Diverticulosis: Natural Drugless Treatments That Work

By George John Georgiou

Many people are told by their doctors that they must “live” with their Diverticulosis without guidance on how to cure it. Dr Georgiou has personally treated hundreds of cases of Diverticulosis successfully using the Da Vinci Natural Diverticulosis Protocol devised by himself. The underlying causative factors such as food intolerances

• Language: English
• Publisher: Da Vinci Health Publishing
• Release date: Feb 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9789925569199

George John Georgiou

Dr. Georgiou, Ph.D.,D.Sc (AM).,N.D., is a chartered biologist, iridologist, naturopath, herbalist, homeopath, nutritionist, bioresonance specialist, acupuncturist, clinical psychologist and clinical sexologist. He has been a clinician most of his life and is the Director Founder of the Da Vinci Holistic Health Center in Larnaca, Cyprus (www.naturaltherapycenter.com) which specializes in the natural treatment of chronic diseases, heavy metal toxicity and Candidiasis, along with many other health problems. He is also the Founder Director of the Da Vinci Institute of Holistic Medicine (www.collegenaturalmedicine.com) as well as the Da Vinci BioSciences Research Center. He is the author of 23 books, a clinician and researcher.

Book preview

Diverticulosis

Natural Drugless

Treatments

That Work!

Dr George J Georgiou, Ph.D.,N.D.,D.Sc (AM)

Dedication

First, I would like to bow deeply to the thousands of patients who have helped me understand the complexities of this disease process and who need to take credit for the time spent with them in refining this protocol over many years. 

All these patients over the years have been my laboratory for developing many treatment protocols through trial and error, backed by research.

I would also like to thank all the researcher scientists, lecturers and teachers who dedicate their life to helping others, and all the courageous health professionals who go against the grain of the establishment, while thinking outside the box.

A loving hug of gratitude to my wife and 4 children for their support and understanding during my professional endeavours throughout these years – they are all blessed.

Finally, I deeply embrace the Divine faith that I have been blessed with, that has helped me believe in the innate healing abilities of the body, through the power of Natural healing, without chemical intervention.

A profound blessing to you all and may your healing journey be fruitful and fulfilling!

Copyright © 2018 Dr. George J. Georgiou. All rights reserved. No portion of this book, except for brief review, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the written permission of the publisher.

For information contact Da Vinci Health Publishing – [e-mail].

Published by:

Da Vinci Health Publishing 

Panayia Aimatousa 300

Aradippou 7101

Larnaca

Cyprus

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: The following information is intended for general information purposes only. Individuals should always see their health care provider before administering any suggestions made in this book. Any application of the material set forth in the following pages is at the reader’s discretion and is his or her sole responsibility.

ISBN - 978-9925-569-19-9

Contents

Chapter 1: The Da Vinci Diverticulosis Treatment Protocol

Chapter 2: The Holistic Model of Health

Chapter 3: Toxicity: Underlying Cause of All Diseases

Chapter 4: Detoxification: The Health Secret of all Time

Chapter 5: Food Intolerances, Inflammation and Disease

Chapter 6: Candida: A Universal Cause of Many Diseases

Chapter 7: Curing with Energetic Medicine and Bioresonance

Chapter 8: Emotional, Psychological & Spiritual Roots of Disease

Disclaimer

Summary and Concluding Remarks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

More Books written by Dr Georgiou:

Chapter 1: The Da Vinci Diverticulosis Treatment Protocol

Introduction

Diverticular disease of the colon is among the most prevalent conditions in western society. It is among the leading reasons for outpatient visits and causes of hospitalization. While previously considered to be a disease primarily affecting the elderly, there is increasing incidence among individuals younger than 40 years of age. Diverticular disease most frequently presents as uncomplicated diverticulitis, and the cornerstone of management is antibiotic therapy and bowel rest. 

