Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis

An organic based whole foods diet, high in fiber, is essential for reversing both diverticulosis and diverticulitis, and is also the best way to prevent both conditions developing in the first place. Avoid all commercially processed foods, including sugars of all types, even if they are organic. Avoid all refined carbohydrates, the unhealthy fats mentioned above, coffee and other caffeine containing products, sodas, commercial non herbal teas, alcohol, strong spices, and all milk and dairy products. Soy can be a major allergen, so avoid until you are tested for food allergies. Undergo testing for potential food allergies and sensitivities and avoid those foods to which you test positive. In addition, consider a rotation diet or elimination diet in order to further reduce the likelihood of food allergies. Also avoid food that can easily become lodged in intestinal sacs, such as unblended, processed, or roasted nuts and seeds, as well as fruit with small seeds, such as raspberries. Unless these foods are soaked and blended smooth into sauces, smoothies or spreads, they are aggravating to eat in this situation.

Emphasize a diet rich in organic whole foods, especially plenty of organic, fresh green vegetables and green vegetable drinks. Free-range organic meats and poultry, and wild-caught fish are also recommended. Be sure to drink plenty of pure filtered water throughout the day. Choose organic, raw, virgin coconut butter/oil, which is the preferred oil for cooking and/or baking; and high lignin flax seed oil which can be blended into green juices and smoothies, mixed as salad dressing with olive oil, or drizzled on steamed vegetables or cooked whole grains.

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet—A dietary approach that has been found to be effective in the majority of diverticulosis and diverticulitis cases is called the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. It was developed by Elaine Gottschall, M.Sc., and is based on the research of the late Sidney V. Haas, M.D., who discovered that most gastrointestinal disorders are caused by an imbalance of carbohydrates in relationship to the microorganisms that naturally occur in the gastrointestinal tract.

According to Dr. Haas, when this relationship becomes unbalanced, the microorganisms grow uncheck and release toxins, causing malabsorption of food, and especially poor digestion of carbohydrates, a staple of the Western diet. To reverse this trend, Haas, and later, Gottschall developed the strict dietary regimen that comprises the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Based on her work with hundreds of patients with severe gastrointestinal disorders, Gottschall has found that the diet can yield complete results in as little as three weeks, but only if it is unwaveringly adhered to. Her book, listed below in the Quick Action Plan, is highly recommended, as is her web site. What follows is a quick synopsis of the diet, with our own additions, that stress the use of organic foods.

Avoid: All processed, smoked or canned meats, breaded or canned fish, seaweed, processed cheeses, seeds, potatoes, yams, parsnips, chick peas, bean sprouts, soybeans, mung beans, fava beans, as well as all cereal grains in any form, including flour. Avoid milk, and all products commercially made from milk, dried milk solids, buttermilk or acidophilus milk, commercially prepared yogurt, sour cream and ice cream. Do not consume soymilk, instant tea, coffee, coffee substitutes, beer, cornstarch, arrowroot, chocolate, carob, bouillon cubes, instant soup bases, any product made with refined sugar, agar-agar, carrageenan, pectin, ketchup, molasses, corn and maple syrup, any flour made from legumes, and baking powder.

Eat: Fresh or frozen, preferably organic meats, poultry, wild caught fish, organic eggs, organic raw milk and cheeses, homemade yogurt made at low temperatures from raw organic milk, and dry curd cottage cheese. Choose from a wide variety of freshly prepared, preferably organic vegetables. Vegetables and fruits are the main stay of this food plan. Use no canned foods with the exception of salt-free canned red salmon, white albacore tuna or sardines, preferably only on occasion. Daily juicing of fresh green vegetables is an important addition for healing and offers you deep nutritional nourishment. With this and all illness, providing yourself with the most supportive nutritional profile possible is of primary importance.

Abide by this diet for as long as your symptoms persist. Adherance can be challenging, but maintenance is essential to obtain the desired results.

Fasting: A water or vegetable juice fast for one to three days is an excellent way to relieve symptoms, especially during acute diverticulitis attacks.

Supplements:

Useful supplements for both diverticulosis and diverticulitis include B-complex vitamins and vitamin C, as well as probiotics such as acidophilus and Bifidobacteria. Two other highly effective supplements are fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and soil-based organisms. FOS is an all-natural carbohydrate microorganism that has been shown by researchers to serve as a fertilizing agent that enables Bifidobacteria to thrive in the large intestine, where it helps to protect against harmful bacteria. Digestive enzymes may also prove to be a valuable addition. Working with an alternative practitioner that uses kinesiology or electral dermal screen testing will help determine if you need enzymes; alternatively, you can try some yourself and see if they make a difference in digesting your meals. Try using hydrochloric acid with all protein based meals, which often offers great relief.

Soil-based organisms are beneficial microbes found in soil. Taken as a supplement, they go to work to detoxify the gastrointestinal tract while eliminating fungi, molds, parasites, viruses, and yeasts. They also help to improve the absorption of nutrients and both immune and overall cell function, including the production of RNA and DNA. In addition, they act as natural antioxidants.

Prescription and non-prescription medication:

What non-prescription and prescription drugs are you taking?  Your non-prescription and prescription are partially the reason that you have this   illness or disease – you need to get off these medications but do so only under the guidance of a licensed health care practitioner.