Diverticulitis Support Adelaide

As a gut health naturopath, I regularly work with women to help them strengthen their digestive health to minimise both the frequency and severity of diverticulitis flare-ups.

Receiving a diagnosis of diverticulosis can feel overwhelming and even a little frightening, but the good news is that there are many proactive steps you can take to prevent this condition from significantly impacting your quality of life. With the right approach, you can support your gut, reduce inflammation, and regain confidence in your digestive health.

Gut Health Naturopath & Diverticulitis Support Adelaide: What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is an inflammatory condition that occurs when small pouches (diverticula) in the wall of the colon become infected or inflamed. These pouches form when weak spots in the colon wall bulge outward, often due to pressure from straining during bowel movements. While the presence of diverticula (a condition called diverticulosis) is common and usually harmless, diverticulitis develops when bacteria become trapped in these pockets, leading to infection, swelling, and discomfort.

Gut Health Naturopath & Diverticulitis Support Adelaide: What Causes Diverticulitis to Develop?

Diverticulosis develops when small pouches, known as diverticula, form in the wall of the colon. This condition is often linked to increased pressure within the colon, which can cause weak spots in the intestinal wall to bulge outward over time. While diverticulosis itself may not cause symptoms, it can progress into diverticulitis if these pouches become inflamed or infected.

Why Do Diverticula Form?

Several factors contribute to the development of diverticulosis, including:

• Low-Fiber Diet: A diet low in fiber can lead to constipation and increased strain during bowel movements, creating excessive pressure in the colon.
• Chronic Constipation: Straining to pass stool increases pressure on the intestinal walls, which may lead to the formation of diverticula over time.
• Age-Related Changes: As we age, the strength and elasticity of the colon wall naturally decline, making it more susceptible to diverticula formation.
• Gut Dysbiosis & Inflammation: Imbalances in gut bacteria and chronic low-grade inflammation may weaken the integrity of the intestinal lining, increasing the risk of diverticular disease.
• Obesity & Sedentary Lifestyle: Being overweight and physically inactive are associated with a higher risk of developing diverticula.
• Genetics & Structural Factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing diverticulosis due to differences in their connective tissue or colon structure.

What Triggers Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis occurs when one or more diverticula become inflamed or infected. This can be triggered by:

• Trapped Stool or Bacteria: If waste or bacteria become lodged in a diverticulum, it can lead to irritation, infection, and inflammation.
• Chronic Inflammation in the Gut: An imbalanced gut microbiome and systemic inflammation may contribute to the worsening of diverticular disease.
• Increased Colon Pressure: Repeated straining or irregular bowel movements can exacerbate inflammation within the pouches.
• Weakened Immune Response: A compromised immune system may reduce the body’s ability to fight off infection, increasing the likelihood of a diverticulitis flare-up.

How is Diverticulitis Diagnosed?

In Australia, diverticulosis and diverticulitis are diagnosed using a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The approach depends on whether a patient is experiencing symptoms or if the condition is found incidentally during routine screening.

Diagnosis of Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis (the presence of diverticula without inflammation) is often discovered incidentally during investigations for other conditions, as it typically does not cause symptoms. It may be identified through:

• Colonoscopy – A flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the colon to directly visualise diverticula. This is commonly done as part of bowel cancer screening.
• CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy) – A non-invasive imaging test that uses a CT scan to examine the colon for diverticula.

Diagnosis of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis (when diverticula become inflamed or infected) is typically diagnosed when a patient presents with symptoms such as lower left abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. Diagnostic methods include:

• Clinical Examination & Medical History – A doctor will assess symptoms, perform an abdominal examination, and check for signs of infection (e.g., fever, tenderness in the lower left abdomen).
• Blood Tests – A full blood count (FBC) can check for elevated white blood cells (suggesting infection or inflammation), and C-reactive protein (CRP) can indicate inflammation levels.
• CT Scan of the Abdomen & Pelvis – This is the gold standard for diagnosing diverticulitis in Australia. It helps confirm inflammation, assess the severity, and detect complications such as abscesses or perforations.
• Urinalysis & Stool Tests – Sometimes used to rule out other causes of abdominal pain, such as urinary infections or bowel infections.
• Ultrasound (Less Common) – May be used in some cases, particularly if a CT scan is not immediately available.

Early diagnosis and management of diverticular disease can help prevent complications.

Gut Health Naturopath & Diverticulitis Support Adelaide: What Foods Should I Eat?

When managing diverticulosis, diet plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health and preventing flare-ups of diverticulitis. Here’s a breakdown of foods to eat and foods to avoid:

Foods to Eat (Support Gut Health & Prevent Flare-Ups)

High-Fiber Foods – Fiber helps keep bowel movements regular, preventing constipation and pressure buildup in the colon.

