Diverticulosis
Description
Diverticulosis, is characterized by one-fourth to one inch diverticula formed in weakened sections of the colon wall. There may be a single diverticula or many.
Diverticulosis, one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, is noninflammatory and often has no symptoms. However, it may give rise to the more serious disorder, diverticulitis, which is inflammatory.
Treatment includes increased dietary fiber, bulk-producing laxatives, drugs to alter intestinal motility and antibiotics for inflammation. If complications such as an abscess are found, surgery may be required.
Causes
Primary Factors
The primary cause of diverticulosis is excessive pressure on the colon due to straining to produce stool, a change in stool consistency or weakness in the bowel wall.
Predisposing Factors
Diet high in fats, meat, carbohydrates and processed foods; and diet low in fiber, roughage, and nondigestible parts of fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, seeds and roots.
Signs & Symptoms
Diverticulosis is usually asymptomatic. Consequently, many people do not realize they have this disorder. If symptoms do occur, they are similar to those of diverticulitis.
The following symptoms may be noted:
| Nausea | Vomiting |
| Bloody stools | Cramps |
| Spot tenderness | Slightly distorted abdomen |
| Fever, indicating diverticulitis | Diarrhea often alternating with constipation |
Abdominal pain which may increase or decrease with bowel movement on the left side
Diverticulitis
| Dysuria | Pyuria |
| Pneumaturia | Passing gas or feces through the vagina |
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function:
Intestinal Health &
Antioxidants
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | |
| Fiber | 3 - 5 tbsp | 1 - 3 tbsp |
| Vitamin C | 1 - 2,000 mg | 200 - 1,000 mg |
| Vitamin E | 200 - 400 IU | 100 - 200 IU |
| Zinc | 20 - 40 mg | 10 - 20 mg |
One specific fiber is glucomannan. It is worth emphasizing that fiber should be taken with plenty of fluids.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
On a High Fiber Diet, individuals experience relief from symptoms and fewer required surgery for complications of diverticular disease. In one study, 91% of individuals who had been hospitalized with diverticulosis were symptom-free five to seven years after adding bran to their diet. A change in fecal consistency occurs when fiber is added to the diet. Fiber retains water in the fecal mass, resulting in softer, bulkier stools. These stools are easier to move through the intestinal tract. The abdominal pressure is reduced, and no diverticula are formed in the intestinal wall.
Fiber varies in its ability to increase stool weight from source to source. Bran is more effective than fruits and vegetables in increasing fecal bulk. As a general rule, the larger the bran particle, the greater its ability to hold water. Fiber should be added to the diet at a rate of five grams per week for one month.
A sudden increase in fiber intake can cause abdominal discomfort and flatulence, resulting in patient noncompliance. The individual should be advised to drink plenty of fluids.
Diverticulitis should be treated with a Low Fiber Diet during the acute phase.
Homeopathic Remedy
Diverticulitis
Main remedy is: Veratrum album - Homaccord
Galium - combination remedy.
Nux vomica - homaccord i.e. different potencies.
Diarrheel - 1 tablet with X potencies t.i.d.
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Aloe vera gel
Apple juice
Chamomile
Marshmallow root
Slippery elm bark
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Aloe vera gel can be soothing. It has even been applied directly via the rectum.
Apple juice is often recommended.
Chamomile reduces inflammation, counteracts flatulence and reduces pain. (1,500 mg t.i.d. between meals.)
Marshmallow root is a mucilaginous product which soothes and heals. (1,000 mg t.i.d. between meals.)
Slippery elm bark is another mucilaginous product. (1,500 mg t.i.d. between meals.)
References:
Hoffmann, D: The New Holistic Herbal. Element, 1983. Third edition 1990.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Related Health Conditions
Constipation
Cramp
Diarrhea
Diverticulitis
Fever
Pain
References
Akhrass R et al., Small-bowel diverticulosis: perceptions and reality. J Am Coll Surg, 184:383-8, 1997 Apr.
Aldoori WH et al., Prospective study of physical activity and the risk of symptomatic diverticular disease in men [see comments]. Gut, 36:276-82, 1995 Feb.
Aldoori WH et al., A prospective study of alcohol, smoking, caffeine, and the risk of symptomatic diverticular disease in men. Ann Epidemiol, 5:221-8, 1995 May.
Berry, C.S. & J. Hardy. Dietary Fibre and Prevention of Diverticular Disease of the Colon. Lancet, August 4, 1984.
Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.
Brodribb, A.J.M. 1979. The treatment of diverticular disease with dietary fibre. Dietary Fibre Current Developments of Importance of Health, 2nd ed. Heaton, K.W., ed. John Libbey and Co., London.
Carias de Oliveira N & Welch JP: Giant diverticula of the colon: a clinical assessment. Am J Gastroenterol, 92:1092-6, 1997 Jul.
Cummings JH: Diverticular disease and your mother’s diet [comment]. Gut, 39:489-90, 1996 Sep.
Eschleman, M. M. 1984. Introductory Nutrition and Diet Therapy. J. B. Lipincott Co., Philadelphia. 464 pp.
Heinerman, John. 1982. Herbal Dynamics. Root of Life, Inc.: Publ.
Hui, Y.H. 1983. Human nutrition and diet therapy. WadsWorth, Inc; Belmont, California. 1039 pp.
Kirschmann, J.D. 1990. Nutrition Almanac: Nutrition Search. McGrew-Hill: New York.
Kunz, J.R.M. 1982. The American Medical Association Family Medical Guide. Random House Pub, New York. 832 pp.
Luke, B. 1984. Principles of Nutrition and Diet Therapy. Little, Brown, and Co., Boston. 816 pp.
Madiba, T.E. & Mokoena, T. Pattern of diverticular disease among Africans. East Afr. Med. J. 1994 Oct; 71(10):644-6.
Robbins, S.L. & R.S. Cotran. 1979. Pathologic Basis of Disease, 2nd ed. Saunders Pub Co., Philadelphia. 1598 pp.
Subak-Sharpe, G.J. 1984. The Physician's Manual For Patients. Times Books Pub, New York. 607 pp.
Walter-Suck, I. Significance of Fiber Substances in Nutrition. Internist, 25. 1984.
Wess L et al., An association between maternal diet and colonic diverticulosis in an animal model [see comments]. Gut, 39:423-7, 1996 Sep.
Wilcox CM Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are associated with both upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Dig Dis Sci, 42:990-7, 1997 May.
Wyngaarden, J.B. & L.H. Smith. 1985. Cecil's Textbook of Medicine. Saunders Pub Co., Philadelphia. 2341 pp.
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