How to Treat Diverticulitis at Home

Being a disease of the digestive system, diverticulitis appears when small pouches named diverticula form on your digestive track and become infected. The symptoms of diverticulitis are most of the time nausea, abdominal pain, fever, gas, diarrhea, constipation or bloating.

It is not entirely sure what causes diverticulitis, but it is believed that certain factors such as physical inactivity, low fiber diet, smoking or even aging can make you prone to developing this condition. The treatment is mostly surgery and antibiotics, but in the meantime, you should try some safer options which are less invasive and more natural.

Diverticulitis home remedies

• Fiber

Consuming fiber and food that is low in fat (also red meat) might help in the prevention of diverticulitis: Examples of fiber-rich foods: green peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and spinach.

• Exercise

Exercising improves bowel movement, so in order to prevent diverticulitis, it is recommended that you exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.

• Probiotic supplements and digestive enzymes

Probiotics are “good” bacteria found in your intestines which help your immune system work properly. Digestive enzymes also help in the functioning of your bowels. These are aids in treating the symptoms of diverticulitis.

• Herbal remedies

Chamomile, cat’s claw, licorice, wild yarn, marshmallow or slippery elm can also help treat diverticulitis by soothing the mucous membranes and reduce the associated pain or inflammation.

• Drinking warm water instead of cold water

Drinking cold water may seem more appealing, but it is in fact not beneficial to the digestive system. The body has to warm up the consumed cold water, and thus, the energy is concentrated on that instead of the actual digestion. Try to sip warm water throughout your day to stimulate your digestion and prevent diverticulitis.

• Aloe Vera

It heals the digestive tract and works by coating the digestive system and promoting defecation. Consuming Aloe Vera right after a meal helps your digestion and soothes your digestive tract.

• Supplements

Studies show that supplements that contain glutamine and Omega-3 fatty acids can help diminish the symptoms of diverticulitis.

• Glutamine: boosts your intestine functions and is great for your internal health

WARNING! Do not consume glutamine if you have a history of seizures, manic episodes, diabetes or liver disease!

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish oil, they help in reducing the inflammation. Avoid Omega-6 fatty acids which are present in dairy products and meats, since this type tends to increase inflammation.

WARNING! Do not take Omega-3 supplements if you are taking blood-thinning medicine. Consult with your doctor before you try to take any sort of supplements.

• Relaxing and properly chewing the food

In order to promote bowel movement, you need to relax, especially when on the toilet. Straining can lead to tears in your colon, which become susceptible to infections when there’s stool sitting for too long.

Precautions for diverticulitis                     

If your diverticulitis symptoms persist, be sure to pay a visit to your doctor. You should also tell him or her of the herbal remedies and supplements that you took because they can cause complications or react negatively to the treatment you were given.