The seven primary symptoms of diverticulitis include:
- Persistent pain, typically on the lower left side of the abdomen, but occasionally more intense on the right side.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal tenderness
- Constipation
- Cramping that resolves after a bowel movement or passing gas
- Bright red blood in the stool
Risk factors for diverticulitis include:
- Age, particularly those over 40
- Obesity
- Smoking
- A sedentary lifestyle
- A diet either high or low in fiber
- Use of certain medications, such as steroids, opioids, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium
Natural remedies can be essential for easing the symptoms of diverticulitis.
If you're seeking ways to manage diverticulitis, consider these home remedies:
1 – LIQUID DIET
During a flare-up, it's advised to switch to a liquid diet. Fortunately, this includes more than just water. Your options for a liquid diet can include:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Pulp-free fruit juice
- Soft drinks
- Sports drinks
- Chicken or beef broth
- Popsicles without fruit pieces
- Gelatin without added fruit
After a liquid diet, it's crucial to reintroduce solid foods gradually to avoid re-triggering symptoms.
2 – FIBER INTAKE GUIDELINES
Maintaining a balanced fiber intake is vital. Both excessive and insufficient amounts can exacerbate symptoms. The Institute of Medicine recommends consuming 19 to 28 grams daily, varying by age and gender, typically 15 grams per 1,000 calories.
If your fiber intake is too high, consider a lower-fiber diet with options like:
- Seedless, skinless fruits
- Cooked vegetables without seeds or skin
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- White bread, pasta, or rice
- Low-fiber cereal
- Cooked red meat
Even when reducing fiber, ensure you consume enough to prevent constipation, which can lead to intestinal bulging and increase the risk of inflamed pouch formation.
If you need to increase your intake, you'll have to seek out foods that are rich in that nutrient. Common high-fiber food options include:
- Vegetables with the skin
- Fruits with the skin
- Whole grains
- High-fiber cereals
- Beans
- Lentils
- Almonds
- Popcorn
3 – INCREASE YOUR VITAMIN D INTAKE
National Institutes of Health research indicates that higher Vitamin D levels may alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis. Insufficient Vitamin D intake can exacerbate symptoms. Adults are advised to consume about 15 micrograms per day, a target many fail to meet.
Sun exposure can boost your Vitamin D, but sunscreen with SPF is essential. Alternatively, you can enhance your Vitamin D intake with foods like:
- Fatty fish
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Vitamin D-fortified products such as cereal, milk, margarine, or orange juice
4 – USE A HEATING PAD
For painful diverticulitis symptoms, a heating pad can offer relief. In the absence of a heating pad, a hot water bottle is a good substitute.
Use a low heat setting on an electric pad to avoid burns, and wrap a towel around a hot water bottle.
5 – EXERCISE MORE
There are several reasons why increasing exercise can alleviate painful symptoms. Firstly, exercise prompts the body to release endorphins, natural painkillers.
Additionally, exercise is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, as confirmed by a 2019 study. It's recommended to engage in at least two and a half hours of exercise weekly for effectiveness.
Exercise can be enjoyable, with a variety of activities available to meet your fitness goals, such as:
- Walking
- Water aerobics
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Gardening or other yard work
- Playing tennis
- Biking
6 – DRINK WATER
As previously mentioned, a healthy fiber intake is crucial for this condition. Water is equally important as it complements the essential nutrient.
Together, fiber and water soften and bulk up your stool, facilitating its passage through the colon. Insufficient water intake, however, can lead to constipation, counteracting the benefits of fiber.
7 – LOSE WEIGHT
Obesity can heighten the risk of developing diverticulitis and exacerbate its symptoms.
Obese individuals have more adipose tissue, which releases cytokines that cause inflammation. They also often have a distinct intestinal microflora, contributing to the condition's development.
8 – AVOID FOODS THAT MAKE IT WORSE
Individuals with diverticulitis often find that certain foods exacerbate their symptoms. What affects one person may not impact another, so it's beneficial to monitor your diet to identify triggers during a flare-up.
Though trigger foods vary, common offenders include:
- Certain fruits like apples, pears, and plums
- Dairy products
- Fermented items such as sauerkraut and kimchi
- Beans
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Onions
- Garlic
9 – USE PROBIOTICS
Probiotics, which introduce beneficial bacteria, support a healthy digestive system. Available in capsules, tablets, or powder, probiotics are also present in yogurt. If you tolerate dairy well, yogurt can be a beneficial source of probiotics.
10 – DRINK ALOE VERA JUICE
Aloe vera aids in preventing constipation and alleviating pain and cramps, symptoms associated with diverticulitis. Consuming just two ounces daily may be effective in managing the condition.
11 – CONSUME GREEN TEA
Green tea possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe symptoms. Its antiviral and antibacterial qualities also help reduce inflammation and lower infection risks.
12 – ESSENTIAL OILS
Topically applied diluted lavender oil can provide pain relief. When diffused or added to bath water, it aids in relaxation and pain reduction. Relaxation may alleviate your symptoms, and the analgesic effect can improve your well-being.
13 – ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is recognized for alleviating pain and lessening the symptoms of various ailments, including diverticulitis.
An acupuncturist will evaluate your body's qi or energy to identify any imbalances. Following this personalized assessment, they will insert fine needles into specific points on your skin. This procedure is believed to enhance gastrointestinal health, thereby mitigating symptoms of diverticulitis and preventing exacerbations.
14 – SUPPLEMENT WITH BARLEY GRASS
Barley grass, rich in nutrients, is beneficial for treating inflammation and digestive issues. It also supports detoxification, internal cleansing, and tissue repair.
In addition to addressing inflammation and digestive discomfort, barley grass strengthens stomach walls, relieves constipation, and promotes colon health.
These advantages of barley grass play a role in both preventing and managing diverticulitis. Barley grass supplements are available in pill or powder form.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SYMPTOMS OF DIVERTICULITIS AND NATURAL REMEDIES TO COMBAT IT
Although the symptoms of diverticulitis can be painful and uncomfortable, natural remedies are available. Healthy eating can address the issue over the long term. For more immediate relief, numerous options are available for you to try.
These remedies can assist in managing your condition and increasing comfort during flare-ups. It's important to find the remedies that work best for you, keeping in mind that individuals respond differently to various remedies.
Focusing on healthy eating, consistent exercise, and adequate sunlight exposure are crucial aspects that can alleviate the symptoms of diverticulitis. However, it is still essential to seek medical attention if complications arise.
