New here but have a question...

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-29-2004
New here but have a question...
3
Mon, 05-30-2005 - 2:02pm

I have been diagnosed with diverticulosis.  I have also had two abdominal surgeries because of it...the first for 3 perforations in my bowel and to remove half of my colon, and the 2nd to repair a weak stomach muscle that resulted in a bellybutton hernia that my intestines came through.  I have been having alot of pain again and know that a liquid diet is the prescription that my Dr. would give me (probably antibiotics and pain meds too) but, I can't afford to go to the Dr. right now...no money or insurance.


My question is, can stress cause alot of the symptoms?  I have been under an overwhelming amount of stress lately, and it seems to act up when that happens.


Thank you in advance!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-17-2005
Mon, 05-30-2005 - 3:55pm

M,

I own a Healthfood store and the only thing I really miss about working for other companies is affordable insurance!

I don't know if you've tried the alternative approach...none of these recommendations are expensive...and the feedback from our diverticulosis customers has been very positive.


Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Nutrition plays an important role in preventing and treating gastrointestinal disease, especially diverticulosis. Specific dietary factors have been linked to the incidence of diverticular disease and may help minimize attacks and improve treatment results.


High-fiber Diet

Population based studies suggest that eating a high-fiber diet helps prevent diverticular disease and other gastrointestinal disorders. A review of such studies reports that vegetarians are less likely to have diverticular disease, most likely because they tend to eat more fiber.

In another study where participants completed interviews and food questionnaires, the following foods were associated with a decreased likelihood of having diverticular disease: cucumber, lettuce, spinach, and brown bread. Beef and lamb were associated with an increased risk of having diverticular disease. The authors concluded that eating more fiber and eating less red meat (particularly beef and lamb) and fewer milk products may help reduce risk.

Glutamine-
While specific nutrients that may have an impact on diverticular disease have not been studied as thoroughly as the high-fiber diet, glutamine supplements, which are thought to confer some degree of protection to the wall of the colon, may prove beneficial.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids found in flax and cold water fish help fight inflammation. (On the other hand, omega-6 fatty acids, found in meats and dairy products, tend to increase inflammation.) For a condition such as diverticulitis, it may be wise to eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This type of diet may also help prevent colon cancer.

Many herbs are used for the general beneficial effects of their fiber content, specifically:

Psyllium seed (Plantago ovata)—recommended by the World Health Organization to relieve constipation related to diverticulitis.

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)—may be helpful in treating diverticulosis. It works as a bulk-forming laxative, softening stool and speeding transit time through the intestine. It also includes high levels of essential fatty acids.

There are also Homeopathic remedies (also cheap) that help...but, I don't want to throw too much at you on one post :)

Hope you feel better,

Ilene

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Mon, 05-30-2005 - 4:53pm

Hi and Welcome back,

thflowers-hahd23222.gif picture by Wren53B

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Tue, 05-31-2005 - 7:47pm

Hi Melanie!


Welcome to the board!