Diverticula are saccular herniations that protrude through the wall of the colon. These “bowel pockets” are almost always asymptomatic (you can’t feel them). They are caused by a sluggish, constipated bowel. These pockets fill with old fecal material which can be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. This can effect the entire body causing all types of toxic reactions.
The Merck Manual, the medical industry’s standard for the diagnosis and treatment of disease, tells us that colon degeneration is on the rise. The incidence of diverticulosis has increased dramatically over the last 40 years. It states, that in 1950, only 10% of adults over the age of 45 had this disease, in1955 15%, in 1972 30%, and in 1987 almost 50%. The latest edition states that the incidence “increases rapidly” over age 40 and that “every person will have many” if they live long enough, meaning every American adult will have herniation of the large intestine.
Symptoms:
Can be asymptomatic… You may feel cramping, bloating, tenderness on the left side of the abdomen, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, and an almost continual need to eliminate.
- Herbal colon formulas may be helpful in cleansing the intestinal tract, reducing inflammation and keeping the colon healthy. If interested, take a look at Quick Colon Formula # 1 and Quick Colon Formula #2.
- Organic Aloe Vera Juice is beneficial because it softens stools and has a healing effect on the digestive tract; drink a half a cup three times daily.
- Flax Seed Oil contains omega 3 essential fatty acids which are necessary for the repair of the digestive tract.
- Drink plenty of distilled water and fresh juices.
- Eat a diet consisting mainly of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, garlic, kale, spinach and turnips. High fiber diets have been reported to be of definite benefit for those with bowel disorders. J. McDougall, M.D, “The McDougall Plan,” (1983): pp49-50
Things to Avoid:
- Eliminate fatty, low-fiber foods: dairy foods, fish, meat, chicken, turkey, yeast products, alcohol, caffeine, soda, eggs, fried and greasy foods, margarine, tobacco, white flour, and all other processed foods and animal derived products from your diet.
References:
- James F. Balch, M.D, Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C, “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” (1997)
- S. Imes et al., “Vitamin C Status in 137 Outpatients with Crohn’s Disease: Effect of Diet Counseling,” Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 8(4), August 1986, p. 443-446
- D. Burkitt, “Some Diseases Characteristic of Modern Western Civilization,” Br Med J 1 (1973):274
- J. McDougall, M.D, “The McDougall Plan,” (1983): pp49-50
