A Functional Medicine Approach to Diverticular Disease
Diverticular disease is a common and often painful condition affecting the colon, encompassing two related issues: diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches, known as diverticula, form in the walls of the colon, often without symptoms. Diverticulitis, on the other hand, develops when these pouches become inflamed or infected, leading to discomfort, recurring flare-ups, and potential complications. Both conditions share overlapping risk factors and can benefit from a functional medicine approach to address the root causes, improve gut health, and reduce inflammation.
While conventional treatments focus solely on symptom management, a functional medicine approach digs beyond to address the root cause and promote lasting gut health to effectively address diverticular disease.
In this post, specifically we'll explore the potential root causes of diverticular disease, dietary and lifestyle strategies to prevent flare-ups, and actionable tips to support gut healing.
Remember, this post is for educational purposes only. I am not providing personalized diet and lifestyle advice since I am not working with you individually. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, medications, or supplements.
Understanding Diverticulitis and Its Root Causes
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the colon, called diverticula, become inflamed or infected. This often results from a combination of:
Chronic inflammation
Poor gut motility
Microbiome imbalances
How It Happens
The condition begins when stool or undigested particles get trapped in the diverticula, leading to inflammation, swelling, and compromised blood flow. Over time, chronic imbalances in the composition of the microbiome and systemic inflammation exacerbate the problem, creating a vicious cycle of diverticulitis flares.
The Functional Medicine Approach to Diverticular Disease
Functional medicine focuses on addressing the root causes rather than just managing symptoms with a comprehensive, holistic approach. Key areas of focus include diet, sleep, and stress.
Follow an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
An anti-inflammatory diet is essential for preventing flare-ups and promoting gut health by lowering inflammation & encouraging microbiome health. Here’s how:
Key Principles:
Emphasize a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables for maximum phytonutrients.
Incorporate fiber-rich foods (outside of flare-ups) to promote gut motility and microbial balance.
Use anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like turmeric, oregano, and parsley in daily meals.
Foods to Prioritize (Outside of a Flare up)
Fruits: Blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries for antioxidants.
Vegetables: Kale, broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, and green beans for fiber and nutrients.
Whole Grains: Quinoa, farro, brown rice and sweet potatoes.
Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, and kefir to restore healthy gut bacteria.
Protein: Wild-caught salmon and hormone-free chicken to support intestinal repair.
2. Consider Targeted Supplements for Gut Health
Before supplementing, always consult with your healthcare provider first.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the following suppements:
Curcumin (Turmeric): A powerful anti-inflammatory.
Omega-3s (Fish Oil or Algae Oil): Helpful in reducing intestinal inflammation.
Magnesium Glycinate: Supports gut motility.
Targeted Probiotic Supplements (e.g., VSL#3 or Prescript-Assist): to restore gut health per your healthcare providers recommendation.
3. Support Overall Gut Health
Poor gut health, or more specifically an imbalance in the composition of the gut bacteria, is common in diverticular disease. Optimizing overall gut health can reduce inflammation and symptoms and address diverticulitis.
Include more fibrous foods in your diet, outside of a flare up, like oats, chia seeds, and green bananas to feed beneficial bacteria.
Consume low-sugar fermented foods such as Greek yogurt, coconut yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha,
Pursue functional lab testing such as SIBO breath tests & microbiome stool tests to identify the root cause
4. Support Gut Motility
Maintaining optimal motility, which is how our food is processed & moves through our body, is important for diverticulitis management.
How to Support Motility:
Avoid excessive snacking.
Stay hydrated between meals.
Sip on ginger tea to promote motility.
5. Reduce Hidden Drivers of Inflammation
Chronic inflammation may stem from hidden triggers, such as food sensitivities or co-occurring GI infections.
Steps to Identify and Address Triggers:
Keep a food and symptom journal to track potential food sensitivities.
Try an elimination diet with a registered dietitian to identify problem foods like gluten, dairy, soy, or eggs.
Test for GI infections with microbiome stool test.
6. Reduce Stress & Prioritize Sleep
Stress and poor sleep are major contributors to inflammation and gut dysfunction.
Stress Management Tips:
Practice mind-body activities like yoga, meditation, or tai chi.
Create a calming pre-meal routine to eat mindfully and promote digestion.
Sleep Optimization:
Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night
Have a proper wind-down routine at least an hour before bed (get off screens, make the room cool & dark)
What to Do During a Flare-Up
If you feel an episode coming on, take these steps to reduce symptoms and support healing:
Drink bone broth & get adequate water.
Limit high-fiber foods (ie: beans, oats, multigrain bread, seeds, nuts, leafy greens, vegetables) temporarily to ease digestion, prioritizing beige, bland foods (bananas, white bread, white rice, applesauce, chicken breast).
Prioritize rest and relaxation to reduce stress and inflammation.
Takeaways for Long-Term Gut Health & Diverticulitis Management
Preventing diverticulitis flare-ups requires a holistic approach that combines diet, lifestyle, and targeted interventions. By addressing root causes like inflammation, dysbiosis, and motility issues, you can restore gut health and reduce the risk of future episodes.
For personalized guidance, work with a functional medicine practitioner to tailor a plan that meets your unique needs.
Ready to transform your gut health?
Let’s work together to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and create a personalized plan to help you thrive.
I can run & interpret functional & conventional lab panels (if needed), recommend and monitor supplements, and prescribe medical nutrition therapy plans.
I can work with clients in the following states: TX, CO, CA, FL, OH, AZ, MI, VA, NJ
