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 Balanced Diet

• 7-10 glasses of filter or spring water.  Chlorine destroys healthy bacterial flora.
• Eat foods that are 75-80% alkaline forming with vegetables, fruits, nut butters, sprouted legumes and beans (mung and adzuki), and wholegrains. Have wheat only if sprouted.  
• Animal products are acid and mucous forming in the intestines.  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.
• 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 properties than can reduce 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. Enzymes are helpful anytime mainly cooked foods are consumed. 
• Grapefruit seed extract - heals lesions and ulcerations in the digestive tract. Its antifungal properties discourage yeast proliferations and antioxidants reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. 
• Glutamine – needed for building smooth muscle tissue in the intestines.
• Charcoal capsules can be 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 December 2024