Epidemiology and Prevalence

Diverticular disease is least prevalent in younger age groups and most prevalent as people age. Specifically, up to age 40 we find about 5% of the general population will have diverticular disease. Up to age 60, this will increase to 30%, and up to age 80 it will go up to 65%. Under the age of 50, it is more common in males, but after the age of 50 it is more common in females.

The incidence of diverticular disease has increased over the past century (Etzioni et al, 2009; Warner et al, 2007; Painter et al, 1971). Autopsy studies from the early part of the 20th century reported colonic diverticular rates of 2% -10% (Painter et al, 1971). This has increased dramatically over the years. More recent data (Warner et al,  2007) suggests that up to 50% of individuals older than 60 years of age have colonic diverticula, with 10% - 25% developing complications such as diverticulitis.

Hospitalizations for diverticular disease have also been on the rise. According to an American study evaluating hospitalization rates between 1998 and 2005 (Etzioni et al, 2009), rates of admission for diverticular disease increased by 26% during the eight-year study period. Similar trends have been observed in Canadian and European data over the same time period (Warner et al, 2007; Kang et al, 2003).

Diverticular disease has long been regarded as a disease of western countries. The highest prevalence of this condition is in the United States, Europe and Australia, where approximately 50% of the population 60 years of age and older have diverticulosis (Warner et al, 2007; Painter et al, 1971). This common occurrence is in contrast to that of the developing world, where countries in Africa and Asia have prevalence rates of less than 0.5% (Painter et al, 1971; Parks et al, 1975; Rege et al, 1989).

The western diet, particularly its deficiency in dietary fibre, has long been implicated as a causative factor for these geographical variations (Painter et al, 1971; Burkitt et al, 1972; Aldoori et al, 1994). This hypothesis was supported by a study that compared stool weight and transit time in 1,200 individuals in the United Kingdom and rural Uganda (Burkitt et al, 1972).

Fig 1. Dr Burkitt – Diet is the key!

The United Kingdom subjects, who were shown to have lower fibre intake, had a transit time of 80 hours and a mean stool weight of 110 g/day. This was significantly lower than in the Ugandan subjects, who had much shorter transit times (34 hours) and greater mean stool weights (450 g/day). The prolonged transit time and small stool volumes were believed to predispose to diverticular disease by increasing intraluminal pressure – basically, the person had to strain under pressure to release the stools, something that will set the scene for diverticular disease.

Moreover, there is growing evidence that the rates of symptomatic diverticular disease are on the rise because areas in the developing world are becoming increasingly westernized (Walker et al, 1979; Ogunbiyi et al, 1989).

For example, the rates of diverticular disease have increased among urban black populations of South Africa compared with rural black populations in the same country (Walker et al, 1979). The role of dietary fibre deficiency as a contributor to diverticular disease was further supported by a large prospective cohort study of more than 47,000 men who were followed over a four-year period (Aldoori et al, 1994). Dietary fibre intake was found to be inversely associated with the risk of developing diverticular disease.

Diverticulosis, Diverticular Disease and Diverticulitis

The terms diverticulosis, diverticular disease and diverticulitis are often used synonymously but there are differences which need to be pointed out:

Diverticulosis

Diverticula is the medical term used to describe the small bulges that stick out of the side of the large intestine (colon). The presence of these diverticula is called diverticulosis. Diverticula are common and associated with ageing. The large intestine becomes weaker with age, and the straining and pressure of hard stools passing through the large intestine is thought to cause the bulges to form.

Diverticular disease

One in four people who develop diverticula will experience abdominal pain. Having symptoms associated with diverticula is known as diverticular disease. Other symptoms that can present include:

Pain in the abdomen - usually on the left side of the abdomen. The pain is gradual, building up and intensifying slowly

Bloating

Constipation (less often, diarrhoea)

Cramping

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis describes an infection that occurs when bacteria become trapped inside one of the bulges, triggering more severe symptoms. Diverticulitis is more serious, and symptoms can include:

Pain in the abdomen (usually in the lower left side)

Bleeding

Fever - high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above

Nausea

Vomiting

Chills

Constipation

Occasionally diarrhoea

Lower abdominal pain

Feeling bloated

Diverticulitis is often referred to as diverticulosis, but there are distinct differences between these two conditions. While these are both classified as diverticular disease, they are two phases of this illness.

