Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis Help in Guelph

Our experienced team of naturopaths at the Guelph Naturopathic Medical Clinic has over 20 years of experience helping people with digestive issues, including diverticulosis and diverticulitis. There is no cure for diverticulosis, but there are strategies to reduce progression and symptoms and prevent diverticulitis attacks.  Learn more about how we help our patients in Guelph with diverticulosis diverticulitis.

What are diverticulosis and diverticulitis?

Diverticulosis occurs when the bowel develops small out-pouching inside the intestinal walls, called diverticula. These little pockets gradually grow over time. Diverticulosis often has no symptoms but can be associated with bloating, altered bowel movements, cramping or lower abdominal pain.

Diverticulitis develops when the diverticula becomes inflamed, usually because fecal matter becomes trapped in these pockets and “bad bacteria” irritate the area. Diverticulitis is more serious than diverticulosis, producing more severe symptoms, including blood in the stool and fever. Some cases of diverticulitis will resolve on their own, but if untreated, there’s a risk the infection could spread and cause sepsis.

Our approach to treating diverticulosis and diverticulitis in Guelph

The following general approach is how we manage diverticulosis and diverticulitis:

• Improve diet – A typical Western diet high in processed foods and animal products increases the risk of diverticulosis. Eating a diet rich in plants, including nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, reduces the development. Historically, doctors recommended that people with diverticulitis avoid nuts, seeds, and popcorn because there was a fear these foods could get stuck in the diverticulum. However, there’s no evidence that these foods cause diverticulitis, and these high-fibre foods will likely benefit these patients. Our naturopaths will assess your diet and provide useful strategies to improve your diet to help with diverticulosis.
• Increase Fiber – Fibre is one of the most critical components of your diet that can help prevent the development and progression of diverticulosis. We can help develop meal plans to increase the fibre content in your diet or recommend a supplement to ensure you’re getting adequate amounts.
• Remove Food Sensitivities – Food intolerances can significantly impact gut health and cause inflammation, leading to symptoms like bloating and altered bowel mobility. Numerous studies demonstrate increased intestinal permeability associated with gluten in celiac and non-celiac gluten intolerance, but other food intolerances may contribute. Food intolerances are very individualized, and an elimination diet or an IgG Food Sensitivity Test may help you identify foods that are causing symptoms and possibly contributing to diverticulosis.
• Improve Gut Flora – The intestines are teeming with billions of bacteria that impact human health. “Good bacteria” aid with immune function, digestion, and maintaining healthy intestinal motility. However, “bad bugs” can also colonize the gut when people consume a poor diet, ingest contaminated water and food, take antibiotics, and undergo stress. Dysbiosis occurs when the gut flora becomes disrupted, and “bad bugs” colonize the gut, causing an array of issues, including inflammation, leaky gut, gastrointestinal infections, and altered bowel movements. Improving the gut flora can help manage diverticulosis and prevent and treat diverticulitis. We use various antimicrobials to eradicate undesirable bacteria, parasites, yeast and fungi contributing to dysbiosis. Probiotics are “good bacteria” that help digestion, reduce inflammation and improve intestinal health. We can recommend effective probiotic supplements supported by research to improve your gut health.
• Supplement nutrients – Different micronutrients play an essential role in the health of the intestinal tract. Certain nutrient deficiencies, including Vitamin D, folate, and magnesium, may increase the risk of developing diverticular disease. We assess our patients to determine if these nutrients exist and how best to resolve them.
• Lifestyle factors – Besides diet, many factors can increase the risk of diverticulosis. Certain medications can contribute to the development of diverticulosis, including antibiotics, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain medications. Alcohol and smoking may increase the risk of developing diverticulitis. Exercise is very important and can reduce the risk of diverticulitis flare-ups by 25%.

Who can help with diverticulosis in the Guelph area?

Dr. Matt Gowan is a naturopathic doctor with over 15 years of clinical experience.  He is interested in digestive conditions, including diverticulosis, diverticulitis, IBS, colitis, heartburn, diarrhea, infantile colic, and constipation.  In addition, he is a professor, author, and researcher. He currently sees patients at Guelph Naturopathic Medical Clinic. Please contact him to get help with your constipation in Guelph.

Click here to read his full bio.

References

Disclaimer: This content is subject to change. The information is intended to inform and educate; it does not replace the medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. © 2018 Guelph Naturopathic Medical Clinic. All rights reserved.