Diverticulosis, also known as diverticular colon disease, occurs when small folds or pockets form in the intestinal wall, due to its weakening, which occurs with aging and a low-fiber diet.
The main way to treat this condition and prevent inflammation of diverticules, leading to diverticulitis, is to increase the amount of water and fiber in the diet, relying on foods that improve intestinal transit and decrease intestinal inflammation, such as:
- The diet should include about 30 grams of fiber a day.
- If this is not possible.
- There are high-fiber supplements.
- Such as Metamucil or Citrucel.
- For example.
- Which may be helpful.
Medications, such as Hyoscin, Dipirone, and Paracetamol, for example, are indicated by your doctor for cases of cramping and abdominal pain, which may occur in some cases. The use of laxatives, such as lactulose and bisacodyle, can be used. for cases of constipation that do not improve with food regulation.
The natural treatment of diverticulosis complements nutritional treatment and involves the consumption of foods rich in probiotics or prebiotics, guided by the nutritionist, present in natural yogurt, onion, garlic, tomato, apple and banana, or in complementary capsules, to help to increase good bacteria in the intestine, regenerate the intestinal flora and ensure the proper functioning of the intestine.
In addition, this disease appears to be increased in people who smoke and consume excess red meats and fats, and it is recommended to avoid these habits.
Check out some tips and recipes from our nutritionist to regulate your gut:
The use of medications to treat diverticulosis is recommended by the gastroenterologist and is only necessary when there is pain in the abdomen, such as intestinal colic, in these cases hyoscine or butylscopolamine can be used, for example, which reduces intestinal cramps and relieves symptoms .
In addition, in case of severe constipation, which does not improve with a diet high in fiber, the use of laxatives, such as lactulose, magnesium hydroxide and bisacodyl, may be indicated, for example, according to medical prescription.
Other types of treatments, such as antibiotic use or fasting, are only necessary when diverticulosis becomes diverticulitis, where there is inflammation and infection of the intestine, and causes symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, fever and vomiting. and how to treat it.
Surgery is generally not used as a treatment for diverticulosis, which is indicated in cases of bleeding, repeated or severe seizures of diverticulitis, accompanied by complications such as an abscess, fistula, obstruction or perforation of the intestine, for example.
In these cases, it may be necessary to remove the inflamed part of the intestine, re-intestinal transit. Better understand when surgery is necessary.