Diverticulitis results when one or more diverticula become inflamed. Diverticula are small pouches or hernias that bulge outward through weak spots in the lining of the colon. The presence of diverticula, a condition called diverticulosis, does not necessarily present observable symptoms but does heighten risk of infection. Various dietary interventions can reduce the risk of diverticula becoming inflamed, including the use of a lactic acid producing bacteria called acidophilus.
Incidence of Diverticulitis
Diverticula, usually found in the lower part of the colon, become increasingly common as people age, ranging from a less than 5 percent occurrence before the age of 40 to a 65 percent prevalence in people over age 80, according to NutritionMD.com. As people age they become increasingly vulnerable to infection, and so are more likely to develop diverticulitis. According to Merck, between 10 to 25 percent of people who have diverticulosis get diverticulitis.
Symptoms
Diverticulitis usually causes pain and tenderness, usually in the lower left part of the abdomen. Typically, the person also develops a high fever, often exceeding 101 degrees Fahrenheit. While diverticulosis can cause bleeding, diverticulitis usually does not. Complications can occur when a diverticulum touches another organ and develops an abnormal channel called a fistula; when the wall of the diverticulum ruptures and leaks bacteria from the colon; when an abscess develops; and when repeated occurrences of diverticulitis causes scarring and thickening of muscles and obstructs the colon. People with severe symptoms are usually admitted to the hospital, and according to Merck about 20 percent of those admitted require surgery.
Role of Acidophilus
Acidophilus is a so-called friendly bacteria. It produces lactic acid that aids in the digestive process, and which ultimately enhances immune system functioning. The nutritional benefits of food are reaped during the digestive process. Millions of microorganisms cooperate to metabolize food in the digestive tract. When there is a shortage of acidophilus or other friendly bacteria like L.bulragicus and L. bifidus, digestion is impaired. Critical nutritional elements remain infused in the incompletely digested food. Fewer vitamins are synthesized, and eventually, our immune system can become compromised. Acidophilus and other acid producing bacteria protect us from harmful bacteria. These friendly bacteria inhibit the growth of disease-causing organisms including salmonella, various forms of diarrhea, shigella-called dysentery and virus-caused flu, according to Health Scout. When we are lacking in lactic acid producing bacteria, we become more vulnerable to infection, and people with diverticulosis become more vulnerable to diverticulitis.
Reduction of Acidophilus
Sundry factors inhibit the availability of acidophilus and other acid producing bacteria that live, breed and work in the gastrointestinal tract. Aging, antibiotics, dietary deficiencies, alcohol, medications, nicotine and stress decrease lactic acid producing bacteria. Antibiotics, one of the primary treatment modalities for diverticulitis, though intended to eradicate the bacteria that cause infection, also destroy the friendly bacteria that fight infection and aid in digestion.
Dietary and Supplemental Acidophilus
Acidophilus can be found in food sources including probiotic yogurt, carrots, rice starch, garbanzo beans and soybeans. Check the labels of yogurt as not all brands contain active acidophilus cultures. Acidophilus supplements are available in health food stores in liquid, capsule and powder form. Some supplements are fortified with vitamin C and other nutrients, and some also contain other friendly bacteria. Take acidophilus two or three times daily about an hour before your meals.