Diagnosis of diverticulosis and diverticulitis is made by a physical exam, which may include a digital rectal examination, blood tests, X-rays or CT scans of organs in the abdomen, a colonoscopy, or a flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Stages of Diverticulitis

Acute diverticulitis can result in both immediate and long-term complications. Immediate complications include abscess formation, peritonitis, obstruction, fistula formation, and rarely, haemorrhage. Infection can spread locally to involve nearby structures such as the ovary and hip joint, or travel via the portal vein to cause hepatic abscesses. Rarely, recurrent infection of the hip joint with enteric bacteria can be the presenting sign of otherwise asymptomatic chronic diverticular disease. Fistulas occur in 12% of patients with diverticulitis, most commonly involving the bladder.

The Hinchey Classification – Fig 1 – shows the various stages in diverticulitis when perforation takes place.

The first stage begins with the formation of a small abscess within the mesentery of the gut. During the second stage, the abscess can become quite enlarged and extend into the pelvis. During the third phase of diverticular disease, there is usually purulent discharge with gaseous release into the abdominal cavity. This occurs when diverticula burst and release discharge.

Fig 1. Hinchey classification and stages of diverticulitis

The fourth stage is when there is faecal discharge into the abdominal area that will lead to the very serious condition of generalized faecal peritonitis. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate antibiotic and surgical intervention.

Complications of Diverticular Disease and Diverticulitis

Complications of diverticulitis affect one in five people with the condition. Those most at risk are aged under 50. Some complications associated with diverticulitis include:

Bleeding

Around 15% of people with diverticular disease or diverticulitis experience bleeding, which is usually painless, quick and resolves itself in 70-80% of cases. However, if the bleeding does not resolve itself, an emergency blood transfusion may be required due to excessive bleeding. If the bleeding is severe, you may need to be admitted to hospital for monitoring.

Urinary problems

Diverticulitis can lead to the inflamed part of the bowel coming into contact with the bladder. This may cause urinary problems, such as:

pain when urinating (dysuria)

needing to urinate more often than usual

in rare cases, air in the urine

Abscess

The most common complication of diverticulitis is an abscess outside the large intestine (colon). An abscess is a pus-filled cavity or lump in the tissue. Abscesses are usually treated with a technique known as percutaneous abscess drainage (PAD).

A radiologist uses an ultrasound or CT scanner to locate the site of the abscess.A fine needle connected to a small tube is passed through the skin of your abdomen (stomach) and into the abscess. The tube is then used to drain the pus from the abscess. This PAD is performed under a local anaesthetic.

Depending on the size of the abscess, the procedure may need repeating several times before all the pus has been drained. If the abscess is very small – usually less than 4cm (1.5in) – it may be possible to treat it using antibiotics.

Fistula

A fistula is another common complication of diverticulitis. Fistulas are abnormal tunnels that connect two parts of the body together, such as your intestine and your abdominal wall or bladder.

If infected tissues come into contact with each other, they can stick together. After the tissues have healed, a fistula may form. Fistulas can potentially be serious as they can allow bacteria in your large intestine to travel to other parts of your body, triggering infections such as cystitis.

Fistulas are usually treated with surgery to remove the section of the colon that contains the fistula.

Peritonitis

In rare cases, an infected diverticulum (pouch in your colon) can split, spreading the infection into the lining of your abdomen (perforation). An infection of the lining of the abdomen is known as peritonitis.

Peritonitis can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment with antibiotics. Surgery may also be required to drain any pus that has built up. It may be necessary to perform a colostomy.

Intestinal Obstruction

If the infection has badly scarred your large intestine, it may become partially or totally blocked. A totally blocked large intestine is a medical emergency because the tissue of your large intestine will start to decay and eventually split, leading to peritonitis. A partially blocked large intestine is not as urgent, but treatment is still needed. If left untreated, it will affect your ability to digest food and cause you considerable pain.

