Diverticular Disease is due to the formation of pouches (diverticuli) in thin-walled areas of the colon. A low fibre diet is frequently the culprit. Should these pouches become infected and inflamed, diverticulitis is the result. Improving your overall bowel health is vital – take a course of pre-biotics such as Eliminex followed by a course of pro-biotics such as Acidophilus or Bio-Kult Capsules. In the case of inflammation a low fibre diet is required initially. Vegetable or fruit juice might be best until things have calmed down. Root vegetables, potatoes (which should be peeled and mashed) and soups of pureed vegetables or broths are ideal. All skins, pips, seeds, nuts, and the sort of kernels found in granary bread need to be avoided, as does the grainy, fibrous flesh of pears and fruits and vegetables of a similar nature like celery and string beans. These can lodge in a diverticulum and set up an inflammation. 1-2 months are needed before introducing raw foods and whole-grains; porridge oats are a good start, providing bulky fibre to the stool. The intake of roughage should gradually be built up, and plenty of vegetables and fruit included in the diet. Garlic should also be included as a natural anti-infective: 2-3 cloves per day can be added to the food, preferably raw. In the initial stages puree garlic with other vegetables, or make it up as an oil – cover the crushed cloves with olive oil and leave in an airtight jar for 24-36 hours before straining – and take a teaspoon (15ml) 2-3 times a day. Garlic oil can also be mixed into food. Cayenne and Ginger can also help and are most beneficial in their uncooked state. Linseeds and Psyllium husks are excellent at bulking up the stools, and a better choice than bran for roughag.
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