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Diverticulosis Home Remedies
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Once upon a time—say, before 1900—diverticulosis was just another of the many "rare" medical conditions that doctors had heard about but seldom had seen. Even today, diverticulosis is rare in Third World countries.
But not in the United States, land of the Big Mac. Studies indicate that more than half of all Americans over the age of 60 have diverticulosis—characterized by tiny, grapelike pouches or sacs (diverticula) along the outer wall of the colon. Almost everyone over age 80 has the condition.
These pouches show up on x-rays, but many people never have this area x-rayed and don't even know that they have the condition, says Samuel Klein, M.D.
Of those who do have diverticulosis, Dr. Klein says, only about 10 percent will ever progress to diverticulitis—a painful inflammation that can become serious. So having diverticulosis does not mean that you're destined for severe pain or a hospital stay.
Fortunately, you can take an active role in treating and preventing diverticulosis, thus avoiding the pain of diverticulitis. Here's what our experts suggest.
When to call a doctor
If you live long enough, chances are you will get diverticulosis. Even so, odds are you won't get diverticulitis—a painful inflammation that is potentially serious. Still, you should be aware of the warning signs.
Fever and severe pain in the lower left portion of the abdominal region are good indicators that diverticulosis has advanced to diverticulitis, says Marvin Schuster, M.D.
This change shouldn't be taken lightly.
"You can have rupturing or bleeding," says Albert J. Lauro, M.D. And while it doesn't happen often, people can die from diverticulitis.
So act on those warning signs and get to a doctor fast. And stay calm—the odds are still in your favor. "If it's just an infection," Dr. Lauro says, "it usually can be handled with rest, diet, and antibiotics. You'll be okay."
Panel of Advisors
Samuel Klein, M.D., is a William H. Danforth professor of medicine and nutritional science and director of the Center for Human Nutrition at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Albert J. Lauro, M.D., was formerly director of emergency medical services at Charity Hospital in New Orleans.
Craig Rubin, M.D., is a professor of internal medicine and chief of the geriatric section at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
Marvin Schuster, M.D., is director emeritus of the Center for Digestive Diseases at the Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, and professor emeritus of medicine and psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, both in Baltimore.
Paul Williamson, M.D., is an associate clinical professor of surgery at the University of Florida in Gainesville and a colon and rectal surgeon in Orlando.
Remedies
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Increase your fiber intake slowly
Take 6 to 8 weeks to gradually increase your fiber intake up to the recommended 30 to 35 grams each day, Dr. Klein suggests.
Bulk up on fiber
"Diverticulosis is a problem that is acquired," says surgeon Paul Williamson, M.D.
Combat constipation
Internal medicine specialist Craig Rubin, M.D., generally recommends this homemade remedy for constipation, but it's useful to anyone who wants to add fiber to their diet: Mix 1/2 cup of unprocessed bran and 1/2 cup of applesauce with 1/3 cup of prune juice.
Use natural laxatives
"Whole prunes, prune juice, and herbal teas are very effective natural laxatives," Dr. Schuster adds. Specially formulated teas can be found in most health food stores.
Eat highly processed foods in moderation
This is good general-health advice, but it also applies to treating diverticulosis.
Don't say "so long" to seeds
Until recently, many doctors told their patients to avoid tomatoes, strawberries, and other foods with small seeds.
If you can't get enough fiber in your diet, take a supplement
The best are psyllium seed supplements (such as Metamucil), says Dr. Schuster. "They're natural, too."
Don't use suppositories
While they may offer a quick fix to constipation, suppositories aren't the best choice for stimulating bowel movements."Your system can get addicted to them," Dr. Klein explains.
Drink lots of liquids
"Drink six to eight glasses of water a day," advises Dr. Klein, adding that the liquid is an important partner to fiber in combating constipation, which is associated with diverticulosis.
Go when you have to go
If you don't yield to nature's call, you defeat the purpose of adding more fiber to your diet and drinking more liquids. "Don't suppress the need to move your bowel," Dr. Williamson advises.
Exercise
It tones more than your legs and hips. Exercise also tones the muscles in your colon. "It helps bowel movements; you don't have to strain as much," says Dr. Klein.
Soothe your pain with heat
To relieve tenderness or cramping, hold a heating pad against the left side of your abdomen.
Don't smoke
Harmful in so many ways, smoking may also aggravate diverticulosis, says Albert J. Lauro, M.D.
Drink in moderation
"Alcohol in moderation—a drink or two a day—will actually relax spasm of the colon and could improve the situation a little bit," says Dr. Schuster.
Avoid caffeine
"Coffee, chocolate, teas, colas—all tend to irritate," Dr. Williamson says.
Look for a pattern
Certain foods may disrupt your bowel habits or cause loose stools, Dr. Williamson says. Try to identify those foods and avoid them.
Take it easy with ibuprofen and acetaminophen
Avoid high doses of ibuprofen, a common painkiller in the family of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
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Take it easy with ibuprofen and acetaminophen
Go when you have to go
Don't say "so long" to seeds