Here are some of the most important questions you should ask your doctor.

What causes diverticulitis?

What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?

What type of diet should I be eating?

• How do I get more fiber in my diet?
• Are there foods that I should be eating?
• Is it okay to drink coffee or tea, or alcohol?

What should I do if my symptoms become worse?

• Do I need to change what I eat?
• Are there medicines that I should take?
• When should I call the doctor?

Is it safe to take natural remedies that help diverticulitis such as AloeElite, Primebiotics, or Powdered Barley Grass Juice, among others?

What are the complications of diverticulitis?

Will I ever need surgery?

AloeElite is a potent aloe supplement that benefits every cell, tissue and organ in the body. For people with diverticulitis and diverticulosis, the healing ingredient in AloeElite (Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharide) is a potent anti-inflammatory helping to bring the body to a more normal functioning level.  Acting as an intercellular antioxidant, detoxifying the body naturally, AloeElite helps to rebuild and repair the protective mucosa lining throughout the digestive tract and mends the damaged tissue from mouth to rectum. It aids digestion, enabling better absorption and assimilation of nutrients from food, it balances and restores proper immune system function and the aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides contain antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties.

Diverticulitis

Treatment for diverticulitis focuses on clearing up the infection and inflammation, resting the colon, and preventing or minimizing complications. An attack of diverticulitis without complications may respond to antibiotics within a few days if treated early.

To help the colon rest, the doctor may recommend bed rest and a liquid diet, along with a pain reliever.

An acute attack with severe pain or severe infection may require a hospital stay. Most acute cases of diverticulitis are treated with antibiotics and a liquid diet. The antibiotics are given by injection into a vein. In some cases, however, surgery may be necessary.

Diverticulosis

Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet may reduce symptoms of diverticulosis and prevent complications such as diverticulitis. Fiber keeps stool soft and lowers pressure inside the colon so that bowel contents can move through easily. The American Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day.

The doctor may also recommend taking a fiber product such as Citrucel or Metamucil once a day. These products are mixed with water and provide about 2 to 3.5 grams of fiber per tablespoon, mixed with 8 ounces of water.

Foods such as fruit seeds, nuts, popcorn hulls, and sunflower, pumpkin, caraway, and sesame seeds should be avoided.