8 Best Supplements for Diverticulosis (Diverticular Disease)
Looking to manage diverticulosis? In this article, we’ll explore the best supplements for diverticulosis as well as explain what they symptoms and causes of diverticulosis are and what are the differences between diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
You’ll also learn about effective natural remedies and diet tips to ease diverticulosis symptoms. Use the table of contents below, to navigate to the section that interests you most.
What is Diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis is the formation of abnormal pouches in the wall of your bowel. These pouches, called diverticula, can develop in any part of your digestive tract, but they’re most commonly found in the large intestine.
When you have diverticulosis, these pouches can become inflamed or infected, leading to a condition called diverticulitis.
It’s important to note that diverticulosis itself is usually asymptomatic, meaning it doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. However, when diverticulitis occurs, it can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, and minor bleeding in the feces.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms and Causes
If you have diverticulitis, the symptoms can include constant pain in the lower left side of your abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal tenderness, and changes in your bowel movements.
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. It’s most commonly found in the lower part of the large intestine. The pain may also be more intense on the right side in people of Asian descent.
Risk factors for diverticulitis include aging, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, and a diet high in animal fat and low in fiber.
Complications of diverticulitis can include abscesses, bowel blockages, and abnormal passageways.
Regular exercise, a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and quitting smoking can help prevent diverticulitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications.
Diverticulosis vs Diverticulitis
You should understand the key differences between diverticulosis and diverticulitis in order to manage your condition effectively.
Diverticulosis refers to the development of small pouches, called diverticula, in the colon wall. It’s usually asymptomatic and may be detected during routine tests.
On the other hand, diverticulitis occurs when these diverticula become inflamed or infected. This condition causes sudden and severe abdominal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
While diverticulosis can be managed through dietary changes, such as consuming a high-fiber diet, diverticulitis often requires treatment with antibiotics.
In severe cases or when complications arise, hospitalization, surgery, or other interventions may be necessary.
Being aware of the symptoms and seeking early treatment can help reduce the risk of complications associated with diverticulitis.
Best supplements for diverticulosis
If you’re looking for the best supplements to manage diverticulosis, consider incorporating psyllium husk into your diet. It’s a natural fiber that can help regulate bowel movements and reduce symptoms.
Probiotics are also beneficial, as they promote a healthy gut microbiome and may alleviate inflammation.
Glutamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and butyrate have shown promise in reducing inflammation and promoting gut health as well.
1. Psyllium Husk
Adding psyllium husk to your diet can help prevent and manage diverticulosis by promoting efficient digestion and reducing pressure on your intestinal walls.
Psyllium husk acts as a valuable supplement for diverticulosis because it helps move stool through your system smoothly, preventing the formation of pouches on the intestinal walls. By guiding the stool directly through the intestines, psyllium husk also lowers the risk of diverticulitis.
It does this by preventing the stool from accumulating in the pouches, which is believed to be a major cause of infection. Adding psyllium husk to your diet can be an effective way to manage diverticulosis and reduce the risk of complications.
Here’s our recommended Psyllium Husk supplement:
Psyllium husk powder, 2 Pounds
- Clean Ingredients: It contains no GMOs, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, soy, dairy, or gluten.
- Versatile Usage: Available in powder form for higher concentration, quick absorption, and ease on the stomach, offering various ways to consume.
2. Probiotics
The best supplements for diverticulosis include probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria.
These probiotics help maintain the health of the intestines and can be beneficial for individuals with diverticulosis.
In a study, it was found that people who’d diverticulitis were more likely to remain symptom-free after one year when they were treated with specific probiotics like Lactobacillus casei and mesalazine.
However, it’s important to note that some probiotics may not be suitable for individuals with severely suppressed immune systems. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any probiotic supplementation for diverticulosis.
Overall, incorporating probiotics into your diet may be a helpful addition to managing diverticular disease and promoting intestinal health.
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3. L-Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid that’s naturally found in the body and plays a role in maintaining proper intestinal function.
While there’s currently no evidence that glutamine specifically helps reduce symptoms of diverticular disease, it may still be beneficial for overall intestinal health.
