflammatory processes that contribute to diverticular disease. These include the omega-3 fatty acids from fish, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); curcumin from the turmeric plant, Curcuma longa; and Boswellia serrata extract.
Mild cases of diverticulitis are usually treated with antibiotics and a low-fiber diet, or treatment may start with a period of rest where you eat nothing by mouth, then start with clear liquids and then move to a low-fiber diet until your condition improves. More-severe cases typically require hospitalization.
Traditional therapy includes fiber, rest, antibiotics, pain control and surgery for selected cases. Natural treatments for diverticulitis include eating a high-fiber diet with more anti-inflammatory and probiotic foods and using supplements, such as slippery elm, aloe vera and protein powder made from bone broth.
For patients who want to reduce their risk, a reasonable recommendation is to follow an anti-inflammatory diet. For example eating a high amount of green leafy vegetables, dark-yellow vegetables, coffee and tea and low consumption of red meat, processed meat, refined grain and sugary beverages.
In about 95 out of 100 people, uncomplicated diverticulitis goes away on its own within a week. In about 5 out of 100 people, the symptoms stay and treatment is needed. Surgery is only rarely necessary.
Eating a high-fiber diet, rich in foods such as bran, whole-wheat pasta, apples, pears, raspberries, beans, sweet potatoes, avocados, and vegetables, can help prevent regular flare-ups.
More recently, the spice has been associated with the treatment of irritable bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis. Turmeric's potential healing powers come from curcumin, a phytochemical that is the active substance in turmeric, says the American Gastroenterological Association.
Curcumin (Turmeric)
Curcumin is the naturally occurring chemical found in the spice turmeric – which is derived from a ginger root – and may help to reduce inflammation. Some small studies have shown promising results in the treatment of ulcerative colitis when used with mesalamine therapy.
Traditional medicine has recommended turmeric for a wide range of health conditions, including chronic pain and inflammation. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, we believe that curcumin or turmeric may help manage IBS and the associated symptoms.
The most commonly accepted theory for the formation of diverticulosis is related to high pressure within the colon, which causes weak areas of the colon wall to bulge out and form the sacs. A diet low in fiber and high in red meat may also play a role.
Water and clear juices (such as apple, cranberry, or grape), strained citrus juices or fruit punch. Coffee or tea (without cream or milk) Clear sports drinks or soft drinks, such as ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, or club soda (no cola or root beer) Clear broth, bouillon, or consommé
For most people, diverticulitis won't affect their life span. Many people don't even know they have diverticular disease. Only a small percentage will have symptoms, and an even smaller number will have complications.
Also, the mean age of patients with the first episode of diverticulitis is approximately 65 years, and such patients have an average life expectancy of 14 years.
Once a person has had diverticulitis, as in your situation, the risk of another episode increases substantially. Age and previous history are the two key risk factors. Diet may also play a role, but its influence isn't as clear-cut as the other two.
Diets low in fibre can cause constipation which in turn can cause straining and an increased risk of diverticula forming. Constipation also increases the risk of diverticula becoming infected.
Plus, probiotics have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to ease inflammation from diverticulitis. Probiotics are available in supplement form, but they can also be found in certain foods, such as yogurt, kombucha, and fermented vegetables.