Note: The Prescript-Assist supplements discussed in this article are no longer available. Please click here to learn more about a substitute, the Daily Synbiotic from Seed.
If you’ve ever experienced a diverticulitis attack, I’m sure you’d be the first to say that it’s not a pleasant experience. I bet you’d be willing to do a lot of things to prevent it from happening again! Or maybe you’re someone who has been diagnosed with diverticulosis by your gastroenterologist, but you’re not quite sure what to do to prevent those painful attacks you’ve heard about and you want to learn more. Whatever brought you here, I’m happy to have you. Today I’ll be providing tips on how to prevent diverticulitis attacks naturally.
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What Is Diverticular Disease?
Diverticular disease is the term used to encompass a spectrum of issues from diverticulosis (the presence of sac-like pouches called diverticula that protrude from the colonic wall) to diverticulitis (the inflammation of these pouches and the accompanying symptoms). Diverticular disease is common in the Western world, with the highest rates seen in the United States and Europe. Even in those countries the disease was almost unheard of in 1900, but by the 1970s it was the most common affliction of the colon. (1)
Diverticular disease has been shown to increase with age – by 80, it is estimated that approximately 70% of individuals have diverticular disease. (2) The highest estimates suggest that approximately 20% of patients with diverticulosis (remember these are the people with the pouches, not the acute inflammation of the pouches) will at some point develop diverticulitis. (3) However, newer and more accurate estimates suggest that this rate is somewhere between 1 and 5%, depending on the strictness of qualifying criteria. (4) This is important to note for those who have been diagnosed with diverticulosis but are currently asymptomatic – according to these newer estimates, it is unlikely that you will develop diverticulitis. However, if you have diverticulosis and want be sure to prevent any problems or you’ve had diverticulitis attacks in the past, continue reading!
Despite the fact that 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 fiber. However, these recommendations are based on inconclusive research and may not provide much benefit to you. In fact, few studies show any benefit to 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. (5) High fiber diets are also often recommended, despite inconclusive evidence. (6) It is evident that recommendations for diverticular disease are due for an update.
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Underlying Factors That Contribute to Diverticulosis
Newer research suggests that the factors underlying diverticular disease are the following: (7, 8)
Inflammation
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 symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD), approximately 75% of them had evidence of chronic inflammation in and around the diverticula. (9) 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 (but hang tight, we’ll talk about natural ways to prevent diverticulitis, of course!). 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 (10, 11), since they are known to increase intestinal inflammation. (12, 13)
Fecal calprotectin can be measured to identify intestinal inflammation, and is high in those with symptomatic diverticular disease compared to those with functional digestive tract disorders like IBS and those with asymptomatic diverticular disease. (14) If you’re wondering whether you may have intestinal inflammation, it’s a great thing to get tested (and you can order a stool test from a specialty lab like Genova Diagnostics which will measure it). It is clear that chronic inflammation is involved in the development of diverticular disease, and that those who wish to prevent attacks should take steps to reduce intestinal inflammation.
Thankfully, one of the best ways to decrease intestinal inflammation is to eat a paleo diet! By avoiding potentially irritating and inflammatory foods such as grains, omega-6 fatty acids and lactose, we can reduce intestinal inflammation and encourage proper gut health. A paleo diet also positively influences gut bacteria, which in turn results in reduced inflammation as well. A paleo diet for diverticular disease should focus on gelatinous cuts of meat, bone broths, well-cooked vegetables, starchy tubers, and fermented foods.
Reducing your stress level is also important for bringing down levels of intestinal inflammation, as stress has been shown to activate inflammation in the intestine. (15) Stress can absolutely wreak havoc on the gut, so it is essential that any program focused on preventing diverticulitis attacks include proper stress management. This means incorporating mind-body activities such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, etc on a regular basis. If you’re someone who’s constantly stressed out and never takes time to take care of your own well-being, it’s unlikely you’ll be successful in preventing diverticulitis attacks even if you implement all the other suggestions outlined in this article. This one is important!
Another way to reduce an inflamed intestine is to supplement with soothing and healing demulcent herbs – deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has been shown to reduce mucosal damage and inflammation in rodents (16, 17) and it is likely that other demulcent herbs such as slippery elm and marshmallow root may have the same effect. Take chewable DGL tablets or mix a spoonful of slippery elm or marshmallow root powder in a small amount of water and drink 1-3 times per day to help soothe and heal an inflamed intestine. Another healing substance for the gut – bone broth – should be liberally consumed for this purpose as well.
Altered Intestinal Bacteria
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is common in diverticulitic patients. (18) Rifaximin, a non-absorbable antibiotic (meaning it only affects the gut, not the rest of the body), has been shown to effectively treat SIBO (19) and this treatment has also been shown to improve diverticular disease outcomes. (20) Bacterial overgrowth, along with fecal stasis inside the diverticula, can contribute chronic dysbiosis which can lead to low-grade inflammation (21), so improving gut bacterial balance is crucial to reducing intestinal inflammation.
Probiotic supplementation has been shown to be safe and potentially useful in diverticular disease (22) and is likely to be even more beneficial when combined with other therapies. If you’re not already consuming probiotics from your food (in the form of kefir, kombucha, kimchi, etc) then you should consider adding a supplement like VSL #3 or Prescript Assist (though even if you are consuming probiotics, a supplement isn’t a bad idea!). As Chris has mentioned, Prescript Assist tends to be the probiotic of choice for those suffering from constipation so start with that if you tend to err on the side of decreased motility.
Prebiotics are also very useful for correcting dysbiosis, and should be considered by those with diverticular disease. Prebiotics “stimulate selectively the growth and/or activity of intestinal bacteria associated with health and well-being” (23), which is exactly what we want when we’re trying to shift the balance of the microbes back to the good guys. My go-to prebiotic is Pure Encapsulations fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) powder, but others include GOS and even lactulose. Supplementation with 10g of FOS per day has been shown to increase counts of bifidobacteria. (24) As with all prebiotics, it’s important to start with a very small amount and increase slowly. If you’re sensitive to FODMAPs you’ll want to be particularly careful as prebiotics are also FODMAPs. However, if you tolerate them well I think prebiotics can be a powerhouse when it comes to correcting imbalanced gut flora.
Most importantly, it’s crucial to treat SIBO or dysbiosis. As we’ve discussed, these conditions are very common in those with diverticular disease so it’s worth checking on your gut bacteria to see how they’re doing, using specialty labs such as Genova Diagnostics (and get your calprotectin tested while you’re at it!). It’s best to work with a practitioner who can test and treat you for these conditions.
Abnormal Colonic Motility
Researchers have found that those suffering from symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease have what they like to call a “spastic colon” in the areas affected by diverticulosis. (25) This is similar to what is found in patients with constipation predominant IBS and in functional constipation. These same researchers also found that patients with diverticulitis disease have reduced density of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC for short – a fun name for the “pacemaker cells” of the intestine). (26) In studies on animals with a lack of ICC networks, delayed or absent intestinal motility is noted. (27, 28) What this means for diverticular patients is that these lack of networks and a spastic colon can cause increased symptoms in terms of constipation and bloating/pain. Though we’re not entirely sure what we can do to directly affect these cells (yet), it’s important to use therapies aimed toward improving motility if this is an issue for you.
Know that correcting SIBO and dysbiosis will go a long way toward improving constipation, so this is a good place to start. Given that our stool is mostly made up of dead bacteria, one can imagine that without proper amounts of good bacteria we’re going to have a tough time bulking the stool. Prebiotics can be particularly useful for constipation given that they selectively increase good bacteria like bifidobacteria. However, if you’re still struggling after correcting dysbiosis, here are some additional recommendations.
First, serotonin is an important player in gut motility. Serotonin concentrations in those with colonic diverticulosis are significantly lower than normal controls and contribute to the type of bowel habit following a test meal. (29) Serotonin transporter (SERT) transcript levels are also lower in those with a history of diverticulitis compared to controls and those with asymptomatic diverticulosis. (30) Inflammation is also known to decrease SERT expression and function (31, 32), so following the recommendations to lower intestinal inflammation is of course the first step to improving gut motility. In addition, it is also likely that supplementation with 5-HTP (a precursor to serotonin) may alleviate constipation and increase motility since it will increase serotonin levels. Note: do not take 5-HTP without talking to your doctor first if you are on an SSRI medication.
Second, if you’re currently on a low carbohdyrate paleo diet, you may want to consider increasing your carbohydrate intake. In my experience working with those with constipation on a paleo diet, this is the single most effective diet-based recommendation I’ve seen. If you’re at a loss as to what starches to add in, check out this excellent handout from Balanced Bites. Note: since SIBO is so common for those with diverticulosis, this step may need to wait until that has been treated, and may not be appropriate for some people.
