Probiotics emerge as a new gut microbiota-related intervention that might help manage acute uncomplicated diverticulitis by reducing inflammatory markers seen in patients with diverticulitis.
Whilst diverticulitis usually requires medical attention, the addition of a good probiotic is worth considering to improve the intestinal flora, and to help normalise bowel function and regulate inflammation.
Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), can help the gut absorb nutrients, break down food, and defend the body against disease-causing organisms.
Omega-3 fatty acids , such as those found in fish oil, may help fight inflammation. (On the other hand, some omega-6 fatty acids, found in meats and dairy products, tend to increase inflammation.) If you have diverticulitis, eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, or take a supplement (1,000 mg, 1 to 2 times per day).
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.
Uncomplicated diverticulitis
Your doctor is likely to recommend: Antibiotics to treat infection, although new guidelines state that in very mild cases, they may not be needed. A liquid diet for a few days while your bowel heals. Once your symptoms improve, you can gradually add solid food to your diet.
Diverticulitis is caused by an infection of one or more of the diverticula. It is thought an infection develops when a hard piece of stool or undigested food gets trapped in one of the pouches. This gives bacteria in the stool the chance to multiply and spread, triggering an infection.
Two recent clinical trials showed L. reuteri ATCC PTA 4659 at a dose of 5 x 108 colony-forming units for 10 days might help manage acute uncomplicated diverticulitis and reduce hospitalization periods in adults admitted to the emergency department, either as an adjuvant to the standard antibiotic therapy or alone.
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.
Studies show that probiotics help with symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. But more research to form a standard treatment goes on. Research into whether probiotics may help people with Crohn's disease is less clear. The studies have been small, and we need more research into what types of probiotics might work.
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.
Dairy: “Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are real winners if you're recovering from a flare-up: They're high in protein, calcium and other nutrients and don't have any fiber. They're also soft, moist and easier to get down if you're not feeling well,” says Taylor.
Diverticulosis is a condition in which small, bulging pouches (diverticuli) form inside the lower part of the intestine, usually in the colon. Constipation and straining during bowel movements can worsen the condition. A diet rich in fiber can help keep stools soft and prevent inflammation.
When diverticulitis resolves, the recommendation is a balanced, high-fiber diet.” Exercise is another way to reduce your risk for developing diverticulitis, as movement promotes normal bowel function and reduces the pressure inside the colon.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil) have been linked to increased instances of diverticulitis. (17) Smoking and obesity have also been shown to be risk factors for developing the condition.
Diverticulitis Recovery Time
This can take as long as two weeks. But, you'll begin to feel better in as short as 24-hours. If you experience any complications or must receive surgery, your recovery time will take longer.
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.
Actually, no specific foods are known to trigger diverticulitis attacks. And no special diet has been proved to prevent attacks. In the past, people with small pouches (diverticula) in the lining of the colon were told to avoid nuts, seeds and popcorn.
Mild colonic diverticulitis can be treated without antibiotics.
When stress is added to the overall picture, the problem of diverticulitis becomes an issue. This is due to the body impulses that will immediately address stressful situations by shifting the oxygen and blood from the digestive tract to the brain and muscles.
Bulk-forming laxatives such as Metamucil or Citrucel may be recommended after the diverticulitis flare-up has resolved. These types of supplements can help add fiber to the diet while treating either constipation or diarrhea.