Recent research indicates that glutamine, an amino acid, benefits gut health by supporting the microbiome, mucosal wall integrity, and reducing inflammation via the gut-brain connection through the vagus nerve. [1]
Glutamine has been also found to be a super important amino acid for our guts. It helps our gut cells grow, keeps them strong, and stops inflammation. When we’re really sick or have gut problems, our glutamine levels drop. Scientists have even looked into giving people more glutamine to help them get better. [2]
It’s important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, seizures, liver disease, or a history of mania or manic episodes, shouldn’t take glutamine. As with any supplement, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new regimen.
Recommended L-Glutamine Supplement
3. Omega-3 fatty acids
Taking omega-3 fatty acids as a supplement can provide relief from inflammation caused by diverticulosis.
Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. By incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet or taking a supplement, you may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with diverticulosis.
It’s important to note that omega-3 fatty acids are different from omega-6 fatty acids, which can actually increase inflammation.
Therefore, it’s recommended to focus on sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, rather than omega-6 fatty acids found in meats and dairy products.
However, if you’re on blood-thinning medication, it’s important to consult your doctor before taking high doses of a fish oil supplement, as omega-3 fatty acids have a blood-thinning effect and can interact with certain medications.
Overall, incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet can be a beneficial way to manage inflammation caused by diverticulosis.
Recommended Omega-3 Supplement:
4. Butyrate
Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, has beneficial effects on intestinal cells and plays a role in maintaining intestinal health. Numerous studies support the value of butyrate in digestive disorders, including diverticulosis.
Butyrate, produced in our guts when we eat fiber, is like fuel for cells in our colon. It also has some special powers – it can stop certain processes that cause inflammation and talk to specific receptors.
Having enough butyrate is really important for our gut health. It helps our gut cells work well, reduces inflammation, keeps our gut strong, and makes sure our gut bugs behave.
Studies have shown that a sodium butyrate supplement can also reduce episodes of diverticulitis, the inflammation of these pouches.
Try incorporating a daily dose of a butyrate supplement into your routine to help improve symptoms of diverticulosis.
Recommended Butyrate Supplement:
5. Aminosalicylic Acid
Aminosalicylic Acid can be an effective supplement for managing symptoms of diverticulosis.
Researchers conducted two studies involving over two hundred patients and found that Aminosalicylic Acid, also known as mesalamine, helped control abdominal pain in patients with diverticulitis. It has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, making it a potential treatment option for this condition.
In addition, a low dose of 3mg/day of Aminosalicylic Acid had a preventive effect. This means that it could potentially help reduce the occurrence of diverticulitis in individuals with diverticulosis. These findings suggest that Aminosalicylic Acid may be a beneficial supplement for individuals managing symptoms of diverticulosis.
However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to determine if Aminosalicylic Acid is appropriate for your specific condition.
6. Curcumin
If you’re looking for a natural supplement for managing symptoms of diverticulosis, consider incorporating curcumin into your daily routine.
Studies in animal models have shown that curcumin can inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which is one of the inflammatory chemical messengers associated with diverticular disease and acute diverticulitis. This suggests that curcumin may have anti-inflammatory effects that could potentially help alleviate symptoms of diverticulosis.
While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of curcumin in humans with diverticular disease, preliminary evidence is promising.
Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric, a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine. It’s available in supplement form and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.
As always, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Recommended Curcumin Supplement
7. Magnesium
To regulate your bowel movements and alleviate symptoms of diverticulosis, consider incorporating magnesium supplements into your daily routine, as it supports neuromuscular system function and regulates peristalsis.
Magnesium is essential for muscle and nerve functions, including those of the digestive system. Insufficient magnesium can lead to stiffness, tightening, and spasms in the muscles.
Magnesium glycinate is a better alternative to magnesium salts, as it’s more absorbable and provides additional benefits for mood and sleep regulation. It effectively crosses the intestinal membrane and the blood-brain barrier.
Taking magnesium in divided doses is more effective for bowel movement regulation, as small doses are absorbed by the body to regulate muscle tone. High doses of magnesium may have an osmotic effect, causing water-pulling and laxative effects.
Overall, magnesium supplementation can be beneficial in managing diverticulosis and promoting bowel regularity.
Recommended Magnesium Supplement
8. Vitamin D
If you’re looking to increase your vitamin D levels to reduce the risk of diverticulitis and its complications, consider taking vitamin D supplements or incorporating vitamin D-rich foods into your diet such as fatty fish, beef liver, eggs, cheese, some mushrooms, and fortified foods.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, including the health of the digestive system. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis and its complications.