Magnesium supplementation can also be very useful for people with constipation. Given that only about half of US adults consume the RDA for magnesium (33), it’s safe to say that a lot of us probably aren’t getting enough. This is due to the fact that not many foods naturally contain high amounts of magnesium, and even those that do have less due to the depletion of magnesium from our soil. Check out this magnesium soil content map to see how your local area is doing (and think about where most of your food comes from – if you’re not eating local you may not even know what soil your food is being grown in!).
Conclusion
By reducing our intestinal inflammation, balancing our gut bacteria, and improving our intestinal motility it is likely that we can prevent diverticulitis attacks. I’ll leave you with a set of action steps so you remember exactly what to do to improve these underlying factors.
Action Steps to Prevent Diverticulitis Attacks:
- Eat a paleo diet!
- Reduce stress
- Use demulcent herbs such as DGL, slippery elm, and marshmallow root to soothe and heal the intestine
- Take probiotics like VSL #3 or Prescript Assist
- Take prebiotics like FOS powder
- Treat SIBO or dysbiosis
- Reduce intestinal inflammation to increase SERT functioning, and consider supplementation with 5-HTP
- If you’re currently on a low carbohdyrate paleo diet, consider adding some starchy tubers to your diet
- Supplement with magnesium
Better supplementation. Fewer supplements.
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Not sure who to address this question to??? I’ve been taking Aloe Vera Gel cap. 5 a day, I noticed on the info label it reads, “Aloe Vera gel (200:1) 25 mg” but then it reads, “Equivalent to 5,000 mg or one teaspoon of 100 percent pure Aloe Vera inner leaf gel”. My question is, when I try and determine daily dosage do I use the 25 mg number for each cap or the 5,000 mg?? Like I said, I’m taking 5 caps a day so that’s either 125 mg per day or 25,000 mg a day….BIG DIFFERENCE??? By the way, I feel fine with no side effects and no diver pains.
Treblig
prioris,
As stated I am 63. I have a strong belief in my maker, he calls the shots at least for me. He knew the day I would be born and he knows the day I will die. Surgery or not. I can shorten my life yes, the world is in an awful state at this time every Nation, State place we hear of is in unbelievable trials. People are not happy in general, if they have good health they don’t see it till they get sick, if they have $ it’s not enough, I can go on and on. I actually like my life now. I have worked 40 yrs in the medical field, I have done a lot, I am not interested in climbing a mountain now, after this scenario in my life, I hope to help others in some way, that’s the best way to be happy at least to me. I am taking Aloe pills, I dislike the liquid, and just one day at a time.
Thanks,never thought I would find this site, It is great to hear and get encouragement from others.
One thing, when you drop your body do you know where you will move on too???
Nice end question, chris 🙂
I love the aloe vera juice but it has so much sugar. I usually strain the pulp and eat that- yum, plus take a 5k ml aloe vera soft gel til I can find a good brand of Amp. Thank you, and all posters- I’m trying so hard to fend off this growing side pain that I fear will become my 3rd bout in 2 years.
That’s what happened to me. Stay away from sugar….
Fructose etc.
Thanks be well
WOW! I have written earlier I am scheduled for a resection of my sigmoid Oct 15. I got very sick in April of this year, was on Cipro/flagy for three rounds and 5 Cat scans later. MY GI couldn’t perform my colonoscopy b/c I was so inflamed.
I feel good now, I find only when I eat sweets esp. ice cream do I have a flare up, so I forget buy ice cream eat some then throw the box away.
I have been out of work for a year, and bought Aloe, have tried to go the natural way, but am 63, and am being honest, am just to ingrained with Western medicine to stick to a natural plan diligently.
I trust the surgeons, I know I have a fistula, brought on by the diverticulitis, had a bad attack on 2008, and two small ones in between, so I know their is a lot of scar tissue. I am essentially in good health, just a bit over weight, reading your story is scarey, but so is reading everything written. My kids are into natural health, my son is for me, my daughter is not. She would rather me take herbs.
I am at peace with my decision, I know it will not be easy, I have friends that will help and support me, my son is supportive, my daughter would rather have me go natural but she was not around for April and May when I had daily fevers and could barely move. I will let you know how I make out. It is what it is now, that is all I can say. I have read a lot regarding the surgery but as you said Terri everyone’s case is different. We all have to do what we believe is best for us. I know God is with me, I am praying for the best.
I wish you the best Cris. Its not an easy decision. Its a true blessing that my Creator let me remain here on earth to be with my family for sure! Its a challenge at times dealing with an ostomy, and now since I pushed myself a bit too much during recovery, now have a parastomal hernia.
We all have to make the best decisions for ourselves, or, deal with the hand we’re dealt. I’m sure whatever you decide will be great. Since I had the Hartmanns resection with colostomy, If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask because 15 Oct is right around the corner.
Many blessing to you and your family!!
Being close to 60, death doesn’t scare me. I just want to work towards completing some goals and close up some loose ends and be healthy and functional enough to do it,
After that, there is no need for me to be in this realm any longer. I can drop my body and move on. There are different considerations to life when your 15 or 35 than when your 62. In old age just being functional and independent right up to when I die is good enough for me. Even if one has surgery and it does shorten ones life, it may not be by that many years to really matter.
Somebody who is younger will have to look closely at the implications of surgery. Those cut locations they make in the colon can leak. What they cut out doesn’t grow back.
It is alarming to see people have this or that organ removed. There are longer term health implications with death rate and disability from other causes. I focus more on quality of life and not cure of someone older than I would someone younger.
Thanks Terri,
Definitely scarey for sure, my daughter is not local neither is my son, so I am on my own with God. I have friends who have offered to help. The surgeon says he would rather due this surgery when I am feeling well than if I have a rupture which is possible due to the fistula, then he says it could be life threatening. I was so sick April and May hospitalized early June, so if I can handle that I can handle this. I had my GB out in ER surgery about 12 yrs ago, I drove myself to the ER b/c I knew I was going to die. It all worked out. I can’t get stressed, it does no good. Thanks for your kind words and esp. relating to pushing yourself, we women have a tendency to do that., esp here in America. God to keep the peace.
I saw the surgeon today. When I walked in I was completely opposed to surgery but after spending a considerable amount of time with the PA and Dr, I am seriously considering this as an option.
During my last episode of diverticulitis, which was an acute case, they did a CT scan and it showed that infected pouches actually looked “stringy” because they had been stretched out so much. Apparently my sigmoid colon has a few extra curves in it also. The lining of the colon is thickening also. The surgeon felt that surgery is definitely and option, but it would be up to me. She has seen worse that required surgery but it was an emergency type surgery.
I have been on the AMP for almost 2 months now. I do feel better but I still almost came off the table when she pushed in the area. It’s still very tender and sensitive after my last episode in late July. I will most likely get the Myriad Genetic testing also because we have several different cancers in our family and my sister passed at 47 from colon cancer. Since my grandmother had breast cancer, there is a possibility that I carry the BRCA1&2 genes and I would have a hysterectomy at the same time. I have a follow-up next month to discuss my questions and concerns with the doctor and my husband.
The reasons I am considering the surgery are:
1. I already have an increased risk of colon cancer and if one of the pouches is hiding a polyp or has cancer start in it I feel it would be more difficult to detect. These are my fears not the surgeon’s opinion.
2. Since my outbreaks have been pretty frequent and increasing in severity, I could plan to have surgery before I am forced to have from an outbreak and possibly have to have a colostomy to allow for recovery from severe swelling.
3. Cost of hospital visits, ER trips, home remedies (AMP, grapeseed oil, etc..) that I’m not sure will help or heal the area?
4. The timing of my husband leaving the military after 23 years and we’re not sure when he will be able to find another job and right now our insurance would cover it all. After retirement it will only cover a portion of the surgery.
5. Hopes that if I have surgery that I will have minimal continuing problems and could possibly feel free from pain and have a healthy “gut”.
What are your thoughts? Pros? Cons?
What if I am able to “reset” my gut flora after all this? What if I am able to set things right by removing the infection and allowing my digestion system to finally become healthy? What if I remove the area that is causing so much pain and I don’t experience that ever again? Is all this possible?
I know surgery isn’t a great solution but how many episodes or how much pain is enough? I am 46 years old and I am very limited due to pain. I am just wanting to stop feeling so poorly and start living life again! Let me know what you think please.
