Diverticulitis is a fairly common bowel disease that is linked to diet. Diverticulitis can lead to serious complications, such as a rupture of the intestine. Taking probiotics may help diverticulitis. You can get probiotics from foods such as yogurt, or you can buy them in supplement form. Consult with your doctor first before taking probiotics. Probiotics may be dangerous if you have certain medical conditions, or if you are hospitalized.
Probiotics
Probiotics are strains of live bacteria added to food and probiotic supplements. Bacteria added to probiotics exist naturally in soil. These bacteria also live in your body, especially in the intestines. There are billions of bacteria in probiotics and there are many different strains of these bacteria. According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, probiotics can help maintain a healthy digestive system.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is an inflammatory disease of the intestine. Pouches known as diverticula most commonly form along the wall of the colon. The colon is the largest and last part of the intestine. A dietary history of eating little fiber may cause this disease. The colon constricts due to a lack of bulk and pressure builds inside it. Occasionally the diverticula burst -- a medical emergency, due to the risk of infection. Symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain from gas, and both constipation and diarrhea.
Benefits
Probiotics, known as friendly bacteria, have several health benefits. Probiotics can help your diverticulitis by reducing inflammation, and they can boost your immune system and help ease symptoms of the disease. If you are taking antibiotics for your condition, you could try taking probiotics to restore the balance of healthy bacteria in your intestine, notes an article in the "World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapy." Bacteria most likely to be helpful are the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains.
Recommendations
Follow your doctor's advice if you have diverticulitis. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet may help, in addition to taking probiotics. Cut back on refined, processed foods and eat more fruit, vegetables, grains, beans and legumes. When you are buying probiotic supplements, look for ones that will pass through the stomach. The intestine absorbs probiotics, but acid in the stomach can kill many of the bacteria. You should store probiotics in your refrigerator.
References
- "Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology"; Use of Probiotics in Gastrointestinal Disorders: What to Recommend?; Elizabeth C. Verna and Susan Lucak; September 2010
- "Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery"; The Medical and Nonoperative Treatment of Diverticulitis; Heath Beckham, M.D., and Charles B. Whitlow, M.D.; August 2009
- "World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapy"; Diverticular Disease: A Therapeutic Overview; Antonio Tursi; February 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; An Introduction to Probiotics; January 2007
- Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide: Health Benefits of Taking Probiotics
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