Probiotics May Benefit Chronic Diverticulitis
Posted: July 13th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Alternative Health | No Comments »
The idea that probiotics may benefit chronic Diverticulitis has become more mainstream and is considered in some corners a natural treatment or a remedy -or to prevent the condition.
Whole fruits and vegetables can be an important link to colon health. Many foods contain probiotics and are another important link. It is also true that the American industrialized diet is distinctly lacking in fruits and veggies for many people. Probiotics supplements are useful for people who know they don’t eat right, like us, and want to stay on track to treat or prevent serious conditions such as diverticulitis and / or irritable bowel syndrome. Immune system health begins with a healthy colon.
The Effects Of Probiotics On Diverticulitis
Diverticular disease is a western world disorder of the colon or large intestines. Diverticula are little ‘bulges’ on the colon lining that protrude through the muscle wall of the colon. This condition is often the result of a diet low in fiber.
As you are probably aware, fiber absorbs water, helping to make our stools larger and softer. Our “western diet”, lacking sufficient fiber, leads to smaller stools. As the colon contracts to release these stools, pressure increases on the wall of the colon. This can lead directly to the development of blowouts or sacs, usually located in the lower portion of the colon.
The problem is common among older people. Studies show that by the age of 70, as many as 60% of the population have diverticula or diverticulosis of the colon. It generally begins after the age of 30 or 40. It is less common among people who eat a diet high in fiber and consisting of lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Most people who have diverticulosis have no symptoms and are not aware they have this condition.
Approximately 20% of people with diverticulosis will develop an inflammatory condition called diverticulitis. This is a bacterial infection involving one or more diverticula.
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For many years it was theorized that an infection flared up in a diverticulum when a bit of stool or a food particle lodged in the diverticulum. The result was inflammation of the pocket lining and an infection or an abscess developed, eventually rupturing to create a localized perforation of the colon.
The most recent notion involves the associated inflammation of the lining that surrounds a colonic blowout or diverticulum. Colonoscopys have shown this inflamed lining and biopsies confirm findings of microscopic colitis. It is now believed that the low grade inflammation can develop into the more acute diverticulitis.
Fever and pain in the lower, left abdomen can be symptomatic of acute diverticulitis. Today, a CT scan of the abdomen can usually confirm a diagnosis of diverticulitis.
Treatment of diverticulitis is dependent upon how severe the episode is. Patients typically begin antibiotics and are prescribed a special diet. In severe cases surgery may be performed.
Once the condition subsides, patients are encouraged to increase the fiber in their diets to avoid recurrence. Recent studies have eliminated the theory that seeds can lead to an episode of diverticulitis.
It has been suggested that the microscopic colitis around a diverticulum is caused by a change in the good intestinal bacteria or microflora. The change in the microflora may result in a chronic inflammation that can lead to diverticulitis.
Probiotics May Benefit Chronic Diverticulitis
There have been several studies that have reported the benefits of adding probiotics to individuals who have had diverticulitis. The results have shown that probiotics seem to reduce the number of recurrent episodes.
Other studies are being conducted to evaluate the longer-term benefits of probiotics for people who have recurrent diverticulitis. In the meantime, it seems reasonable to add a good probiotic, to a daily regimen of a high-fiber diet to prevent diverticulitis.
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Additional info:
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