To ensure an adequate intake of vitamin D, you can opt for supplements that contain either vitamin D-2 or vitamin D-3.
Foods to avoid with diverticulosis
When managing diverticulosis, it’s important to be mindful of your diet to prevent flare-ups and complications. While individual sensitivities may vary, here are some general guidelines on foods to avoid:
- Processed Foods: Limit or avoid foods that are high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives. This includes many packaged snacks, sugary beverages, and processed meats.
- Red Meat: While lean meats in moderation can be part of a healthy diet, red meats like beef and pork may be harder to digest for some people with diverticulosis. Try to choose lean cuts and limit your intake.
- Dairy Products: Some individuals with diverticulosis may be lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy products. If you experience digestive discomfort after consuming dairy, consider switching to lactose-free options or plant-based alternatives like almond or soy milk.
- Spicy Foods: Spicy dishes can irritate the digestive tract and potentially trigger symptoms. If you enjoy spicy foods, try to moderate your consumption and pay attention to how your body reacts.
- Nuts and Seeds: Historically, doctors often recommended avoiding nuts and seeds due to concerns about them getting lodged in diverticula and causing inflammation. However, recent research suggests that small, well-chewed quantities of these foods may not be problematic for most people with diverticulosis. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice on nuts and seeds.
- Popcorn: The hulls of popcorn can be sharp and may pose a risk of getting stuck in diverticula, potentially leading to inflammation or infection. If you enjoy popcorn, make sure it’s well-popped to minimize the risk.
- Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation, and be mindful of how it affects your symptoms.
It’s crucial to note that individual dietary triggers can vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s advisable to keep a food diary to track which foods seem to aggravate your symptoms and discuss your findings with a healthcare professional.
They can help you create a personalized diet plan that suits your specific needs and helps manage your diverticulosis effectively.
Additionally, staying well-hydrated and maintaining a healthy weight can also contribute to better overall digestive health.
What is the best treatment for diverticulosis?
To effectively manage diverticulosis, consider incorporating a high-fiber diet and regular exercise into your daily routine.
A gradual switch to a diet rich in soluble fiber, such as green vegetables, oat bran, and fiber supplements like psyllium, can help improve bowel habits and alleviate mild symptoms. It’s also important to prevent constipation by using short-term laxatives when advised.
In more severe cases, elective surgery may be necessary to remove affected bowel segments. One antibiotic, rifaximin, has shown success in treating severe symptoms, although it can be costly.
When it comes to diverticulitis, immediate medical attention is crucial, with treatment options ranging from intravenous fluids to antibiotics and pain medication. Surgery may be required if the bowel wall is ruptured or obstructed.
The long-term use of a mild antibiotic may be necessary to prevent future attacks.
Natural remedies for diverticulosis
If you’re looking for natural remedies for diverticulosis, there are several options that may help alleviate symptoms and promote digestive health.
1. Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)
You should consider incorporating flaxseed into your diet to help alleviate symptoms of diverticulosis. Flaxseed contains fiber and acts as a bulk forming laxative, which can soften stool and speed up transit time through the intestine. Ground flaxseed is recommended, with a daily intake of 15 grams.
Studies have shown that flaxseed can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of diverticulosis, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements. The fiber in flaxseed adds bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass and reducing the risk of diverticulitis. Additionally, flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may provide further relief.
2. Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva)
The slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) can be taken as a supplement to help soothe and heal irritated tissues caused by diverticulosis. Slippery elm is a demulcent, which means it can protect the irritated tissues and promote healing.
You can take 60 to 320 mg of slippery elm per day or mix 1 tsp. of the powder with water and drink it 3 to 4 times a day. Slippery elm has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various digestive issues, including diverticulosis.
It contains a substance called mucilage, which forms a protective layer on the lining of the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and irritation.
3. Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
Try incorporating cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) into your daily routine to potentially alleviate symptoms of diverticulosis. Cat’s claw is an anti-inflammatory herb that has shown promise in reducing inflammation in the digestive tract, which can help to relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.
However, it’s important to note that cat’s claw shouldn’t be taken if you’re pregnant, have an autoimmune disease, or have Leukemia, as it can interfere with these conditions. Additionally, cat’s claw can interact with various medications, so it’s important to consult with your doctor before adding it to your routine.
4. Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa)
Consider incorporating wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) into your routine, as it may have potential benefits for individuals with diverticulosis.
Wild yam, a root vegetable native to North America, is rich in fiber and may help promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation, a common symptom of diverticulosis.
Additionally, wild yam contains compounds called diosgenin and dioscorin, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.
5. Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
You can incorporate marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) into your routine, as it may provide natural remedies for diverticulosis. Marshmallow is known for its demulcent and emollient properties, which can help soothe and protect the digestive system.
To make marshmallow tea, simply steep 2 to 5 grams of dried leaf or 5 grams of dried root in 1 cup of boiling water, strain, and cool before drinking.
However, it’s important to note that if you have diabetes, you should avoid marshmallow due to its potential effects on blood sugar levels. Additionally, marshmallow can interfere with the absorption of certain medications and may interact negatively with lithium.
6. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Chamomile tea, with 1 to 3 cups per day, can be a natural remedy for diverticulosis and is worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Chamomile, scientifically known as Matricaria recutita, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties.
When making tea, steep 3 grams of chamomile flower heads in 1 cup of boiling water, strain, and allow it to cool.
However, it’s important to note that chamomile can have estrogen-like effects, so it shouldn’t be used by pregnant individuals, those taking birth control pills, or individuals with a history of hormone-related cancers.
Additionally, high doses of chamomile may interact with blood-thinning medications.
If you have any allergies to Ragweed or related plants, it’s advised to avoid chamomile.
7. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
If you’re looking for a natural remedy for diverticulosis, try incorporating licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) into your routine. Licorice has been found to reduce spasms and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with diverticular disease.
However, it’s important to note that licorice shouldn’t be taken for a long period of time and should be avoided if you have high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney disease, or hypokalemia.
When choosing licorice products, look for those that contain only DGL, as this means that the majority of the blood pressure-raising component of licorice has been removed.
8. Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
Consider incorporating Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) into your routine for natural relief from abdominal pain and cramping associated with diverticulosis.
Belladonna, also known as deadly nightshade, has been traditionally used to relieve these symptoms. It’s believed to work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the intestines, reducing spasms and relieving pain.
When constipation accompanies the pain, Belladonna may be particularly helpful. However, it’s important to note that Belladonna should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it can have side effects and interactions with other medications.
9. Bryonia
You can try using Bryonia for your abdominal pain that worsens with movement and is relieved by heat, along with symptoms like vomiting or constipation with dry, hard stools.
Bryonia, a homeopathic remedy, has been used for centuries to alleviate abdominal discomfort and promote digestive health. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to reduce inflammation and relieve spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.
By targeting the underlying causes of your symptoms, Bryonia can provide relief and promote overall well-being.
10. Colocynthis (citrullus colocynthis)
When discussing natural remedies for diverticulosis, consider using Colocynthis (citrullus colocynthis) for its ability to alleviate sharp, cramping abdominal pains that improve with pressure.
Colocynthis, also known as bitter apple or colocynth, is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various digestive issues.
It’s particularly effective in relieving the specific type of abdominal pain associated with diverticulosis. This pain is often described as sharp and cramping, and it tends to improve when pressure is applied to the affected area.
Colocynthis works by reducing inflammation and spasms in the intestines, which can help alleviate the pain.
11. Frankincense (Boswellia serrata)
If you frequently experience abdominal pain due to diverticulosis, try incorporating frankincense (Boswellia serrata) into your natural treatment regimen, as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Frankincense, a resin derived from the Boswellia serrata tree, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests that frankincense can help reduce inflammation in the body, including in the gastrointestinal tract.
It can be consumed as a supplement in tablet or tincture form. While more studies are needed to fully understand the benefits of frankincense for diverticulosis, it may be a natural option worth considering to alleviate abdominal pain and inflammation associated with this condition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there’s no cure for diverticulosis, certain supplements can help manage symptoms and promote digestive health. Probiotics, fiber supplements, and omega-3 fatty acids have shown potential benefits in reducing inflammation and supporting bowel regularity.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements to ensure they’re safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
Additionally, adopting a diet rich in fiber and avoiding certain trigger foods can also help manage diverticulosis symptoms.
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