What is putting the MOST PRESSURE on you are financial aspects combined with a time limits on coverage. Throw on top of this the uncertainty results in great stress and an urge for a quick solution. Throw on top of that the scary statements from doctors and your being pushed over the edge. I can perfectly understand that. This is where you need internal strength not to succumb to these psychological pressure. These pressure are used in sales tactics also. They will say you better buy it now or else it won’t be available later. Lots of people succumb. This is your health your talking about.
These pressures will definitely screw up your thinking greatly. If this combined pressure wasn’t there, you would likely just continue on trying to treat it yourself without surgery.
As far as polyps, realize that MOST POLYPS ARE BENIGN. Instead of worrying about colon cancer, there are many things you can proactively do to prevent it. Studies have shown that just something like making sure your vitamin D3 levels are OK drops peoples cancer rates dramatically. Taking BCM-95 would also help. Changing diet helps.
For me, lymphoma cancers are a risk. I just approach it from a proactive way. I do things that minimize that event. I have studied the medical system for decades and I know one thing. I would never allow conventional medicine to treat any cancer.
Let’s say one day they announced you had colon cancer. First thing you do is don’t let conventional medicine treat you. Realize that people who have had colon cancer survived by addressing it thru nutrition and diet changes. There is this idea that cancer means death. It means death if you take conventional route so you want to stay away from that especially any chemo etc. Educate yourself about colon cancer and how people have handled it with alternative methods. Also study the general subject of cancer yourself.
Look at this link
http://www.cancertutor.com/colon_cancer/
Instead of living in fear, take control of your health. Understand there are no guarantees about the outcome.
As far as financial, alternative health methods are dirt cheap compared to chemo and surgery etc. You should do research into the costs of alternative health methods like cancer. It’s like night and day. Conventional treatment is built around milking people financially.
I can target all the money I spend buying things to make me healthy to stay out of the system or minimize exposure to it’s most dangerous parts.
You know that there is an infection in your bowel. Does it make sense to you to cut it out or focus on addressing the infection itself.
On one hand someone is promising you a quick solution. It’s not really a quick solution since your will go thru months of recovery that won’t be fun. They are offering you HOPE that the pain will disappear and you will live happily ever after.
You know what the right answer is the latter – treat the infection. This is where you have to remain strong willed against all those pressures. I know it’s not easy but you must. I faced somewhat similar pressures with many things.
If you peruse enough studies out there, there is enough preliminary evidence to conclude that surgery is not the way to go. You can see an overall trend in the studies.
You said there was great sensitivity in that area he touched.
If that area is less sensitive than it was two months ago then it is another sign to continue with what you are doing,
I would not just use the AMP, I would also use things like BCM-95, bromelain and L-glutamine.
Other things may include baking soda, humic acid, slippery elm, marshmellow root if you can tolerate them,
If you want to ramp it up some more then you could find way to modify your diet.
As far as rebooting your gut, you could take rifaximin etc like Chris does with some people. It has been shown to help with diverticulitis. Has your surgeon suggested you try that.
Everything out there says – say no to surgery. Don’t let them push you into making decisions based on fear.
If you are feeling better, I would persist in using the AMP and think about adding other things I mentioned above especially BCM-95, bromelain and high dose L-glutamine along with good probiotic.
Thinking clearly with all those pressures on you may not be easy. Use your intuition to make right choice if you must.
I agree! If my infection wasn’t as bad as it was and not threatening sepsis, I would NOT have had the surgery. Unfortunately, in my case I already had a micro perforation and my body was poisoning itself. Had I caught all this earlier and knew it was diverticulitis, I would have found alternate treatments. I never would have ELECTED to have surgery. But that’s me, after not having a choice
Research studies have proven that Vitamin C prevents and cures sepsis. If someone is concerned about sepsis …
Take 2 to 4 grams of vitamin C with Rose Hips.
Understand. It is water under the bridge. I had a 2 teeth bridge put in. they destroyed two teeth. i was so focused on mercury that i just didn’t do enough due diligence.
Surgery complicates addressing health conditions with alternative methods. Since the surgery itself may can cause damage and then that needs to be addressed.
I do not have enough understanding of those surgeries to say what you should do. I would think maybe nutrients like L-glutamine may help heal some of the damage.
The older one is, the more likely there are deathly complications to colon surgery especially after 60.
Well said. Bravo!
I seem to react viciously to certain E-numbers in food. Unfortunately, some food processors still do not conform with the law by not noting these E-numbers on their wrappings. As far as I know food processors are legally obliged to do so as they are also legally obliged to mark clearly the country where their products come from.
Hi Amy, I’m 44 a retired military spouse and was hospitalized due to perforated diverticulitis. After 4 days on cipro/flagyl, my WBC count went back to normal range so the drs advanced my diet to clear liquids and I had another attack, which on CT showed my infection was worse than when I came in. I was told they would have to do surgery. They would initially do a scope, if infection wasn’t too bad, they’d flush the area, if it was bad but manageable, they’d go in, cut out the infected portion and connect the colon again, but if the infection was severe, they’d have to cut me open, remove the infected portion, close off the end section to my rectum, and have a colostomy to let my colon rest. After a week of fevers, The first surgery which was the wash, wasn’t successful, and caused kidney shock which threw me into renal failure. I still had to have another surgery because there was an abcess hidden. I had to have a Hartmanns Resection and now have a temporary colostomy.
Granted, everybodys infections are different, but make sure you know everything that can happen to you. After 21 days in the hospital, being moved to different levels of care due to complications, and 2 major surgeries, the hospital bill came out to over $164,000. We have TRICARE Prime, so we’ll only be responsible for $25 a day inpatient.
I feel good now, actually go back to work next week after 7wks post op, but now I poop into a bag on my stomach. I will be eligible for reversal, but with that comes complications as well. Just make sure that you find out as much as you can from the surgeons so you go in with an idea of all that could happen.
I wish you only the very best!!!
I am honestly doing my very best to try to control this. I have been taking the AMP pills regularly for months and have cut out gluten but still continue with infection. I am pretty sure that stress is my trigger and I can only do so much about that because their are some things out of our control. My son’s injury, a US Marine, in Afghanistan is what started all of this with my body: Diverticulitis and Lupus. You can tell me all you want to control that but I’m sorry, unless you’ve done it, you just don’t know. I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.
I am so tired of being in pain and having it affect my daily life. I guess you equate that to weakness or succumbing to “psychological pressure” but I am the one that is seeking the answers and help (just like this blog). The surgeon will always have people needing surgery whether I decide to do this or not. She is an highly sought after professional and works mostly with cancer patients.
I genuinely appreciate the helpful answers and suggestions, but not so much of the pressure. Prioris I have tried every suggestion you have given. I was so excited when I found this site. I stopped all my antibiotics and tried all natural solutions but honestly its not fixing it. I have had 4 more episodes (2 ER visits) while taking AMP, grapefruit extract, a tablespoon of Manuska honey, a tablespoon of coconut oil, magnesium, D3 and tumeric.
I can’t continue to have all this disease/infection in my body because my immune system is already compromised by lupus. I’m sure this surgery will create a short term flare of the lupus but in the long run maybe my immune system can slow down and not be in overdrive 24/7? I don’t know? I’m not an expert on anything other than me and I know that I don’t feel well and haven’t for a very long time. This has been going on for two and a half years now. If I let this go and allow the infection to continue, then I may have no choice but to have surgery and a bag. And I know what the bag is and all that it entails from my sister. She didn’t live long after her diagnosis, (after having virtually no symptoms 4 months prior, but coming out of surgery stage 4) but the bag isn’t something that you take time to learn. You learn it quick to help them when they are weak or have a burst. The wafer change was the worst on her because it was damaging to her skin and made it so tender. And I realize MOST polyps are benign but ALL of mine were pre-cancerous so I’m pretty certain that I will have this battle before me in the future. But believe me, I am fighting it with every thing I have in me. I don’t want to leave my family like she had to.
Terri, thank you for that info. I have been out of the military loop for a while because my husband has been doing ROTC but we are looking at retirement in a few very short months. I was uninformed but I checked into it and you are correct. I am also tri-care prime and would only be responsible for $25/day hospital stay. I hope you are healing well and can have the reversal soon. Have a great Veterans Day and thanks for all the sacrifices that you have quietly made so your hubby could serve. You are a silent partner but always a true hero in my book!!
I don’t know if I will check in again on this site or not? I’m not big on surgery or even excited about it but I have to take control of my body and feel better. I am planning on doing that with the assistance of my surgeon. I will try to continue with the natural remedies to help me heal and hopefully heal up the diverticulosis that is throughout my intestines. I have learned so much here! Thanks to everyone for all the help and I wish you all the very best!!
Hopefully your still reading these posts …
Sorry you didn’t get improvement. Please be persistent.