Intestinal blockage from diverticular disease is very rare. Other causes, such as cancer, are more common. This is one of the reasons your GP will investigate your symptoms. In some cases, the blocked part can be removed during surgery.

However, if the scarring and blockage is more extensive, a temporary or permanent colostomy bag may be needed.

Medical Treatments are Overused

As we have already seen, diverticulitis can develop some serious consequences if left to develop so far. There is no doubt that medical intervention during these stages is critical, otherwise your life may be at risk.

However, thankfully it is rare for diverticular to reach this dire stage. Most cases involve inflammation and pain which can be treated naturally. There is research suggesting that medical treatments may be overused in many cases.

In recent years, hospital admissions for elective surgery for diverticulitis have increased by 25% - 30%. But these treatments for diverticulitis may be overused, according to a study published in JAMA (Morris et al, 2014).

The University of Michigan researchers reviewed the results of 80 studies of diverticulitis and its treatment. While the team agreed that antibiotic use and surgery are sometimes necessary, it concluded that there should be a lesser role for aggressive antibiotic or surgical intervention for chronic or recurrent diverticulitis than was previously thought necessary.

I’d be loath to say don’t give antibiotics to patients with diverticulitis. It depends if they have clear cut diverticulitis accompanied by pain, fever, elevated white blood cell count, and an abnormal physical exam. You have to see if they have these findings, says Dr. Norton Greenberger, a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. If these are absent, the patient may have just symptomatic diverticular disease.

Likewise, some people need surgery, especially if they’ve had two episodes of diverticulitis in a six-month period, says Dr. Greenberger. He feels the study isn’t clear on how many people who received surgery had recurring bouts of diverticulitis.

In other words, treatments for diverticulitis need to be individualized.

It’s also helpful to learn more about diverticulitis, because, while not entirely common, it happens to be the end stage of a common condition known as diverticulosis, which a third of all-American adults have and likely don’t even realize.

You have diverticulosis if you have diverticula, pouch-like structures that form in the muscular wall of the colon. They’re usually harmless. In some people, though, the pouches become inflamed and infected (called diverticulitis), or they may bleed.

How often does diverticulosis become diverticulitis?

Thankfully, not often. A recent study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Peery et al, 2013) found that it happens only about 4% of the time. That contradicts prevailing thinking that 10% - 25% of people with diverticulosis go on to develop diverticulitis.

We don’t know who will develop diverticulitis or a diverticular bleed, but there are some factors that increase the odds of that happening. One is age: 70% of people age 80 and older have the condition. Other risk factors include obesity, a lack of exercise, and a diet low in fibre, inflammation of the gut, dysbiosis, stress, SIBO, constipation and a myriad of other factors that we will discuss below. Obviously, the more of these factors interacting together concomitantly, the greater the probability of aggravating diverticular disease.

Will exercising, controlling your weight, taking antibiotics and other drugs and eating a high-fibre diet prevent diverticular disease?

These are usually the treatments recommended by medical doctors for diverticular disease. However, it is not very often the other underlying causative factors are addressed and this is possibly why treatment outcomes are poor at best.

At the Da Vinci Center, when I see a patient with diverticular disease, I try to address as many of the underlying causative factors as possible. This seems to work fine and even though the patient may continue to have diverticula, they rarely progress to diverticulitis that can cause some painful and unpleasant symptoms.

It is really about making lifestyle changes, and not simply treating a symptom that is related to our lifestyles. It is nonsensical to believe that we can carry on eating whatever junk food we like, with all the processing that takes place these days, and not develop diverticular disease at some point in our lives.

So, the important factor that I try to get through to patients is the lifestyle changes that will prevent their diverticular from becoming pathological and infected, as well as protect them from any other diseases.

