Diverticulosis, also known as diverticular disease of the colon, occurs when small folds or sacs are formed in the intestinal wall, due to its weakening, which occurs with aging and a diet low in fiber.
The main way to treat this condition and prevent inflammation of the diverticula, leading to diverticulitis, is to increase the amount of water and fiber in the diet, focusing on foods that improve intestinal transit and reduce intestinal inflammation, such as:
- Laxative fruitssuch as papaya, orange with pomace, plum, acerola, dwarf banana, peach, pineapple, kiwi, mango, fig and persimmon;
- Vegetables and greensas they are rich in fiber;
- Fibers and seedsgiving preference to whole-grain pasta.
The diet should include around 30 g of fiber daily. If this is not possible, there are supplements rich in fiber, such as Metamucil or Citrucel, for example, which may be useful.
The use of medicines, such as Hyoscine, Dipirona and Paracetamol, for example, is recommended by the doctor for cases of cramps and abdominal pain, which may occur in some cases. The use of laxatives, such as Lactulose and Bisacodyl, can be used in cases of constipation that do not improve with dietary regulation.
Natural Treatment Options
The natural treatment for diverticulosis helps to complement nutritional treatment and involves the consumption of foods rich in probiotics or prebiotics, guided by the nutritionist, present in natural yogurt, onions, garlic, tomatoes, apples and bananas, or in supplement capsules, as They contribute to increasing the good bacteria in the intestine, regenerating the intestinal flora and ensuring the proper functioning of the intestine.
Furthermore, this disease appears to be increased in people who smoke, and who consume red meat and fat in excess, and it is recommended to avoid these habits.
When to use medicine for diverticulosis
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 cramps. In these cases, Hyoscine or Butylscopolamine can be used, for example, which reduce intestinal cramps and relieve symptoms.
Furthermore, in case of severe constipation, which does not improve with a diet rich in fiber, the use of laxatives, such as Lactulose, Magnesium hydroxide and Bisacodyl, for example, 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. Understand better what diverticulitis is and how to treat it.
When should surgery be performed?
Surgery is not usually used as a treatment for diverticulosis, and is 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 part of the intestine with inflammation, reestablishing intestinal transit. Understand better in which cases surgery is necessary.
