Diverticulitis is the inflammation of pouches in the intestinal lining, which can cause pain and discomfort during digestion. While there are plenty of medications that relieve pain, integrating natural foods and supplements can support your digestive tract from top to bottom. Many of the all-natural products on this list will not only help you feel better, but they can help you get in control of your flare-ups instead of letting them control you.
Micro Ingredients Organic Slippery Elm Bark Powder
One of the most popular natural alternatives for treating this chronic disease is slippery elm bark, Ulmus rubra. Native Americans used it for generations to deal with fevers, colds, and gastrointestinal issues. Slippery elm is demulcent, meaning that it relieves irritation and soothes your colon. It’s easy to find on Amazon, simply add a spoon or two to your favorite beverage and enjoy!
Vita Miracle Ultra-50 Probiotics
An overgrowth of bad bacteria in the colon can create painful gas and irritation. Probiotics keep the colonies of good bacteria in check, preventing overgrowth while reducing bloating. Ultra-50 Probiotics is a dairy-free supplement with a special formula that contains 50 million units of live, healthy, gut-boosting bacteria in every serving. Their signature delayed-release capsules ensure that these bacteria can pass through stomach acid and get straight to your colon.
Boswellia Extract Capsules
Boswellia serrata, or frankincense, is most known in holistic medicine for helping those with irritable bowel disease, IBD. Studies showed 70% of people with IBD who took three doses of Boswellia a day for six weeks achieved remission. Superior Labs Boswellia Extract capsules use BioPerine extract for superior absorption so that your body absorbs more boswellic acid than it would from competing capsules.
Aloe Gloe Organic Aloe Water
Aloe Vera is one of the most popular health products in the world, especially for gut health, because of its anti-inflammatory properties. One study shows that between 20-50% of individuals with IBD who drank a cup of aloe a day had improvements or experienced clinical remission. Drinking Aloe Gloe Aloe Water daily can sooth colon inflammation and make flare-ups a thing of the past. Thankfully, Amazon sells them in convenient multi-packs so you can stock up on all your favorite flavors!
Micro Ingredients Organic Wheatgrass Powder
Wheatgrass has both the dietary fiber to help with diverticulitis and antioxidant-rich phenolic acids to combat the oxidative stress your body endures. Micro Ingredients Wheatgrass Powder has no soy or artificial flavor and is naturally rich in vitamins and minerals. You can easily add a scoop to your shake or smoothie but, if you want the best benefits, studies suggest that you should drink it on an empty stomach.
BioEmblem Turmeric Curcumin Capsules
Curcumin is the primary compound in turmeric, a substance used in traditional medicine for centuries. Food-grade turmeric is commercially available in most grocery stores but they are usually processed or stored in ways that cause the turmeric to lose most of its nutritional benefits. BioEmblem Turmeric Curcumin capsules each contain 95% curcumin extract, accompanied by the patented BioPerine extract that ensures a majority of the curcumin is absorbed in the colon.
BulkSupplements Cordyceps Mushroom Extract Powder
Chaga mushroom, Inonotus obliquus, has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The fungus stabilizes the gut microbiota so that it doesn’t invade the intestines and lead to inflammatory diseases like diverticulitis. Mix 1 teaspoon of BulkSupplements Cordyceps Powder in the beverage of your choice (coffee is popular) to help stabilize your gut.
Flaxseed Meal
Diverticulitis can make trips to the bathroom painful. Stool softeners can help, but they should not be taken regularly and you will need something more regular to help the process. Flaxseeds are rich in fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids that help to bulk stool better and move it through faster. A teaspoon of flaxseed meal in your yogurt or breakfast cereal is the quickest way to consistently integrate essential fatty acids into your diet.
Starwest Botanicals Organic Ginger Root
Ginger is arguably one of the most popular herbs in folk medicine. In addition to being an anti-inflammatory, it settles nausea, soothes the stomach, and reduces pain. Research shows that ginger has antimicrobial properties and probiotic support, both of which are important to those with diverticulitis. Before you go to bed, add some Starwest Botanicals Organic Ginger Root to your water or your favorite tea.
Licorice Root Powder
The cramping that comes with diverticulitis is awful and can feel neverending. Licorice root contains glycyrrhizic acid that reduces gastrointestinal spasms and supports the colon’s natural lubrication. Look for Banyan Botanicals licorice root powder on Amazon, which can be added to your favorite foods, taken as a tea, or used in baking.