Causes of Diverticular Disease and Diverticulitis: The Medical Perspective

The exact reason why diverticula develop is not known by medical practitioners, but there is research to suggest that it is associated with not eating enough fibre. Fibre makes your stools softer and larger, so less pressure is needed by your large intestine to push them out of your body.

In the holistic perspective, you will see the opposite argument – that taking too much fibre is likely to make stools larger and so they require more straining, creating unusual pressures in the colon that are conducive to causing diverticula.

More fibre can also bring relief to a condition with symptoms like diverticulosis and diverticulitis called myochosis, which is part of the spectrum of diverticular disease. It’s a thickening of the circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the colon and is often responsible for lower abdominal pain, passage of pencil thin stools, and pain with defecation.

Diverticulosis is thought to be caused by increased pressure on the intestinal wall from inside the intestine.

As the body ages, the outer layer of the intestinal wall thickens. This causes the open space inside the intestine to narrow. Stool (faeces) moves more slowly through the colon, increasing the pressure.

Hard stools, such as those produced by a diet low in fibre or slower stool transit time through the colon can further increase the pressure. Frequent, repeated straining during bowel movements also increases the pressure and contributes to the formation of diverticula.

The Holistic Perspective

Even though diverticular disease is so common, we know relatively little about it and the common recommendations are based on limited data. If you’ve been diagnosed with diverticulosis, you may have received advice from your gastroenterologist about avoiding nuts and seeds and eating more fibre. However, these recommendations are based on inconclusive research and may not provide much benefit to you.

In fact, few studies show any benefit of avoiding nuts and seeds and one study even showed that intake of nuts and popcorn was associated with a decreased risk of diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding (Strate et al, 2008).  High fibre diets are also often recommended, despite inconclusive evidence (Ünlü et al, 2012). It is evident that recommendations for diverticular disease are due for an update. We will talk more about the research regarding fibre a little later.

Inflammation

There is also emerging support for the concept of low-grade inflammation in symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD). The colons of individuals with SUDD exhibit evidence of chronic low-grade inflammation (Boynton et al, 2013; Mosadeghi et al, 2015; Strate et al, 2012; Nakov et al, 2013), indicating that inflammation has been present for an extended period of time, possibly prior to symptom onset.  

While inflammation is well-accepted in the model of acute diverticulitis, more and more research points to the involvement of chronic low-grade inflammation in the development of symptomatic diverticulosis. In fact, of 930 patients undergoing surgery for SUDD, approximately 75% of them had evidence of chronic inflammation in and around the diverticula (Bjarnason et al, 1993).

It is for this reason that drugs used for treating inflammatory bowel disease like mesalamine are being used to treat diverticular disease with good results as well. This is also why chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, have been shown to increase the risk of diverticular complications (Morris et al, 2003; Strate et al, 2011) since they are known to increase intestinal inflammation (Bjarnason et al, 1993).

Faecal calprotectin is a non-invasive, easy to investigate and reliable biomarker for assessing the intestinal inflammation in patients with diverticular disease. It is usually high in those with symptomatic diverticular disease compared to those with functional digestive disorders like IBS and those with asymptomatic diverticular disease (Nakov et al, 2013).

Candida and Diverticular Disease

From my personal experience, having treated hundreds of patients with diverticular disease over the years, most of them have Candida. When the Candida is treated, along with the avoidance of food intolerances that are also an important part of the inflammatory cycle, the diverticulitis symptoms abate. Even though the diverticula do not actually disappear, they become dormant and present no symptoms.

A study has discussed some of the ways in which Candida mycotoxins can irritate the gut. Specifically, Santelmann et al (2005) discussed several theories as to why this might be:

Candida acts to stimulate mast cells, leading them to release substances that contribute to inflammation within the intestines.

Candida produces proteases, substances that can interfere with the function of immuglobin. This Ig effect can also contribute to gut inflammation.

Candida overgrowth (candida albicans) can lead to a candida yeast infection and Leaky gut syndrome, which is medically referred to as intestinal permeability.