There is something that is preventing the infection from getting resolved. This is infection problem. You should have been able to at least stabilize things. If you can’t, you need to come at problem from another angle
My recommendation is
1) Do daily enema’s but best to do it after you go to toilet. Use plain filtered LUKEWARM water. They take getting use to. This is coming at the problem from the other end.
Optionally, you could put an AMP capsule in 2 cups of water and do a 20 minute enema after you do the one above.
2) Use enteric coated 1200 GDU Bromelain and Curcurmin that uses BCM-95 twice a day day.
Bromelain will help with inflammation and biofilm. The BCM-95 will help with colon also. These also help with over all health.
3) Lupus … you should experiment with minocin if this becomes a problem.
4) I would take a milk thistle complex to aid the colon. NOW brand has a Liver Detoxifier & Regeneration supplement that contains a lot of what is needed for absorption etc.
p.s.
as far as precancerous polyps, the odds are heavily in your favor that they are really benign. be very careful about letting any doctor treat them with surgery.
Thank you everyone for the suggestions and help. I wanted to let people know bCoconut oil flares my divert symptoms
Hi,
thanks all for the useful comment. I’ve been diagnosed one month ago of diver and since then, I had 3 flare ups and 2 hospitalizations. I began to think that surgery was the only way but I may found some other way to heal reading all the comments.
When I had my first flare up, the day before I ate fatty pork meat, cheese and grapes directly taken from the trees, without washing them. Wondering if the peticides could have had in impact on waking up the infection.
I’m living in Spain and usually had a almost healthy mediterranean diet during the week but used to take too much alcohol and junk food on weekends. Plus, my aunt and granpa had diver as well, so it could be a mix of hereditary and bad habits causes. .
As I had a new flare up 5 days ago, I am on a liquid diet since then. Pain is slowly going away.but still I can feel it. I wonder if pro-biotics yougurts such as Dan-Active can help and possibly replace normal Probiotics?
Thanks!
You found out that certain food is definitely feeding the culprit microbes. I don’t think it is the insecticide. I think it is the sweet juices in the grapes themselves that are feeding the microbes. Pork is known to have the most bacteria and parasites of any meat but I think as long as it is cooked well, it shouldn’t be a problem.
I would not waste my time with commercial yogurts. Anything made with raw milk is depleted already. Maybe they are just adding probiotics themselves. You want yogurt, you find raw milk and make your own.
You can bypass the yogurt and get it in a supplement. I would focus on the delivery method on any probiotic. There is the Bio-tract method or Beads (pearls) method. Experiment.
If you feel it, it means there are pouches in the colon. You will continue to feel it until they heal. A liquid diet may just makes the pouches less noticeable. It takes time to heal the pouches. Unless the offending microbe is neutralized or brought under control, you won’t be able to heal the colon. I would consider trying grapefruit seed extract to try to weaken the offending microbe.
How much grapefruit seed extract should I begin with?? I just bought some 50Mg caplets. Should I look for side effects??
Also bought some Aloe Vera gel capsule and some Papaya enzyme. My plan was to introduce one at a time to see what happens???
Treblig
Here is a product. I haven’t used it.
NutriBiotic High Potency Grapefruit Seed Extract 125mg per capsule. Experiment with dosage. Take it 3 or 4 times a day. Side effect possible with any supplement.
Looks like I accidently bought Grape Seed Extract??? It does contain 15mcg of selenium. But it’s probably nowhere near the same as “Grapefruit Seed” Extract??
Treblig
That mistake is easy to make. I had to triple check myself just to make sure. The names look so identical. I’m sure many other people have made that same mistake. I should have mentioned that as a caveat.
Hi Prioris,
thanks for the answer.
The Pork was actually row, cured meat. Not the best thing, uh?
About dairy – better to avoid or take it (in small quantities)? Some websites say they might be actually useful and they are low on carbohidrates which is supposedly good,
thanks again!
I’d avoid dairy since it is a common problem in the general population. Almond milk actually tastes better and you can use it like milk. I drank water when I had infection but that doesn’t mean you have to. I think the key is moderation.
I would stick to more milder sweets. Enough to satiate your sweet tooth but no more. Usually there are a couple things we are eating that really feed the bacteria. If you sense something could be doing it then find a substitution. You’ll probably eat what you are eating in past except with a few things substituted.
If one minimizes the food supply of the offending microbe, that will help weaken it also. By coming at the problem from different angles, one improves the odds of bringing the infection under control.
Here is one more thing to do. Keep all your eating within an 8 hour window so your colon can have 16 hours rest. During those 16 hours it is ok to take supplements. This denies the bacteria food also. This could also prevent diabetes.
Hi Prioris,
I see your point, the problem is that with so much different food we eat everyday, the variables are many and it’s actually hard to isolate the responsible food. I guess it’s just a matter of becoming more sensible and listen more to our bodies.
You talked before about grapefruit seed extract as an anti-inflammatory. Went to a shope and they didn’t have it but they did have Kuzu, which is this white root popular in China and Japan. They said it is a strong inflammatory and could replace what I was looking for. Looking in internet, some people with diver are talking about this but it doesn’t seem very well known.
Do you or someone have experience with that? Thanks!
I have no experience with Kuzu.
I was looking to see what the active ingredient in grapefruit seed extract is and I came across some very interesting stuff that throws a monkey wrench in things.
“But a new review published in the American Botanical Council (ABC) journal HerbalGram claims that many, if not most, GFSE products on the market today contain synthetic preservatives, microbicides and disinfectants that are not necessarily listed on their labels.
The idea behind GFSE is that it contains natural antimicrobial, antiseptic and alkalizing properties that render it highly beneficial in a variety of clinical applications. Many GFSE users who take it internally say it has helped eliminate chronic infection, clear up colds and sinus infections, and even cure candida and other yeast and fungal overgrowths inside the body.
But the new review, compiled by Dr. John H. Cardellina, Ph.D., a natural product, organic, medicinal and analytical chemist, suggests that most commercially-available GFSE products contain synthetic chemical components that are the true active ingredients. Actual grapefruit seed extract, suggests the review, does not contain antimicrobial properties, and is not the ingredient responsible for the beneficial effects that users experience.”
http://www.naturalnews.com/036125_grapefruit_seed_extract_chemicals_adulterated.html#ixzz3Epwb7k00
I have heard people say it contains toxins so one shouldn’t take it too long. Now I understand just what that really means.
I did limit my intake to 1 week due to the warning of toxicity. Understand that we eat toxins every day from the foods we eat. There are toxins in Aloe Vera juice. This is why I can’t take the juice. It doesn’t stop people from raving about the wonderful benefits of the juice. I am more sensitive while others are not.
There are toxins within the herb Uvi Ursa that I took to knock out a idiopathic bladder infection in short time. I would take it in a heart beat again. So we need to put toxins in perspective. It comes down to making sure it doesn’t build up in the system too long. A week is a reasonable amount of time to try it.
“It was discovered that the ethanol-extracted GFSE contained no antimicrobial chemicals, while many of the commercial GFSE products contained some or all of them.”
This may be why it may work for some people and not others.
I would still give it a shot just based on anecdotal evidence even if it is synthetic to see if it can knock infection out quickly. If it does have results, maybe you can use probiotics to tilt the battle in your favor and use intermittent dosing of GSE.
I would think you would have to look for a non ethanol extracted GSE.
Sorry to complicate your day.
“In a 2007 study the main synthetic antimicrobial agent identified in commercial GSE samples was benzethonium chloride”
So glad to see this!
I’m 61, just had colonoscopy yesterday and doc said I have diverticilosis. Family history of colon cancer. My daughter recommended paleo diet several months ago and gave me two very informative cookbooks. I really enjoy it! Great to know I am already on the right path to better health! Running to the kitchen now to make some raw sauerkraut!
I’m not sure what the big difference is between Paleo and the diet I’m on, all I know it that it works for my diverticulitis. I eat protein (fish, meat, chicken, ham, bacon) and good fats. I’m on a high fat, low carb diet with no sugar, no fruits, very few vegetables. My diverticulitis symptoms have completely disappeared!! I don’t know if it’s because of the “no sugar” or because of the low carbs but it works. I also take numerous vitamins and minerals supplements plus two table spoons of ground flax seed daily. I visited my kidney specialist a few weeks ago and he said my blood work looked great!! So I guess I’m doing something right. I’m looking forward to my next blood test to see how my cholesterol/triglycerides are holding up on the high fats. My cholesterol had always been real good before changing to the high fat, high protein, low carb diet so it will be interesting to see what happens.