Vegetables (carrots, zucchini, spinach, cucumbers, bell peppers)
Fruits (apples, pears, berries, bananas, oranges)
Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans)

Fermented Foods – Support a healthy gut microbiome.

Yogurt (with live cultures)
Kefir
Sauerkraut

Healthy Fats – Reduce inflammation and support gut healing.

Olive oil
Avocado
Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)

Plenty of Water – Fiber works best when paired with adequate hydration to prevent constipation.

Foods to Avoid (Can Trigger Flare-Ups or Worsen Symptoms)

Highly Processed Foods – Can contribute to inflammation and poor gut health.

Fast food
Processed meats (sausages, hot dogs, deli meats)
Packaged snacks (chips, biscuits, cakes, protein bars)

Low-Fiber Foods – Can lead to constipation, increasing pressure on the colon.

Highly refined carbohydrates (cakes, biscuits, highly processed white bread)

Fried & Greasy Foods – Can irritate digestion and slow gut motility.

Excessive Alcohol & Caffeine – Can dehydrate the colon and contribute to gut irritation.

What About Nuts and Seeds?

There is much controversy surrounding nuts and seeds when it comes to diverticulosis management and flare up prevention. There was a time where general practitioners and gastroenterologists advised patients to avoid nuts and seeds due to the risk of undigested nuts and seeds being “trapped” in the diverticula and causing a flare up.

While avoiding nuts and seeds is no longer advised, my clinical experience has show me time and time again that these foods do pose a risk for certain clients. This often depends on the overall integrity of their gut health and the severity of the diverticulosis. If you suspect nuts or seeds may have been a trigger in the past, the safest thing to do is avoid them to the best of your ability.

What to do When Diverticulitis Flares Up

A diverticulitis flare-up occurs when the diverticula (small pouches in the colon) become inflamed or infected, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. Managing a flare-up effectively can help reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and promote healing.

Rest the Digestive System

During an acute flare-up, reducing stress on the digestive system is essential. Many people benefit from a temporary low-fiber or liquid diet to allow the colon to heal. This may include:

Clear broths
Herbal teas
Electrolyte drinks
Plain white rice or mashed potatoes (without skin)
Plain toast

As symptoms improve, you can gradually reintroduce fiber to restore gut health and prevent future flare-ups.

Stay Hydrated

Diverticulitis can cause dehydration, especially if accompanied by diarrhea or fever. Drinking enough fluids can prevent constipation and support recovery. Aim for at least 2 liters of water per day unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.

Manage Pain & Symptoms

Use heat therapy – A warm compress or heating pad over the lower abdomen may help relieve cramps and discomfort.
Consider pain relief – Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is usually the safest option. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, as they can irritate the gut and worsen inflammation.
Monitor symptoms – If you experience high fever, severe pain, vomiting, or an inability to pass stool, seek immediate medical attention.

Follow Medical Advice & Take Prescribed Medications

If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take the full course as directed, even if symptoms improve.
In mild cases, antibiotics may not always be necessary, as some flare-ups can resolve with rest and dietary changes. Your healthcare provider will determine the best approach based on symptom severity.

Support Gut Health After Recovery

Once symptoms improve, it’s crucial to prevent future flare-ups by:

• Gradually increasing fiber intake
• Including fermented foods to support gut bacteria
• Staying active to promote bowel regularity
• Managing stress, as chronic stress can contribute to gut dysfunction

Your gut health naturopath can support you to implement these changes.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Severe cases of diverticulitis can lead to complications like abscesses, perforation, or bowel obstruction. Go to the hospital immediately if you experience:

• Persistent, severe abdominal pain
• High fever and chills
• Vomiting
• Rectal bleeding
• Inability to pass stool or gas

Gut Health Naturopath & Diverticulitis Support Adelaide: What are the Best Supplements for Diverticulitis?

While supplements may not be necessary for all cases of diverticulosis and diverticulitis, there are some supplements that may improve digestive health. It is important to work with a practitioner to ensure you are using the right supplements for your unique needs.

Glutamine

Glutamine is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in gut health, immune function, and muscle recovery. Here’s how it helps, particularly in digestive health and healing:

Supports Gut Lining Integrity

Glutamine is a primary fuel source for intestinal cells and helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining. This is especially important for conditions like leaky gut, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel diseases, where the gut barrier may be compromised.

Reduces Inflammation & Supports Healing

Glutamine has anti-inflammatory properties and helps repair the gut lining after damage from infections, food sensitivities, stress, or conditions like diverticulitis.