Leaky gut is a major gastrointestinal disorder that occurs when openings develop in the gut wall. These tiny holes can be created when candida overgrowth moves to a more serious stage of candida yeast infection. The candida yeast grows roots or hypha (plural hyphae) which is a long, branching filamentous cell of a fungus (read the chapter on Candida in this book for more details).

This fungal growth is a more advanced stage of development in the candida albicans yeast infection. The hyphae spread the bowel wall cells apart so that acidic, harmful microorganisms and macromolecules are able to leak into these openings and enter the circulatory system.

This is where the name Leaky Gut came from. The body is alerted to the invader and creates antibodies for protection, activates the immune system, and thus is born a food allergy or intolerance. Food allergies are directly linked to leaky gut and candida yeast infection overgrowth.

As a result, leaky gut syndrome and candida yeast infection can directly lead to many other systemic inflammatory and immune-related symptoms beyond food allergies, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis, eczema, fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, chronic urticaria (hives), and inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammation of the gut lining, often involving candida yeast overgrowth, is the primary symptom of leaky gut syndrome and diverticular disease. The originating cause may be prescription drug use and antibiotics which kill off healthy probiotic flora. Gut inflammation, from candida yeast infection, is usually instigated by one or several of the following factors:

Prescription hormones (e.g., birth control pills and/or hormone replacement therapy) and prescription corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone).

Excessive use of antibiotics which kills off health bacteria, causing dysbiosis, candida overgrowth and candida yeast infection.

Processed foods, as well as foods and beverages contaminated by parasites, fungus, and/or mould which promote the growth of candida yeast infection.

Increased amounts of refined carbohydrates (e.g., candy bars, cookies, cake, soft drinks, and white bread) which also promote the growth of candida yeast overgrowth and dysbiosis.

Increased alcohol and caffeine consumption. Remember that alcohol is a natural result of yeast overgrowth and sugar.

It is highly advisable to read the chapter on Candida and get yourself checked out. There is also a Candida questionnaire that you can complete which will give you a good idea of how many symptoms you may have that would lead to a diagnosis of systemic Candidiasis.

Again, I repeat, from my own clinical experience, candida is almost always found in cases of diverticular disease. In my estimation, dealing with the candida is probably solving at least 80% of diverticular disease symptoms. This does not mean, however, that other underlying causative factors should not also be addressed.

Let’s continue to look at some of these underlying causative factors that are also important in curing your diverticular disease and becoming symptom-free.

Constipation and Diverticula

The compelling suspicion that a stagnant bowel filled with putrefying matter can leak out and become a source of infection for the rest of the body, was first suggested by the ancient Egyptians.  In the 19th century, this became known as The Theory of Autointoxication – self poisoning from one’s own retained wastes. This idea has been enthusiastically embraced by every subsequent generation. One of the main causes is constipation.

Constipation has done more to provide the health profession with an obvious solution to undiagnosable ailments than any other simple complaint. It is defined as the difficult or infrequent passage of faeces and is associated with the presence of dry, hardened stools.

The Oxford Dictionary defines constipation as Irregular and difficult defecation. The question is: what is a regular bowel movement? There is no norm. Regularity becomes a meaningless expression when some people have a bowel movement regularly every Sunday morning, while others regularly empty their bowels after every meal.

Defecation is a reflex action stimulated by distension of the rectum with faeces. It is under voluntary control in adults and normally takes place only when time and circumstances are suitable. The presence of food in the stomach stimulates a reflex action called peristalsis, which moves food residue into and along the colon. Mass peristalsis gives us the feeling that we need to empty our bowels. This reflex action usually occurs after the first meal of the day but can also be stimulated by drinking only some liquid on rising.

If the call to defecate is persistently neglected, the reflex mechanism becomes less sensitive and constipation can result. This is likely to happen when there are time constraints causing hurry and stress (stress ceases peristaltic action in the colon). Also, when there are insufficient toilets, or they are cold, dirty or inaccessible.