Treblig
There’s only one problem with slowly introducing different carbs into my diet. The companies that manufacture bread, cakes, pasta, etc., etc. continually substitute different ingredients into their formulas and you never know when you’re going to be “blindsided”. I appreciate all the information and I wouldn’t mind being able to eat more variety. I love eating bacon every morning. Fried eggs are great with grilled ham. Tuna salad and chicken salad are great for snacks. These are all low/no carb. I also take two tablespoons of ground flax seed every day. Streaks are also really good. I get shank bones and bake them in the oven for the marrow which is delicious on bread (low carb pita). On this high fat, high protein diet I eat all the fatty foods (correct ones anyway) I want and I’ve lost 7 lbs. I am a thin person so I wasn’t trying to lose weight anyway. I just don’t want to end up like some of the other contributors on this website (getting surgery).
Treblig
I was diagnosed with diverticulitis/diverticulosis a few years ago and started taking Citrucil to help things. I also ate huge amount of vegetables with my meals. I noticed that my diverticulitis inflammation still occurred every now and then, sometimes very painful. But about a year ago I took a routine blood test (type O positive) and my blood sugar was a little high (101), not too bad but I certainly don’t want to end up with diabetes and diverticulitis!! So as a precaution I went on a low carb, low sugar diet. So now, even though I don’t eat very many vegetables (like I used to), the diverticulitis have all but gone away. I’ve also noticed that now that my stool is much more firm (don’t eat very many vegetables), I get no pain/inflammation. It’s really amazing because I always thought that if you don’t keep the stools soft you’ll get inflammation?? It’s not true!!!
I guess, as it turns out, there’s something in the carbs and or in the sugar that aggravates the condition. I only wish someone had told me this many years ago!!! My gastroenterologist never mentioned it so I told him about it last time I went to see him. Again, I am type O positive, this may also be a factor. I was wondering if there were any studies to show how or which ingredients in the carbs or in the sugars aggravate the condition. It would go a long way into letting people like me eat a greater variety of foods. FYI, I eat 30 carbs or less per day, no sugar (except for a tablespoon of honey in my oatmeal). I eat a fair amount of meat/protien, which supposed to be bad for my condition!! I eat very few vegetables, some green beans (they are low carb) and salads with organic cheese and chunks of fried sausage, I also eat cold slaw every now and then (low carb). I take numerous vitamins and mineral supplements to compensate for the lack of vegetable/fruit intake. My last comprehensive blood test came out great!!!
Why is there not more information on the fact that a low carb low sugar diet helps diverticulitis???
Hope this helps someone??
PS – Please, do not start on a low carb/low sugar diet without doing as much research as possible. Going into Ketosis is not any fun for some people although the benefits are unbelievable!!
Treblig
I know for me, it was kind of the same problem. I can eat sweets but if the degree and quantity remains too long, the bad microbes in the stomach will start to gain an advantage.
Diverticulitis and probably most medical conditions that have damage to the colon lining is about the bad microbes getting out of control or sometimes a foreign one that should not be there. Your mission is to wither bring the population back into balance or knock out the foreign one.
I can knock mine out if it starts up. I eat what I want. I just use moderation and don’t allow assault to go on too long.
I have been researching probiotics and I have come up with a list of products that represent a diverse representation of whats out there. Whatever you buy or have, compare it to the ones below. The sheer number of probiotics can get overwhelming.
1) Jarro-dophilus (enteric coated)
a quality brand that uses enteris coating that is very popular
2) Enzymatic Therapy Pearls IC (Beads)
This uses Beadlet technology The IC brand has the most number of unique microbes of their all their specific products although only 6 or 8 unique microbes.
They do have brands with less. This can be important if one is allergic to a microbe species. If one is having problems in tolerating probiotics, it may make sense to try some with fewer microbes to see what you can tolerate.
“This [Beadlet Technology] process was developed in Japan and involves enclosing live probiotic bacteria in a small, pearl-shaped beadlet, where the walls of the beadlet are formulated to survive stomach acid and release their contents only when they reach the more neutral environment of the intestines.”
3) Renew Life Florasmart 24 Billion Probiotic Caplets
(Biotract) 30 count
Interesting thing about this is the high microbe count vs other brands that uses Bio-Tract technology.
“Controlled-Release Technology. Controlled-release formulas are specially coated to protect the probiotics from gastric acid and ultimately deliver a high percentage of live probiotic bacteria to the intestines. One of my favorite such technologies that both protects the majority of a supplement’s probiotics from stomach acid and also provides optimal release of live organisms throughout the entire digestive tract is called BIO-tract.”
4) RAW Probiotics Ultimate Care-100 Billion Garden of Life
30 VCaps GMO free
ConsumerLabs rated Garden of Life the top brand based on their survey. A unique thing about this is the sheer number of unique microbes listed on it.
5) Master Supplements Theralac, 30-Count
This uses a unique patented method to protect against lactic acid and different method to fertilize microbes (lactostim etc) when they get there.
6) PRO-15 by Hyperbiotics
This uses beadlet technology also. It seems the most economic price and has a lot of positive reviews on amazon
7) PrescriptAssist
Somethine Chris Kresser has had lots of success with this in his practice.
8) Garden Of Life brand has a lot of soil based probiotics but not something to take for weakened gut flora. You should understand why you need to take it.
I think this is a good sample of the interesting things that are out there as far as probiotic products. If someone is on the search for a probiotic, this list may be a short cut to figuring out what they want.
I cut out carbs and sugars to get the results I got. Since carbs can be turned into sugar in the human body what good would it do to only cut the sugar??
treblig
I wrote earlier how I am having surgery, confirmed today on October 15 of this year. This is big stuff, I have been feeling good but over the past weeks getting stressed over the surgery and other issues going on at home.
So I have been eating more sugar, and last night I had my first flair up in almost two weeks. So for me I know sugar is an issue. The real issue is discipline which I am not so good at, but need to be esp. after the surgery I cannot go back to being a junk eater. I have discussed this with three Dr’s, and I am at peace with it, but I need to cut out the sugar, meaning sweets, and keep the carb load low.
Thanks
I love chocolate, I love candy, I love cake (with buttercream frosting)!!! One of my solutions was Ghirardelli 86 percent dark Cacao. It’s really delicious if you let it melt in your mouth and move it around to hit the right taste buds. It allows me to eat the “sinful” chocolate with very little sugar (5 sugars), it also has the necessary saturated fats required by a high fat, high protein diet (low carb). Another pleasant side effect is that it naturally lowers blood pressure. I eat 1/2 of a large bar everyday with no effects.
If I eat cake….I eat one bite and walk away!!! NO milk, no sodas…only water!!
Treblig
You could experiment and take an AMP capsule or two once the sweet snack has been digested to help douse out any bacteria build up from sweets.
>I had my first flair up in almost two weeks.
I really hope you won’t have to have your surgery when that day comes or you find a way to postpone it further. Just a flare shouldn’t necessitate having surgery so quick. I hope the doctor isn’t putting pressure on you
I understand that stressful things going on in your life can make it difficult for you.
Thanks so much I learned a lot today. The surgery is all set, I am not going to cancel it. I have had two major attacks that landed me in the hospital and two other minor flares which could have been major. My surgeon and Gastro are afraid If it happens again, it could rupture. I have done this to myself by not eating properly for so many years. I worked with a Naturopath who used wild oregano and other things, I felt my best in 2010 and lost 60 lbs, then my family thought I was crazy, so no matter what I do I have no support. I will let you know how I made out, I know it will all go well. I have a few weeks to prepare.
Just keep taking the AMP until surgery date and maybe after any sweet snacks digested. Maybe by the time he opens you up and looks again, you could be more healed hence less surgery needed.
What is AMP?
Carbohydrates like potato chips, soda, milk, candy, mash potatoes would be offenders for me. i can eat them occasionally and be ok. most carbohydrate foods I eat occasionally anyway so no inconvenience. i have no trouble with cakes, ice cream and cookies. I drink water or some juice and a little seltzer water most of the time. Not all Carbohydrates are created equal. They are composed of different ingredients that aren’t only carbohydrates so it may be combinations of ingredients. One needs to distinguish what they need to stay away from by experimenting. Trebling has the right idea.
If one is healing and gets that urge for sweets that would feed bacteria, just take an AMP capsule or rwo after snack digested. that may be enough to interfere with feeding process.
Here is another remedy for killing the bad gut microbes. Maybe some people could use more broad spectrum approach.
“To get rid of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, yeast, mycobacteria (a treatment resistant type of bacteria/fungal hybrid) and parasites in your gut, use Jini’s Wild Oregano Oil Protocol (see Chapter 2 of Listen To Your Gut or my eBook, Jini’s Healing Guide: Natural Treatments for Gut Infection). If you have a mycobacterial infection, you will need to cycle on and off the Wild Oregano Oil Protocol for 2 to 3 years to get rid of all the mycobacteria – as they have an inactive/active lifecycle.”
