> referred to as a “disease of modern man”
> small, tubular shaped bulging sacs along the gastrointestinal tract.
> usually concentrate along the colon.
> inflammation of the sacs (diverticula) can be triggered by a hard mass of faeces causing bacteria overgrowth and a resulting infection (diverticulitis).
> negatively affected by poor dietary habits (increased processed foods, sugar, and trans-fats; reduced fibre, fruit and veg) and insufficient exercise.
> stress and pain is masked with anti-inflammatory drugs and laxatives.
> abnormal gut flora are associated with impaired intestinal lining & increased inflammation.
Diverticula are rare to cause problems but when they do they cause significant abdominal pain and discomfort.
Diverticulitis symptoms may include:
Nausea
Change in bowel habits
Fever
Flatulence
Cramping
Diarrhea
Constipation
Bowel pain, typically on the left side
Red coloring or blood in stool
Your naturopathic nutritionist's advice may include:
1. elimination diet.
2. prebiotic (fruit & veg, legumes & seeds) & probiotic (sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha) foods.
3. anti-inflammatory foods
4. gut-healing foods (high in glutamine, zinc and quercetin)
(adapted from www.drjockers.com)
Comments