Ideally you should defecate as many times as you have a proper meal; usually 3 times per day. The main rule still being that we have a bowel movement at least once a day.  The stool should be fibrous, light in colour, float in the water, break up easily and cause no pain or discomfort to pass – in fact no toilet paper should be needed.  Pain or discomfort whilst passing hard or dry stool at less than daily intervals can be considered as constipation.  Many people have suffered heart attacks as a result of vigorous efforts to have a bowel movement, as continuous efforts to evacuate material from the rectum increases the heart rate, blood pressure and respiration.

The main problem with diverticular disease is not really the regularity of our toileting habits, but whether the stool is large, and the degree of straining required to empty our bowels. Those that have small stools and never strain, never develop diverticular disease, regardless of their age and gender.

So, if you eliminate large stools and are constantly straining, diverticular disease will always get worse.

Diverticulosis is irreversible, meaning that once you’ve developed even a single diverticulum, it’s yours for life, because the body can’t stretch back a protruded intestinal wall.

However, if you restore the imbalances of the gut — intestinal flora and small stools — inside the affected colon, and no longer need to strain to move your bowels, diverticulosis most likely will remain dormant for the rest of your life and is no more harmful than wrinkles on your face.

If, on the other hand, you don’t restore your intestinal flora and small stool size, and continue straining, the diverticula may get filled by stagnant stools, become infected, and turn into diverticulitis.

There are several factors that are often misunderstood by health professionals when treating diverticular disease, but are important factors if you want to control your diverticular disease:

Eliminate Dietary Fibre and Gases

If you genuinely wish to prevent diverticular disease, then you really want to reduce fermentation and pressure in the colon as much as possible. Dietary fibre or fibre laxatives are likely to add bulk, change the pH from a mild alkaline to an acidic environment which will cause mucosal inflammation, eradicate friendly bacteria and generally cause a dysbiosis with many infectious bacteria inside the colon.

So, fibre is likely to add bulk to your stools and it will increase the weight from a normal 75-250g to 300-500g per day. These large stools are going to be rough on the delicate tissues of the colon, rectum, and the anal canal. Basically, it will be impossible to eliminate these large stools without straining, given that the anal opening is no more than 3.5cm, while large stools can be larger than this.

Intestinal gases are the by-product of healthy bacterial activity and are always present in the healthy bowel. Excessive gases stretch the colon and rectal walls and stimulate the defecation urge. These gases should not be suppressed but released whenever the urge arises.

There are several ways to reduce gases, such as:

Take digestive enzymes that will help to break down fibre, before it reaches the gut.

Reduce the consumption of indigestible carbohydrates. Cut out dietary fibre which feeds bacteria; cut out unfermented dairy produce that contain lactose; cut out processed food, all of which add fillers from fibre, such as pectin, inulin, guar gum, cellulose gum, or agar-agar, that pass to the large intestine indigested, and provide ample feed for enteric bacteria producing plenty of gas.

Avoid sugar alcohols. Do not consume any foods that contain indigestible sugar alcohols (hexitols), such as sorbitol and mannitol, commonly found in bananas, apples, pears, berries, prunes, sugarless gum, and also as sugar substitutes in most low-carb products that call for a lot of sweetness, such as cookies, ice cream, snack bars, cakes and the like.

Cut out gluten. Foods that contains gluten affect intestinal permeability — the ability of the mucosal membranes to absorb not just water, electrolytes, nutrients, and vitamins, but also gases. Cereals, especially from wheat, are loaded with gluten, sugar, and fibre. Commercially baked goods such as pizza, bread, pasta, and pastry also contain a lot of gluten.

Restore beneficial bacteria. The body’s symbiotic bacteria reduce gases by controlling the population and feeding habits of the undesirable strains that are the most prolific at producing gases.

After a meal, release gas in private as this is when it is likely to build up.

Glycerin suppositories can speed up peristalsis, as well as helping with gas expulsion.

Taking these easy steps will help to reduce the creation of gases, but never eliminate them completely as they are a normal part of a functioning gut.

As we grow up, we learn to suppress the defecation urge by constricting our