Long term, I think anyone who has almost any type of chronic intestinal problem should be on Probiotics permanently.
The probiotics area has had a lot of conflicting information but I’ve been digging away trying to bring clarity to this subject. I hope these comments help someone avoid surgery.
I think my chronic meningitis and decades of low level shingles is the result of disruption to the gut flora in colon where most of the immune system lies. People will advocate Lysine and a bunch or remedies. I think creating better gut flora is getting closer to the root of the problem since that is where the bulk of the immune system lies hence may be more effective.
Here is a comment
“Researchers at the University of Cologne Germany, found
out that eliminating the intestinal bacteria of
laboratory animals brought their immune system activity
to a screeching halt and with probiotics, immune function
was restored. The scientists also discovered that these
bacteria produced protein like compounds called peptides
that kept the immune system running at a low idle,
prepared to respond to disease causing infections. More
research has discovered that probiotics trigger a wide
range of immune compound that battle harmful bacteria and
viruses.”
As I read more and more studies, probiotics alone has cured many medical conditions related to colon. This points to the underlying cause.
All the other remedies I mentioned are really for stemming and bringing down the numbers of the microbe doing the damage. This would help the good flora prosper more also since they have less competition from bad flora.
Some people recommend soil based probiotics. Here is a comment that explains when not to use them.
“I do recommend soil based probiotics for some patients,
but not all. Soil-based organisms reproduce differently
than other bacteria that are normally part of our flora
in that they are spore-forming. Because of these spores,
if a person does not have enough of their own healthy gut
flora to compete with the SBOs, it opens the door for
them to become pathogenic.
After taking antibiotics and wiping
out good flora, taking a spore forming probiotic, that
cannot be held in check by beneficial flora colonies, is
not a good idea.”
Some people say probiotics are destroyed by lactic acid. Here is another comment.
‘I asked Dr. S.K. Dash, President of UAS Laboratories,
Inc. and an expert in this field. He responded,
“Probiotics are acid and bile resistant. Not only do they
pass stomach acid, they implant in the intestine, produce
digestive enzymes, vitamins, lactic acid and natural
antibiotics. Probiotics do not need enteric coating to be
effective.”‘
Question that needs to be answered is whether too much stomach acid makes probiotics less efficient in creating a home.
“According to them,
during these times, the activity of digestive system is
very less, causing the pH of the stomach to be relatively
low. Due to the less acidic stomach, the chances of the
bacteria to attach to the intestinal walls and thrive are
high. ”
So best to take probiotics before bed or when colon activity and acid is lower.
Dosage range is 1 billion to 10 billion. For a healthy personm maybe a couple times a week. For a sicker person, much more.
Please read thru Dr Ray Sahelians. I think he did an excellent job bringing together a lot of information in a tiny place.
http://www.raysahelian.com/probiotics.html
I can’t empirically say whether it will help the diverticulitis but it makes logical sense it should.
I hope you try to integrate this information into helping you find a solution to your health condition. I did snip out some comments above from there.
It’s coming at the problem from two different directions so may be synergistic. I can’t say empirically it will do this. Some people may be doing this already but I am just adding this as another option and a reminder to try alone or in combination before you have any surgery done.
Probiotics are less expensive option to boot so ideal for person in initial stages. I would give probiotics a couple months to work. I don’t have recommendation for dosages or brands. Experiment and give some feed back.
Thanks I have been taking ULTIMATE FLORA by Renew Life 50 Billion for women, since June of this year. I take one at bed time, I believe it has helped a lot, since I was on so many antiobiotics for so long.
As I said I am feeling good, no pain unless I get myself stressed, I have just a few days to decide what I am going to do, so I will go into my pray closet till I am at peace with my decision. My flare was in April, so it has been a while. I have been walking, eating more veggies, washing them thoroughly before I eat who knows what is on them. Thanks for the advice. I will let you know which direction I take. cris
The only caveat I found for probiotics is that some people many be allergic to some strains of bacteria.
I have also been pondering PREbiotic supplements. The ones I have looked at are FOS, Inulin and Accacia Gum.
The concern with FOS is that it may be feeding the bad bacteria. Inulin may have more side effects. Jury is still out.
From what I understand, Accacia Gum is suppose to be better in fertilizing good bacteria than FOS and fewer side effects.
I would err on side of caution with prEbiotics until symptoms have calmed down or problems resolved before experimenting.
Here is another option for bad bacteria in colon … using drops of food grade H202
“The hydrogen peroxide is excellent at cleaning out your gut, getting rid of any overgrowth of bad bacteria or fungus, like streptococcus or candida that if left unchecked will eventually lead to deeper health complaints. However the hydrogen peroxide will also kill off the good gut bacteria that colonises your gut, bacteria that you need for good digestion and proper immune defense. It is therefore essential that you repopulate your good bacteria once the course of H2O2 is complete, using a good pro-biotic.”
You’d want to take it on empty stomach.
From my own personal experience about 20 years ago, I experimented with 35% food grade H202. I went up to 15 drops in glass of water for a couple weeks in the morning on an empty stomach. One may feel some nausea at high doses.
I didn’t experience any significant destruction of my gut bacteria that I could feel except some slight nausea. I think just making more oxygen available could help against the bad bacteria and help the good bacteria thrive. It wasn’t directed at colon problems.
I would think for colon, you need a lot less. Maybe experiment with up to 5 drops. Start with 1 or 2 drops a day and work up. It may be about tipping the balance against the bad bacteria in a gentle way.
On some antibiotics, I experienced severe gut problems in only a few days and immediately stopped. Took me a few weeks to recover. So empirically, H202 was quite different. So just another thing to think about experimenting with.
I am scheduled for a colon resection Oct. 15 one month from now. I had a bad diverticulitis attack in 2008 and was hospitalized. Two small ones in between, and put on antiobiotics, no rest just kept on working, April of this year I had a bad attack, I was on three rounds of ciprp/flagyl, kept telling the GI Dr maybe I am resistant to the Cipro, they said it was the drug of choice…..so after they cleared me, three Cat Scans later and three rounds of antiobiotics, 20 lb weight loss and feeling horrible, three days later I ended up in the hospital and was admitted. I had a colonoscopy three weeks ago today, the Dr couldn’t perform it b/c I had so much inflammation, he said I need the surgery, saw the surgeon he said I need the surgery, I am 63 yrs old, have not had the best diet so the damage is done, my daughter was very upset with me today it hurt, saying I need to eat different, exercise, and why am I putting my self through this invasive surgery, she got me so confused and upset I don’t know what to do. I have my pre op in one week, she is right but is not me. I have been taking probiotics, kefir, bone broth, I actually over the past week have felt good today I would never know I have a problem. I need to make the right decision, I am praying for Godly wisdom, scarey to have surgery… I wrote all the AMP, SIBO, etc down and will look it up, I have one week to make a very serious decision. Thanks for listening.
Def read through all the comments… I have read and reread them over and over – took notes…. Godly wisdom led you here as it did me. Huge difference with the AMP!!! Im continuing on it now and making my budget work – it’s that important. Pay attention to all of ‘prioris’ comments!!!! I’ll be praying for you- don’t allow fear to bring extra stress. Pray and take action creating a healthy environment for your body. Your body wants to heal itself – it’s evident in how it’s responding
Thanks Tracee, I plan to go to the Health Store tomorrow and see what I can find. Took a lot of notes, Still not sure what direction I will go in, but I am grateful to have found this site.
Thanks for your encouraging words. I will buy this AMP..
You are so right, fear and anxiety gives you problems, I was fine all day, till a friend called and I started to tell her what I was feeling and then my colon began to spasm…. perfect example how stress and negativity affects us.. I was fine all day. God bless
I agree with Tracee. I am on my second month of the AMP and I do feel considerably better. It still hurts from time to time but I know that I had a bad infection that wasn’t just going to disappear. As ‘prioris’ suggested to me…you can always have the surgery if necessary but give the natural way a try. I am still going to see the surgeon but I am going to definitely wait and see if I can’t work to help my body heal itself. Maybe you could delay your surgery to see if you can’t allow your body to heal? I know your daughter means well and is most likely scared for you so I will pray that she can find a more kind, loving and patient way of presenting her concern to you in the future. Try not to allow stress to affect your health. I know….easier sad than done! I wish you the very best and I hope you will keep us updated. God bless!
what is amp? thanks for answering!
aloe mucilaginous polysaccharide
Chris…I sure appreciate all the information you have provided, including this blog! KUDOS! I had my first attack recently and it landed me in the hospital…normally, as a chiropractor, I avoid drugs and hospitals but this 10+ pain was located lower RIGHT quadrant and associated with fever, so I though my appendix was bursting! I took the drugs for a few days to take the edge off but like others I got VERY sick from them. For me, the kicker is NUTS as I had a bag of pistachios the night before the attack and I love cashews and almonds…all rough on the gut and hi Omega-6 and pro-inflammatory…I know better! But in the last few years…everything NON-PALEO turns to bloat!
