You probably think bacteria should be avoided whenever possible, but some bacteria are necessary for human health. Many beneficial bacteria live in your intestines and contribute to intestinal and overall health. Fermented foods, called “probiotic,” also contain these beneficial bacteria. Kefir, a beverage made from fermented milk, is one such food. Kefir may help prevent diverticular disease of the colon or large intestine, and it helps replenish your “good” bacteria after antibiotic treatment for diverticulitis.
Diverticular Disease
Diverticula are pouches that form in weak spots in the lining of the colon, resulting in a condition called diverticulosis. Common symptoms of diverticulosis are cramping, bloating and constipation, but you may have no symptoms. Diverticulitis is inflammation of the diverticula. The pain associated with diverticulitis can be severe and sudden or it can be mild and build in intensity over days. The severity of pain can fluctuate. Other symptoms of diverticulitis include fever, infection, bleeding, bowel blockage, cramping, nausea and vomiting. An infected diverticulum can cause a hole in the bowel wall. This allows the infection to leak into the abdominal cavity, which can result in peritonitis. Without emergency surgery to clean the abdominal cavity of infection, peritonitis can be fatal.
Causes of Diverticular Disease
Diverticulosis is thought to be the result of a low-fiber diet. Fruits, vegetables and grains are high in fiber, while most processed foods are low in fiber. In the U.S. and other countries where processed foods are a big part of most people’s diets, diverticular disease is common. The disease is rare in parts of the world where high-fiber diets are the norm. The straining that often accompanies constipation may contribute to the formation of diverticula. Fiber, both soluble and insoluble, helps soften stool, thus preventing constipation. Diverticulosis also becomes more common with age. It isn’t certain what causes diverticula to become inflamed, but the likely cause is bacteria and stool becoming trapped in the diverticula.
Treatment of Diverticular Disease
If you have diverticulosis, switching to a high-fiber diet may be all you need to do. If you have pain associated with your condition, you may need pain medications at times. Inflammation of the diverticula -- or diverticulitis -- may be resolved with oral antibiotics and a liquid diet. Severe cases of diverticulitis may require IV antibiotics and even surgery. Because diverticulitis can develop suddenly and become very serious without treatment, you should see your doctor promptly if you experience any symptoms associated with diverticulitis.
Probiotics and Intestinal Health
At birth, your intestines are free of bacteria, but soon after, probiotic bacteria set up housekeeping there. Probiotic bacteria, such as lactobacillus acidophilus, colonize your intestines and help them function, as well as prevent harmful bacteria from taking hold. Unless something disrupts their environment, probiotic bacteria can reproduce in your body and keep their populations at optimal levels for good health. Unfortunately, the antibiotics that are helpful for treating diverticulitis can also kill off probiotic bacteria. Because kefir is rich in lactobacillus acidophilus and other probiotic bacteria, consuming it helps replenish the numbers needed for good health.