Enhances Immune Function

Since a large portion of the immune system is located in the gut, glutamine helps by supporting immune cell activity and reducing the risk of infections or flare-ups.

Helps with Stress & Recovery

Chronic stress depletes glutamine levels, which can impair gut function and overall health. Supplementing with glutamine may help restore balance, support adrenal function, and reduce stress-related gut issues.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes play a crucial role in breaking down food and improving nutrient absorption, which can be particularly beneficial for those with diverticulosis. While they do not directly “cure” the condition, they can help reduce digestive strain and minimise symptoms like bloating, discomfort, and food fermentation in the colon.

Improves Digestion & Reduces Strain on the Gut

For people with diverticulosis, sluggish digestion can contribute to bloating, discomfort, and irregular bowel movements. Digestive enzymes help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates more efficiently, reducing the workload on the digestive system.

Reduces Gas & Bloating

Poorly digested food can ferment in the colon, leading to excessive gas and bloating—common issues for those with diverticulosis. Enzymes like amylase (for carbs), protease (for proteins), and lipase (for fats) assist in more complete digestion, reducing fermentation and gas production.

Supports Regular Bowel Movements

Diverticulosis is often linked with constipation, which can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of diverticulitis. Enzymes, particularly those that help break down fiber (like cellulase and hemicellulase), may support better stool formation and regularity, preventing stagnation in the colon.

Reduces Food Intolerances & Inflammation

Some people with diverticulosis struggle with digesting dairy (lactose intolerance) or other food components. Supplementing with the appropriate enzyme (e.g., lactase for dairy) can prevent digestive distress and inflammation that may aggravate symptoms.

May Help Prevent Flare-Ups of Diverticulitis

While digestive enzymes won’t directly prevent infection or inflammation, they can reduce undigested food particles that may irritate the colon, which might help lower the risk of diverticulitis flare-ups.

Which Digestive Enzymes to Look For?

Amylase, Protease, Lipase – Help break down carbs, proteins, and fats.
Cellulase & Hemicellulase – Help break down plant fibers, easing digestion.
Lactase – Supports digestion of dairy if lactose intolerance is present.
Bromelain & Papain – Natural enzymes from pineapple and papaya that aid protein digestion and may reduce gut inflammation.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health by balancing the microbiome, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation. For individuals with diverticulosis, probiotics may help regulate bowel movements, reduce bloating, and potentially lower the risk of diverticulitis flare-ups.

Supports a Balanced Gut Microbiome

An imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) can contribute to bloating, gas, and irregular bowel habits, which are common concerns for people with diverticulosis. Probiotics help restore beneficial bacteria, improving overall gut function and reducing discomfort.

Improves Bowel Regularity & Prevents Constipation

Diverticulosis is often associated with constipation, which can increase pressure in the colon and contribute to flare-ups. Certain probiotic strains, like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, help promote regular, well-formed bowel movements by improving gut motility.

Reduces Inflammation & May Lower Risk of Diverticulitis

Chronic low-grade inflammation in the gut may contribute to the development of diverticulitis. Probiotics help modulate the immune response and reduce gut inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of infection and flare-ups.

Helps Alleviate Bloating & Gas

If undigested food ferments in the gut, it can lead to excessive gas and bloating. Probiotics assist in breaking down food more efficiently and reducing fermentation, leading to improved digestion and less discomfort.

Enhances Gut Barrier Function

A compromised gut lining can lead to irritation and inflammation. Certain probiotics, like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii, help strengthen the intestinal barrier, preventing harmful bacteria and toxins from causing further gut irritation.

Which Probiotic Strains Are Best for Diverticulosis?

Bifidobacterium lactis & Bifidobacterium longum – Support digestion, reduce constipation, and promote gut regularity.
Lactobacillus acidophilus & Lactobacillus rhamnosus – Help reduce bloating, support gut barrier function, and decrease inflammation.
Saccharomyces boulardii – A beneficial yeast that may help prevent gut infections and maintain digestive balance.

Gut Health Naturopath & Diverticulitis Support Adelaide: Conclusion

Working with a gut health naturopath who understands diverticulitis can provide you with a personalised plan tailored to your unique needs. I can help you identify the best foods to include and avoid, as well as guide you in adopting lifestyle practices that support digestive health. With the right approach, you can reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups, improve overall gut function, and enhance your quality of life.

Here are 3 ways I can help:

1. Work with me! Book a consultation in person (Evandale, SA) or AUS + NZ wide online via Zoom

2. Listen to the Holistic Weight Loss Podcast

3. Connect with me on Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook