Diverticulitis

There are small bulging pouches that can form in the lining of the digestive system, most often in the colon or large intestine, and these are called diverticula.  The formation of these sacs is referred to as Diverticulosis, but having diverticula does not indicate Diverticulitis. If the diverticula become inflamed, then this is considered Diverticulitis.  When people have Diverticulitis, they will most commonly experience severe abdominal pain or a change in bowel habits. 

• Since the Standard American Diet can lead to constipation and other bowel disorders, it may benefit you to go on a liquid diet to rest your bowels and eliminate built-up waste in your digestive tract.  Drinking freshly made juices, smoothies, broths, and teas can help boost the immune system and repair the intestinal wall.  Try drinking our immune boosting soup by clicking here.  
• Ginger tea is one of the best liquids to consume because it is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the inflamed or infected diverticula.  Additionally, it promotes a healthy digestive system and helps establish healthy bowel movements. 
• If you are extremely opposed to an elemental liquid diet, which recommended for at least 5-7 days, it is important to introduce fiber-rich foods into your diet.  You do, however, need to know what fiber to eat.  There is insoluble fiber and soluble fiber.  Insoluble fiber foods, which can lead to constipation or bulk stools, include whole grains and wheat bran.  Soluble fiber foods, including oat bran, flaxseeds, nuts, beans, lentils, barley, and peas, retain water and allow your body to absorb nutrients from the food you digest.  This means that you should eliminate fast food, dairy products, meat, meat products, salt, refined sugars, and alcohol from your diet to help heal from Diverticulitis.
• It is important to stay hydrated to aid the digestive system.  Drinking the recommended eight 8oz glasses of water per day is a great way to maintain hydration.  Another healthy measurement is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water.  If you way 150lbs and divide that by 2 to get 75, then you should be drinking 75oz of water each day.  Additionally, herbal teas, water with lemon juice, mint tea, or dandelion tea may help establish healthy gut flora and regular bowel movements.
• Movement creates movement, which means it is wise for those with Diverticulitis to exercise regularly.  Aerobic exercise is best because the constant movement help improve digestion and relieve constipation.  It is recommended to exercise for at least 30-40 minutes a day, and the best exercises included walking, bicycling, rebounding, yoga, Tai Chi, and pilates.
• While it is an all natural pesticide, diatomaceous earth is one of the best anti-parasitic remedies.  When you buy diatomaceous earth it is important to buy food grade, as the industrial grade is chemically treated and used in swimming pool filters.  It kills insects, parasites, or worms, all of which can be detrimental to Diverticulitis, by dehydrating them.  If you mix one tablespoon of diatomaceous earth with water and drink it for seven days straight, it should effectively kill the living parasites in your body.  The amount of the diatomaceous earth needs to be altered if using it for children. For example, a 4-foot tall child should take 2 teaspoons, while a 2-foot tall child should only take 1 teaspoon.  While using diatomaceous earth, it is important to stay hydrated because the the earth naturally dehydrates the body.
• If you aren’t going to use diatomaceous earth, using a combination of woodworm, black walnut hulls, and cloves is another way to efficiently cleanse the digestive system.  Add thyme and burdock to this regimen and you should be able to effectively flush out harmful organisms or bacteria.  If finding these items proves difficult, you can participate in our Parasite and Worm Cleanse or 10-Day Colon Cleanse to improve your condition. 
• It may be beneficial for you to consume probiotics to help establish healthy gut flora.  The healthy bacteria in probiotic foods must be able to stick to your digestive tract in order to benefit your body, so you may not want to eat these foods immediately.  It may be more beneficial to eat these foods after consuming liquids for a week.  The best probiotic foods to eat include sauerkraut, fermented vegetables, kefir, and kombucha.