Now Im back on Paleo as it is only true anti-inflamm diet. Ive started making bone broth again (and as a former chef, mine is the best) I took out a bank loan to buy the AMP and Manuka honey that anothers recommended, BUT if youre a naturally large person like me, I don’t think Manuka is a good choice. I take DGL Plus from Pure Encapsulations as it has DGL, Marshmallow and Slippery elm. I take grapefruit extract and 6 G of Vit C a day. The pain is gone but the bloating is still there a bit.
The only thing I would like to throw into the mix is BLACK CUMIN SEED OIL or just Black oil. The prophet Mohammed has said Black oil cures everything except death. It tastes VERY nasty but is loaded with Omega 3 and anti inflamm properties. I take a tablespoon in Yogi Bedtime tea before bed with Manuka Honey or Just Like Sugar…they say it is a cure for sleeplessness. The websites also recommend a tablespoon in OJ first thing as a cure for low energy. Anyway…that’s my $.02 to the blog…hope it helps.
I found this little snippet some person wrote somewhere that may put Manuka into perspective. I don’t have any personal experience with it but I do plan to eventually get some. Someone said they had a positive experience with it but they haven’t answered my post back with more specifics. The MGO rating (400 is equivalent to +20) is more scientifically based than the active number.
I was looking into DGL for colon issues. My personal experience with DGL 20 years ago which wasn’t taken for colon issues is that it is a strong herb if taking too much. It is like those chinese herbs.
Here is that snippet
————
Manuka honey is used in hospitals to fight MRSA. It’s a anti inflammatory, Anti microbial, anti Fungal, it’s been used for centuries. Ignorant people shouldn’t pass judgment, especially if they are uniformed because it causes people to dismiss something that could in fact benefit them. To use something for a month and expect results is asking a lot. Especially when used internally. The problem with using the honey internally is being able to hold it where its needed for long enough for it to work. Manuka used topically proves itself. MRSA is Multi resistant staph, I doubt hospitals will resort to honey if it’s not proven. I think if it was to be beneficial for UC it would be best used as enemas. You have to remember, ingested it has to make it to where it’s needed and remain long enough to heal. Manuka is the only honey that doesn’t lose it’s healing power through heat or dilution, like other honeys. Also not all Manuka is the same. It has to be supplied by registered suppliers. Anyone can claim they sell Manuka, it originates from New Zealand. I would not use anything other than Watson & Son. I Also anything less than Active 20+ is useless for healing benefits. I have been mixing this honey with slippery elm with the hope of the slippery elm keeping it attached to the lining of the digestive tract for long enough for it to help heal. Dont dismiss something for others simply because it did nothing for you after a month :/ directions state to take it with a dry cracker to insure it stays in the stomach (for stomach Problems) for long as possible. Another suggestion would be to mix it with water and add pysillium. I’d prefer the slippery elm as it coats the digestive tract, this would allow the healing properties of the honey to remain for as long as the slippery elm. I’m yet to try enemas, and thats purely because I don’t know how to use them safely. When I visit the center for digestives disease in Sydney it will be one of my questions.
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I have had diverticulitis for about 11 years. My father suffered from it when the medical advice was a low fiber diet. It only aggravated the disease and eventually he had part of his colon removed. Of 4 siblings, I am the only one who inherited it. I say inherited because I am the only one who has cooked from scratched since my teens. I eat healthy — all my life. I have been attack-free for almost 3 years now (before that I had attacks every 9-12 months). Meat is a condiment and that meat is pastured and organic. I eat organic whole grains, fruit, and vegetables and much to my husband’s consternation, rarely pizza (that brought on my last attack 3 years ago) and very little pasta. I do eat dairy but in great moderation — in fact everything but fruit and veges in moderation. If I do eat pizza or pasta, it is very little and of the highest quality ingredients. I take a daily probiotic and I have vetted many companies for their quality. Finally found one that works really well. Took psyllium for several years, but the bloat was uncomfortable, always. When I realized my psyllium dose was the same equivalent of fiber found in one serving of fruit, I quit them and now feel a whole lot better. Food in its whole state has micro-ingredients that no supplement can duplicate. I am 68 years old and look 20 years younger. Drink no sodas but water, wine, one cup of coffee a day and herbal tea. Exercise is also important. I still work full time, but have figured out how to cook healthy and incredibly yummy meals and still have time for my life. It has been a trial and error for years, knock on wood. Just hope writing this doesn’t bring on an attack!
there may be a need for some fiber for some people but not as much as they say. the study they base the fiber amount recommendation from is not really valid. fiber amount is likely much lower. one needs to adjust the fiber amount to what is right for ones body.
if one eats dairy then the grass fed raw milk is best path to take.
I am of the opinion that any natural product (olive leaf extract, lauricidin, oregano oil, grapefruit seed extract etc)
that has the power to act as a strong antibacterial also has the ability to kill GOOD bacteria as well. They are indispensable So I use them only as needed and then go right back into building up my gut flora.
vsl, bone broth, milk and water kefir, sauerkraut etc.
I’ve managed to ward off the divers for 6 months now. I am acutely aware of the first signs of a problem. the protocol I have put myself on has been augmented by some insights gathered here on this thread.
I eat almost no insoluble fiber as this is a trigger for me.
But I have recently added sprouted flax powder. I boil it for a minute and it becomes somewhat of a mucilage. i add a tsp of raw honey. I drink it like a tea. I can report that my guts feel very peaceful and my bm is beautiful. can I say that?( I lean toward constipation)
Has anyone tried this? (cheaper than slippery elm).
I am dealing with my 4th episode of diverticulitis this year. In the past I have always listened to my gastrologists recommendations with the antibiotic regimen. After he told me yesterday that he was referring me to a surgeon and that I can’t do anything to prevent or diminish likelihood of another episode, I decided that I needed to start being more informed and see what I can do. This article is great and the comments have been extremely educating for me. I do have a couple questions (prioris mainly to you)
1. I have seen the AMP suggestion and found the capsules you take (aloe-MP plus). Is this fairly universal in helping all? Does the process it goes thru in making have any effect on its success for people?
2. Grapefruit seed extract suggestion? Does this have side effects or interactions?
3. You mentioned CLA also, derived from meat product? Recommended product and any side effects or interactions?
4. I did start a low dose of Magnesium yesterday to get things moving in my stomach. It has already helped. I will inform renal dr this week.
5. Take AMP and aloe juice? Brand?
I am 46 years old. I have the worst couple of “health” years of my life. In addition to the episodes of diverticulitis, a couple of ER trips for that, in the past 2 years I have also gained over 30lbs, been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, ovarian cysts after already having an ablation surgery a couple of years ago due to bad periods, had acute estrogen dominance that comes with all sorts of bad side effects to include awful brain fog, all over body swelling more specifically in hands, face and feet, two episodes of a UTI something I have never had before, and most recently diagnosed with lupus from a skin biopsy. When they did the blood work for lupus they found that I am in stage 2 (2pts from 3) kidney disease. I am going to a renal dr this week and I am going to make sure this wasn’t just dehydration the day of the test? I’m not sure how that works. I’m seeing rheumatologist this week also and will learn more of my diagnosis. Basically my body hates me! The feeling is mutual at this point.
I have had three precancerous colon polyps removed in two previous colonoscopies but my last one was polyp free. My sister passed away 4 years ago at age 47 from colon cancer so that is why I have already had 4 of them.
I take synthroid, anastrozole (estrogen suppressor), Wellbutrin (for my obvious depression after all this– started about two months ago), Prilosec for acid reflux and a generic Zyrtec each day. I am also currently on metronidazole from the gastrologist but would like to go off that after reading all this.
I am going to start with this diverticulitis issue first because after my reading I have learned that many issues stem from the gut and healing this issue might help with the autoimmune issues. I was diagnosed with spastic colon many many years ago. They now call it IBS. I used to have some pretty bad bouts of bloating and diarrhea but then it all changed to constipation. I think this might be the trigger of the diverticulitis. Have to find ways to prevent constipation also.
I have had my dr treat my symptoms but not my whole self. The fire alarm has had the batteries removed but the fire is still burning hot! I look forward to hopefully hearing an answer to my questions and starting to take control of my health.
