Diverticulitis

These suggestions are not intended to replace appropriate professional advice.  Please check labels and consult your pharmacist if you take prescription medication.

In conditions like diverticulitis, it’s wise to take Hippocrates’s advice and “Let your food be your medicine!” 😊  By slowly implementing lifestyle and dietary changes, you can enjoy good health by design! 

Digestion Basics

• Chew food thoroughly and mix with saliva.  The act of chewing causes a reflex action in the gut, strengthening digestion.  Chew more = digest better.
• Eat fruit on an empty stomach and wait 20-30 minutes before any other food.
• Have complete proteins and heavy starches at separate meals.
• Have complete proteins no later than lunch for better digestion of amino acids.
• Give food your full attention.  Stop when satiated, a little before you’re full.
• Avoid eating in the evening.  Herbal teas are a healthful alternative.
• If you are experiencing acute symptoms consume only clear broth for 2-3 days.

A Healing Diet – to reduce inflammation and maximize nutrition

• 7-10 glasses of filter or spring water.  Chlorine destroys healthy bacterial flora.
• Eat foods that are 75-80% alkaline forming.  The more food is cooked the more acid forming it is. (Most important)
• Make vegetables, fruits, nut butters, legumes, beans, and wholegrains your diet mainstays.  Have wheat only if sprouted.  Soak beans and legumes overnight.
• Animal products are acid and mucous forming.  Eat sparingly.
• Organic food is best to nourish yourself being free of chemicals and pesticides.
• Fermented kimchi, sauerkraut, and coconut kefir improve digestion and pH.
• 2-3 tsp apple cider vinegar and manuka honey (opt) in water with meals improves digestion, corrects pH, and encourages the production of healthy bacteria.
• Fiber is extremely important. Use finely ground flax or oat bran. Red lentils are easy to digest and an excellent source of protein and fiber.
• Use Herbamare for full flavour of salt but 1/3 the sodium and added potassium.
• Cook food gently.  High heat generates acrylamides and advanced glycation end products, both associated with inflammation.

Supplements – to avoid common deficiencies

• Bio-Strath – B vitamins for digestion, increased stress tolerance, balanced pH.
• B12 sublingual 5,000 mcg – a common deficiency with diverticulitis.
• Vitamin C* – anti-inflammatory reduces symptoms of diverticulitis.
• Vitamin D - 8,000 IU for one month then reduce to upper limit of 4,000 IU.
• Chlorophyll* (magnesium) - stool softener, important for absorption, motility, and elimination.  Heals ulcerated and inflamed tissue in the intestines and colon.
• Omega 3 fatty acids – aids in healing digestive tract.
• Probiotics – take daily at varying times of the day

*Take enough chlorophyll and vitamin C to keep stools soft and promote two bowel movements daily.  

Short Term Special Care – use one or more to promote rapid healing

• Use a complete digestive enzyme including betaine HCI.  In time, the enzyme and apple cider vinegar will improve your own production of acid and supplementation will not be necessary.
• Glutamine – needed for smooth muscle tissue in the intestines.  Corrects pH.
• Aloe vera – heals ulcerations, inhibits pathogen growth, improves digestion.
• Vitamin A 0 10,000 IU for healthy membranes in the digestive tract.
• Charcoal capsules are helpful if you experience severe symptoms.

There are collection ducts on the intestines that drain into the lymphatic system for removal of waste and bacteria.  Congestion can result in inflammation.  Consider dry body brushing daily to keep the lymphatic system moving smoothly.  It feels great!

Fresh air, sunshine, and movement are foods for Life.  Breathe deeply into the abdomen, exhale fully.  Sit and stand tall and avoid restrictive clothing.  Digestion needs room to move and function properly.

Try to be patient 😊  It took time for this condition to develop, and it will take time to heal.  When your digestion has improved we recommend you continue with the dietary suggestions and basic supplements to maintain your gain.

Love your gut and it will take care of you. Remember - you are meant to be happy and healthy!

*Revised September 2024