10 Home Remedies For Diverticula
Small bulging pouches are likely to develop in the digestive system after the age of 40. These pouches are called diverticula. These pouches are harmless. We may not even know of their existence till it is identified during medical checkups. These pouches may get infected and inflamed sometimes. This causes painful conditions which are called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can be treated with antibiotics and diverticula can be removed by surgery. However, there are some home remedies available to get relief from the symptoms of diverticulitis. Some of them are.
#1. Fiber
Dietary fiber helps to soften the feces which in turn ease the bowel movement. This reduces the pressure in the digestive tract and reduces the pain and discomfort of the abdomen. Eating whole grain products, fresh fruits, and leafy green vegetables will help provide the much-needed fiber. If this is not enough, you can take some fiber supplements also.
#2. Water
Fluids are essential for the soluble fibers to soften the bowel. Therefore fiber supplements have to be taken with at least one glass of water. This helps to ease waste matter through the digestive tract.
#3. Probiotic
Fermented milk products like yogurt, cheese, etc. have beneficial bacteria which help to treat the infected diverticula. It also helps to maintain microbial balance in the digestive tract which reduces the risk of recurrence of diverticulitis. Studies have established the benefits of probiotic especially for people suffering from diverticulitis caused by constipation.
#4. Garlic
Garlic has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Eat one clove of raw garlic at least three times a day. You can even chop it into a salad, or you can add it to soup or stew. Add raw garlic after the food is cooked as heat is detrimental to the medical benefits of garlic.
#5. Potatoes
Potatoes are nourishing and also tasty. They have a soothing quality. Potatoes anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing inflammation in the digestive system and reduce pain. Please note that only baked and boiled potatoes have to be eaten. Fried potatoes have to be avoided as oil aggravates diverticulitis.
#6. Pear
Pear can help. It has anti-inflammatory properties. It, therefore, helps to sooth and reduces the inflammation of diverticula and relieves pain. Simply eat a ripe pear and reap the benefit.
#7. Papaya
Papaya has a soothing effect on the diverticula and alleviates the associated pain. Eating ripe papaya will help. You can use it in a salad with melons. Alternately you can juice it and drink it with honey. Helps to reduce inflammation of the diverticula and the discomfort.
#8. Brown Rice
Brown rice is rich in fiber. It is easy to digest. It helps to calm the inflammation and pains caused by diverticulitis. You can eat plain brown rice with honey. You can eat it for breakfast, or you can even boil it in water and prepare a tea. Drink this tea along with rice to get relief from diverticulitis.
#9. Aloe Vera
World health organization reports that aloe vera contains laxative properties. The laxative properties help to maintain healthy intestinal flora. It stimulates bowel movement, removes waste, boosts the immune system and reduces pressure on the digestive tract. It reduces inflammation and swelling. Aloe vera, therefore, is a beneficial remedy for diverticulitis. Drink half a cup of aloe vera juice three times a day to get relief.
#10. Lemon
Lemon has antioxidant properties. It helps to maintain pH balance in the body. It is also rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C supports the digestive system to flush out unwanted materials and toxins from the body. This reduces the pressure on the gastrointestinal tract and helps to relieve pain and discomfort caused by diverticulitis. Drink a glass of lemon juice on an empty stomach every morning to get benefits. To prepare lemon juice, squeeze the juice of one lemon and add a glass of water a spoonful of honey and a pinch of salt. Stir well and drink this milk first thing in the morning.
