Diverticulitis and symptoms of diverticulitis :

Diverticulitis or diverticular disease is the inflammation of small sacs (diverticula) or otherwise called out-pouchings that are sometimes formed along the small or large intestine (colon) in areas of weakness.

When the sacs are empty, the diverticula do not cause unpleasant symptoms.
However, when food becomes trapped in these sacs and digestion via colon bacteria begins, the digested food particles become stagnant, thus causing inflammation and infection.

Many people in their mid 80's have developed some small pouches (diverticuli) that bulge outwards through weak spots in the colon. This is known as diverticulosis.
Most people with this condition have no adverse symptoms but if the pouches become irritated, inflamed or infected, diverticulitis occurs.

Some symptoms of diverticulitis to look out for are:

• Abdominal cramping pains (especially on left side)
• Bloating in the abdomen region
• Diarrhea alternating with constipation
• Blood in stool
• Mucus in stool
• Nausea
• Fever
• Excessive flatulence
• Vomiting may occur

It is thought that diverticulitis is a 'Western Problem' due to our refined and low bulk diets which are responsible for dry, hardened stools - also see Constipation.
It is a very common condition in developed countries and very rare in countries where people still eat high fibre vegetables, fruits and basically whole foods.

If the diverticulitis becomes severe & spreads, the infection can spread out of the sacs to the rest of the colon and to other organs of the abdomen.
In extreme cases, perforation of the colon wall may result causing severe bleeding - surgical intervention may then be necessary to remove the damaged sections.

The most effective prevention for diverticulitis is to:

• Eliminate junk foods
• Eat more vegetables, fruits and high fibre foods
• Prevent constipation
• Maintain the correct bowel flora balance
• Ensure an efficient digestive system
• Maintain colon health

Conventional treatment for diverticulitis depends on the symptoms & severity of the condition.
This ranges from increasing fluid & fibre intake to treatment with antispasmodics, antibiotics for diverticulitis infections, pain killers or surgical removal of the affected colon area in extreme cases.

In order to stop further colon deterioration and to reduce symptoms, diet has to be altered.
Eat only 'proper food' (no ready meals) and increased fibre intake.
Various food supplements can also be very beneficial.
The supplements are used to maintain correct bowel flora (they act like a natural antibiotic), optimise sterilisation & digestion of foods and keep the infection under control.

DIVERTICULITIS SUMMARY Avoid coffee and caffeine. Eliminate alcohol. Improve your diet i.e. eliminate all junk & processed foods Increase food fibre intake. Improve the digestive process. Restore correct bowel flora (favourable bacteria in the colon). Provide the bowel with certain supplements to help it fight off food fermentation & infection. Offer the Liver support in it's detoxification function. Restore the body's immune system so that it will repair damaged tissue & enhance it's ability to ward off recurring infection. BENEFICIAL INGREDIENTS Ispaghula seeds (psyllium) Probiotics e.g.. Acidophilus & Bifidophilus Liquorice Red clover Echinacea Goldenseal Fenugreek seed Digestive Enzymes Bayberry Caprylic Acid Peppermint Garlic Caraway Grapefruit Seed Extract Vitamin C L-Glutamine Magnesium Zinc Ginger Marshmallow

Basics about : Diverticuli, blood and mucus in the stool, bowel inflammation and diet for diverticulitis and symptoms of diverticulitis.