Protect your gut: understanding and managing Diverticular disease

Did you know that 1 in 2 people in the UK will be affected by some form of diverticular disease during their lifetime? ¹

Diverticular disease has become a significant issue in the UK due to its increasing incidence, and the extra pressure it places on healthcare resources.² Despite this rise, a lack of awareness, specific guidance, and clear-cut information persists. This makes it challenging for those diagnosed with the condition to understand their options and manage their health effectively.

Like other chronic health conditions, diverticular disease affects each person differently. This means that a ‘one size fits all’ approach isn’t going to work, and many people discover alternative ways to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.³

Forms of diverticular disease

Diverticular disease isn’t the same for everyone and can appear in different forms. The common forms are diverticulosis and diverticulitis; however, these can be further complicated over time. Each form of diverticular disease varies in severity and symptoms, making it essential to understand the different types.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is the formation of small pouches in the wall of your large intestine called diverticula. These pouches occur when the inner lining of the intestine pushes through any weak spots in the outer muscular wall.

They are usually quite small, often just a few millimetres across, and most people with diverticula don’t notice them or have any symptoms.⁴

How do diverticula develop?

There is no specific cause, although research suggests that genetic factors and immune system links may be involved. Some lifestyle factors can also increase the risk of developing diverticula – high-fat/low-fibre diets are thought to have an impact.⁵

Without enough fibre, stools can be harder and take longer to move through your bowel, increasing pressure inside the intestine. Over time, this pressure can cause weak spots in the intestinal wall to bulge out and form diverticula.

Aging is another important factor. As you age, the muscles of the colon can weaken, making diverticula more likely to develop.⁶

Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of diverticula, including inadequate water intake, lack of physical activity, and smoking.

How to handle

For those diagnosed with diverticulosis, the main advice from the NHS and other healthcare professionals is to eat a high-fibre diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses such as beans and lentils.

Drinking plenty of water, staying active, boosting your probiotics and avoiding any processed foods are also recommended for a healthy gut.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis develops when one or more diverticula become inflamed or infected. It’s a more serious condition that causes symptoms such as a persistent ache or pain in the left side of your gut, and is often accompanied by a fever, chills, and sometimes nausea or vomiting.⁷

It can develop suddenly or gradually and may require urgent medical care. Sometimes, the inflamed diverticula can lead to abscesses or, in extreme cases, can perforate the colon, which is a medical emergency.

How it effects your gut

When inflamed, the affected part of the colon becomes swollen and tender. This can interfere with normal bowel movements, and cause pain and discomfort.

If the inflammation worsens, it can lead to serious issues, such as infections spreading into the abdomen or the formation of fistulas. These are abnormal connections between the gut and other organs.⁸

How to handle

During a flare-up of diverticulitis, doctors recommend resting the bowel by switching to a liquid diet for 2-3 days until the inflammation settles. Once recovered, switching back to a high-fibre diet is usually advised to prevent future flare-ups.

If you’ve had a severe episode, your doctor might suggest further tests or treatments to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Diverticular bleeding

Diverticular bleeding happens when a blood vessel inside a diverticula pouch bursts. This leads to bleeding from the rectum that can be sudden but usually painless.⁹

This type of bleeding can be quite heavy and frightening but usually stops on its own within a few minutes or hours. After an episode, most people recover fully, but need to be monitored to prevent further bleeding.

If the bleeding continues or is very heavy, medical treatment like an endoscopy or even surgery may be necessary.

How to handle

As with diverticulitis flares, doctors usually recommend eating a fibre-rich diet to help keep the bowel healthy and reduce the risk of further bleeding.

Managing blood pressure and avoiding blood thinning medicines such as aspirin or warfarin can help lower the chance of another flare. It’s also important to avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.¹⁰

Remember: you should always discuss medication concerns or questions with your GP or consultant.

Maintaining a healthy gut

NHS guidelines emphasise that a healthy lifestyle is crucial for preventing and managing diverticular disease. Eating plenty of fibre, drinking enough water, staying active, and not smoking are simple steps you can take to keep your gut healthy.

If you’re looking for a powerful and natural way to boost your gut health, check out our Gut Health Protocol. This includes our award-winning kefir, Complete Prebiotic and Pure Fish Collagen. Our Gut Health Protocol has been expertly designed to improve the condition of your gut microbiome.

Always check with your GP for interactions with medications/health conditions before starting supplements.

If you do experience symptoms like severe pain, bleeding, or signs of infection, you must get in touch with your GP or call 111 for immediate advice and help.

Want to know about which foods to avoid? Check out – The rise of ultra-processed foods: a health crisis in the making

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.