Some studies have shown that certain probiotic strains may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of diverticulitis, while others have shown no benefit. Discuss any changes to your diet or supplement regimen with a healthcare provider is always a good idea.
Maintain a healthy gut environment
In addition to using these more specific supplements as necessary, many sufferers of diverticular disease also choose to take a good quality, well-researched, daily probiotic supplement on an ongoing basis, to help keep their gut bacteria in good order.
The probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces boulardii, and bifidobacteria may help maintain the health of the intestines and these strains have been found to be some of the best probiotics for diverticulitis sufferers.
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.
Many fiber supplements include insoluble fiber supplements, such as psyllium and glucomannan (3 to 5 g per day of either supplement). Your doctor may also suggest soluble fiber supplements, such as flaxseed and oat bran, which can be less irritating than insoluble supplements.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Several studies have shown that the risk of bleeding in diverticula is higher in people who take NSAIDs. 2 OTC NSAIDS include Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve or Naprosyn (naproxen).
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.
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.
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.
Probiotics contain live bacteria that may help balance the gut microbiota. They occur in some foods and are also available as supplements. Evidence is emerging that probiotics may help with a range of diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and other types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Studies have also shown that certain probiotic bacteria can prevent or minimize intestinal inflammation in some animal models. Clinical evidence also adds support for the use of probiotics in IBD. It is well known that diversion of the fecal stream in Crohn's disease typically leads to mucosal healing.
Can diverticulitis go away on its own? If it's mild and uncomplicated, it can go away on its own. But you should still go to a healthcare provider to have it evaluated. They might need to give you antibiotics for an infection, and some people might need prescription pain medications.
Certain medications. Several drugs are associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis, including steroids, opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Antibiotics Likely To Be Unnecessary
Antibiotics have been a primary treatment for diverticulitis. But UH colorectal surgeon Trevor Teetor, MD, says recent evidence shows antibiotics are unnecessary for patients with mild cases and no complications. “We always thought acute cases involved an immediate infection,” Dr.
Lifestyle remains the major culprit behind diverticulitis flare-ups, such as a high-fat, low-fiber diet commonly found in Western countries.
13 However, if you're having symptoms of diverticulitis, look for lower-fiber options, like applesauce. Bananas are another good source of fruit fiber. They also have a lot of potassium and can be especially helpful if you're recovering from a stomach upset. If you're prone to constipation, avoid unripe bananas.
Diverticulitis is an intestinal disease that can cause fatigue in some people. The fatigue may be caused by infection, inflammation, or sleep disruption due to pain. It could also be related to nutritional deficiencies such as anemia, dehydration, medication side effects, or surgery.
Take fiber supplements — You can take fiber supplements like Metamucil, Citrucel or Benefiber to bulk up your stool. Seeds and nuts — In the past we advised diverticulitis patients to avoid whole pieces of fiber, like seeds, corn and nuts.
Magnesium hydroxide is relatively contraindicated in patients with colostomy, diverticulitis, or ileostomy because it increases the risk of developing electrolyte imbalance. The laxative effects of magnesium hydroxide can aggravate ulcerative colitis; use in these patients is relatively contraindicated.
Physical adaptation to a severe social stress possibly generates sustained dominance of the sympathetic over the parasympathetic activity, leading through a prolonged spasm of the sigmoid to the creation of diverticula and the related disease.
Depending on how sensitive you are, many people feel a difference after a few days. More fundamental effects of the probiotics such as improvements to mood, weight loss or a reduction in inflammation of your gut barrier might set in after 4-8 weeks.
Consuming a probiotic may also help with reducing inflammation in the gut. 70% of the immune system is found in the gut so it is not surprising that there is a strong relationship between digestive and immune health.
To add more targeted support and to benefit from potent anti-inflammatory effects, Saccharomyces boulardii can be used as maintenance for IBD patients.