The Wellness Center Theresa Dale, PhD, CCN, NP Diverticulitis Protocol Diverticulitis is small, bulging sacs or pouches of the inner lining of the intestine (diverticulosis) that become inflamed or infected. Most often, these pouches are in the large intestine (colon). Causes, incidence, and risk factors Traditional medicine does not know exactly what causes the sacs, or pouches of diverticulosis to form. Eating a low-fiber diet is one of the most likely causes. People who eat mostly processed food, as many Americans eat, do not get enough fiber in their diet. Processed foods include white rice, white bread, most breakfast cereals, crackers, and pretzels. As a result, constipation and hard stools are more likely to occur - causing people to strain when passing stools. This increases the pressure in the colon or intestines and may cause these pouches to form. Diverticulosis is very common. It is found in more than half of Americans over age 60. Only a small number of these people will develop diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is caused by small pieces of stool (feces) that become trapped in these pouches, causing infection or inflammation. Parasites could also be an issues and must be tested. Symptoms People with diverticulosis often have no symptoms, but they may have bloating and cramping in the lower part of the belly. Rarely, they may notice blood in their stool or on toilet paper. Symptoms of diverticulitis are more severe and often start suddenly, but they may become worse over a few days. They include: Tenderness, usually in the left lower side of the abdomen Bloating or gas Not feeling hungry and not eating Blood in your stools Fever above 100.4 F that dos not go away Nausea, vomiting, or chills Sudden belly or back pain that gets worse or is very severe 1
Signs and tests Your health care provider will examine you. Blood tests may be ordered to see if you have an infection. Other tests that help diagnose diverticulitis may include: CT scan Ultrasound of the abdomen X-rays of the abdomen Thereare4basictestsforcoloncancer:astooltest(tocheckforblood; sigmoidoscopy(inspectionofthelowercolon;colonoscopy(inspectionoftheentire colon;anddoublecontrastbariumenema.all4areeffectiveincatchingcancersinthe earlystages,whentreatmentismostbeneficial. DidyouknowthatNeuroPhysicalReprogrammmingcaneasilydetectthisissue anditsemotionalcomponentsandothercauses? Treatment The treatment of diverticulitis depends on the severity of your symptoms. Some people may need to be in the hospital, but usually you can treat this problem at home. To help with the pain, your doctor may suggest that you: Rest in bed and possibly use a heating pad on your belly Castor Oil Pack on the entire abdomen including gallbladder and liver area. 2
Drink only fluids for a day or two, and then slowly begin drinking thicker liquids and then eating foods. BioFilm Detox; one or two with meals Raw Nattokinase 2 twice daily Optimal Multi: 2 with breakfast Nano Ionic Multi: 30 drops in water once daily. Mind, Body, Meridian #5 Colon: see label Slow Cleanse for two months Check for parasites and Candida ParaPro & Colon Pro see label Candida Ease see label (avoid fermented foods) Diet Eating more fiber can help prevent future attacks. If you have bloating or gas, reduce the amount of fiber you eat for a few days. Steamed Veggies Coconut Kefir Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Low Carb. Once these pouches have formed, you may have them for life. If you make a few simple changes in your lifestyle, you may not have diverticulitis again. Some foods can make your symptoms worse: AVOID beans and peas, coarse grains, coconut, corn or popcorn, dried fruits, skins on vegetables and fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, pickles, and cucumbers. Avoid nuts, seeds, dairy, red meat. Gluten, high carb. Do not drink too much coffee, tea, or alcohol. They can make constipation worse. Expectations (prognosis) Usually, this is a mild condition that responds well to treatment. Some people will have more than one attack of diverticulitis. Complications More serious problems that may develop are: Abnormal connections that form between different parts of the colon or between the colon and another body area (fistula) o Abscess (pocket filled with pus or infection) Hole or tear in the colon (perforation) Narrowed area in the colon (stricture) 3
Colonoscopy There are 4 basic tests for colon cancer: a stool test (to check for blood); sigmoidoscopy (inspection of the lower colon; colonoscopy (inspection of the entire colon); and double contrast barium enema. All 4 are effective in catching cancers in the early stages, when treatment is most beneficial. 4
Digestive system The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the nonnutritive components into waste to be excreted. References 1. Fox JM, Stollman NH. Diverticular disease of the colon. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2010:chap 117. Review Date: 1/31/2011. Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Review Date: 10/16/2011. Reviewed by: George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. 5