Diverticulosis, also known as diverticular disease of the colon, occurs when small folds or sacs are formed in the intestine wall, due to its weakening, which arises with aging and a low fiber diet.
The main way to treat this condition and avoid inflammation of the diverticula, giving rise to diverticulitis, is to increase the amount of water and fiber in the diet, betting on foods that improve intestinal transit and decrease intestinal inflammation, such as:
- Laxative fruits, such as papaya, orange with bagasse, plum, acerola, banana-nanica, peach, pineapple, kiwi, mango, fig and persimmon; Vegetables and greens, as they are rich in fiber; Fibers and seeds, giving preference to whole grains.
The diet should include about 30 g of fiber, daily. If it is not possible, there are supplements rich in fiber, such as Metamucil or Citrucel, for example, that can be useful.
The use of medications, such as Hyoscine, Dipyrone and Paracetamol, for example, is indicated by the doctor for cases of colic and abdominal pain, which may arise in some cases. The use of laxatives, such as Lactulose and Bisacodyl, can be used for cases of constipation that do not improve with the regulation of food.
Natural treatment options
The natural treatment for diverticulosis helps to complement the 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 capsules of supplements, because contribute to increase the 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 who consume red meat and excess fat, and it is recommended to avoid these habits.
Check out some tips and recipes from our nutritionist to regulate the bowel:
When to use drugs for diverticulosis
The use of drugs to treat diverticulosis is indicated by the gastroenterologist, and is only necessary when there is pain in the abdomen, such as intestinal colic. In these cases, Hyoscine or Butylscopolamine, for example, can be used, which reduce intestinal cramps and relieve symptoms.
In addition, in case of intense constipation, which does not improve with a diet rich in fiber, the use of laxatives, such as Lactulose, Magnesium hydroxide and Bisacodyl, for example, as prescribed by the doctor, may be indicated.
Other types of treatments, such as the use of antibiotics or fasting, are only necessary when diverticulosis becomes diverticulitis, in which there is inflammation and infection of the intestine, and causes symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, fever and vomiting. Better understand what a diverticulitis is and how to treat it.
When to have surgery
Surgery is not usually used as a treatment for diverticulosis, being indicated when there is bleeding, when there are repeated or severe attacks of diverticulitis, accompanied by complications, such as 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, redoing the intestinal transit. Better understand in which cases it is necessary to have surgery.