I ordered the AMP and it will be here tomorrow sometime. Are there dosage recommendations with it? Times of day?
Also, are prebiotics and probiotics recommended also? I’m taking some probiotics today since I decided that I won’t take my antibiotics. What do we look for in a probiotic to help us? Is this individualized also? Thanks.
i am trying to post answers to your questions but not successful yet
i will post in small pieces
1. I have seen the AMP suggestion and found the capsules you take (aloe-MP plus). Is this fairly universal in helping all? Does the process it goes thru in making have any effect on its success for people?
I never want to say it will help ALL. Health situations can be more complex in some people with other health factors complicating their situation.
I want to do all I can to help people avoid having surgery. You are battling an infection in you intestine. Once you can cure it, you will more likely be able to figure out how it came about. AMP acts as a natural antibiotic that doesn’t wreak havoc with your gut. It even helps in other ways like against fungus etc.
2. Grapefruit seed extract suggestion? Does this have side effects or interactions?
“Grapefruit is safe in the amounts normally used as food and seems to be safe when used appropriately for medicinal purposes.
However, if you take any medications, check with your healthcare provider before adding grapefruit to your diet or using it as a medicine. Grapefruit interacts with a long list of medications”
If one is not on medications then you should be ok.
3. You mentioned CLA also, derived from meat product? Recommended product and any side effects or interactions?
Tonalin® Proprietary Fatty AcidBlend (from safflower oil) [containing minimum 78% conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)]
If one looks at coconut oil, many people rave about it but some people have negative reactions to it. It’s not clear why. Many people have wonderful benefits taking MSM but I’m one of those people who experiences migraines when taking MSM. I have made many suffering attempts but that is something one needs to deal with. I have no regrets. Some people have reported that they have had liver problems with CLA. How numerous and to what degree is unknown. Being aware of the side effects of any supplement helps.
In the end, it’s about experimenting and seeing if it is right for you.
5. Take AMP and aloe juice? Brand?
No need to take Aloe Juice if you are taking AMP. Aloe Juice is a low cost option that may work for some people. AMP is heavy duty approach but more painfully expensive although surgery would be thousands of times more painful.
Lupus like many chronic diseases have mycoplasma infection involved.
This can be addressed with borax protocol or antibiotic protocol approach. borax (12 mule team) is no more toxic than table salt so very safe to use. I used this to resolve and control my rheumatoid arthritis. It is good for fungus also.
look up the arthritistrust org and roadback org websites also.
I was able to cure my fibromyalgia with antibiotic minocin over 15 years ago pretty quickly. The interesting thing is that the generic minocyclines back then would not work. There is a website that list peoples experience regarding which generics work and which do not.
For For Ovarian Cysts, Constipation, UTI
go to earthclinic website and look up popular cures under ailment section.
AMP should be taken on empty stomach.
Best times is take 5 capsules sometime before bed and 4 capsule upon rising. You don’t want anything diluting or interfering with the AMP.
Probiotics is a trial and error approach. What works for one person may not work for someone else.
Thank you for this great blog, Chris! Regarding the AMP…I found Aloe MP Plus (the expensive one we talked about) in cap form and there is a AMP Gold POWDER on Amazon for a bit less. Do you have any experience with the later? Thank you!
The only AMP product I see on Amazon is by Serovera. There is a product called Gastric Gold. I have no experience with these.
here is a chart listing out some qualities that would be relevant for AMP. this chart may or may not be up to date for particular product but it can serve as a general guide when assessing other products.
http://aloereviews.com/Reviews.aspx
I am on my second month of the AMP and it has helped tremendously. Thank you!!! I still have pain occasionally but not like I was. I am trying to listen to my body more and pay attention to any signs it’s giving me. I am only taking the AMP and probiotics right now.
I am going to try to start to address the lupus and ovarian cysts next. I am going to research the borax protocol that you suggested and possibly the Manuka Honey also? I’ve been trying to eat “cleaner” but honestly some days all I eat is junk! 🙁
Prioris, have you ever heard of using iodine internally to help heal? I was doing some research and learned that it too can help with many auto-immune disorders? Any insight.
I can’t thank everyone enough on this blog. It has literally changed my life!
And where do you buy the Watson & Sons Manuka honey? I’m in the US in Ohio. Thanks.
I think when you buy Manuka, just pay attention to the MKO rating. It is based on solid science. Look for something 400 or above.
behind autoimmune diseases are microbe infections. you need to do some type of antibiotic protocol. first address colon problems because that is where everything seems to begin from.
Lugol iodine does combat infections but it is not enough. You can add some to your daily health maintenance but you need to do a lot more.
I think probiotic would be more important to take than lugols iodine. also maybe some accacia gum.
i would also look at low dose neurontin protocol.
For Lupus
You have a mycoplasma infection or other microbe infection. You need to address that and other infections in your body also like any possible systemic fungus. Don’t waste time testing to see what infection you have. Testing doesn’t prove you don’t have it. Take the antidote.
http://www.roadback.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/studies.display/display_id/187.html
look at the http://www.arthritistrust.org website also. it explains what it really takes to heal rheumatoid arthritis. you need same approach with lupus.
I would try borax protocol that is used for RA. Try minocin next. Be aware that most generic minocycline doesn’t work for these chronic conditions. Only a few brands work. Research the subject.
For Cysts
Look into serrapeptase. It will dissolve cysts. I can’t give you any personal experience but just research it. I know a few people who had positive results. I can’t guarantee it will work for you but you need to experiment. research it.
Here is a comment I found buried somewhere. They never mentioned the name of the book.
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Apple Cider Vinegar & Molasses for Cysts… I just bought a book online for dissolving Ovarian Cysts naturally & keeping them away & Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the top things on the list. -Had a 4.2 size cyst & they were threatening that I needed surgery. A month later, it was half the size. Combined Apple Cider Vinegar (Mother) with Organic Unsulphured Molasses, which is a good source of Potassium, Calcium & Iron.
-It is theorized when you have Polycystic ovaries or frequent Ovarian cysts that you are insulin resistant, which is why conventional doctors will tell you to lose weight. I believe insulin plays an important role of the imbalance of hormones which in turns allows cysts to form & multiply, perhaps by the delicate balance of hormones, diet, & insulin. When I took the ACV, I noticed my ph balance changed a lot, especially under my arms!! Also, the sour taste left me not craving sweets as much.
-I used 1 tablespoon Cider, 1 tablespoon Molasses, 1/4 cup milk all together before breakfast & dinner. Hope this helps any other women suffering from Ovarian cysts. Combined with healthy eating & exercise, I believed the Cider helps in dissolving the cyst somehow through its acidity. If it does this for women, for sure those suffering from kidney stones might have their’s dissolved as well?? Any other thoughts or anyone else use it for cysts?
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I don’t know if it works but another option to consider
I am a 57 year old female (if that matters) I just returned from a trip to urgent care…ct scan showed diverticulitis…flagyl, cipro, and pain meds in hand. The thought of having to take the flagyl and cipro makes me want to cry because I know I will feel like crap for weeks. This is my third diverticulitis attack in two years. My first attack occurred two weeks after I had my gallbladder removed. I don’t know if that was a coincidence or the catalyst. The second attack was two months after a knee replacement. Three weeks ago I was treated for some nasty cat bites…I had four infusions of rocephin and ten days of oral augmentin…I’m amazed that I got an infection of any kind with all of that in my system…again, coincidence or catalyst? After my first attack, I saw a Naturopath who recommended the Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type diet…my M.D. informed my that there is no evidence that blood type has anything to do with health…After watching Forks Over Knives I purchased Dr. Fuhrman’s Eat to Live…he does not recommend the Paleo Diet…but I cannot see myself following Dr. Fuhrman’s diet for the rest of my life. I do know that I do not want another attack and that the doctor is now recommending surgery to remove part of my colon. I am desperate…but keep finding conflicting information. Will following the Paleo Diet help me?
Great article! Thanks!! Please explain “gelatinous cuts of meat” under the paleo diet area.
i have heard of the paleo diet..where can is the best place to get information on this type of diet. it seems to have worked for many of you
Check out Paul Jaminet’s book: Perfect Health Diet and his blog.
my husband was just diagnosed with diverticulitis with possible colitis..he has had extreme pain and is on antibiotics and pain pill (as needed) i have started him on a bland diet for the past several days. do i start adding fiber to his diet slowly to avoid the pain?
read my posts
Wondering why you specifically suggest VSL #3 – just wondering if I’ve missed some studies in my search. It seems like a few strains have been tried with fairly similar degrees of effectiveness and most aren’t as pricey.