I got an email yesterday from a client (Simone) who has a
mistaken idea about diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
Here's what she writes:
"I have diverticulosis and not diverticulitis. I have no
pain--I just need to know what foods to avoid to keep
healthy. Please reply."
Answer: Simone, it doesn't matter. The only difference
between diverticulosis and diverticulitis is the presence
of an infection. The way you should eat for either is the
same.
Let me explain further:
Diverticulosis is the existence of little bulges or
pouches in the colon (large intestine). Think of them like
potholes in a road. The road's surface (like the inside of
your colon) should be smooth, but then THUMP--there's a
pothole.
These potholes (called diverticula) are the result of
wastes ("stool") building up in the colon and hardening.
Eventually this build up causes the colon walls to weaken
and over time you have a growing problem.
Also when you've got wastes stuck in your colon, bowel
movements are no walk in the park--they're usually quite a
chore. The pressure and grunting that result only add to
the problem.
It's interesting to note that that diverticulosis was
unheard of until the early 1900's.
That's the same time that we started adding low-fiber,
nutritionally dead processed foods into our diet (like
refined sugar, white flour, and boxed/canned "foods" that
are nothing but once-live, now dead lab creations packed
with chemicals and preservatives).
Without the benefit of all the natural fiber from whole
grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, people started having
a "rough time" when nature called like I described above,
and diverticulosis was born.
Now, not everyone has symptoms with diverticulosis.
Some people get cramps, bloating and constipation, but
many (like Simone) don't have any GI symptoms at all.
It matters not. The same damage is done, whether or not
you happen to be unlucky enough to have pain.
Not everyone has pain with a heart attack either, but it's
no less serious when you don't.
And because that damage is done, pain or not, you're a
candidate for diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis is when one or more of your pouches
(diverticula) becomes infected and inflamed.
That's when the REAL pain usually strikes and you end up
in the ER.
Many people have told me that it's as bad or worse than a
kidney stone or giving birth.
Diverticulitis is nasty and can lead to:
* Bleeding in the colon-needing surgery if it won't stop
* An abscess (an infection with pus) in the colon-needs
to be drained with a needle stuck down through the abdomen
* Complete blockage of the colon (intestinal obstruction)-
needing emergency surgery.
* If an abscess isn't treated in time, it can grow and
infect other areas of the abdomen (called peritonitis).
Peritonitis can cause death if not treated in time.
1 out of every 4 people with diverticulosis gets
diverticulitis--so not learning how to eat to take the risk
away is basically like playing Russian Roulette.
Regardless of whether or not you have pain, if you've got
diverticulosis (or want to make sure you DON'T get it),
you've got to eat nutrient-rich REAL foods, and combine
them in a way that ensures thorough digestion.
You want your wastes to pass through easily (no
straining).
Smooth-moves mean no diverticula for you, if you've
already got them, eating this way will help keep them at bay.
The manual "How To End Stomach Pain Forever, Even If Your
MD Says, 'No Way!'" explains the few simple principles of
the system, and the science behind why they work so well.
"What To Eat With What" is your key to perfect
combinations at every single meal.
And "Foods That Create Acid, Foods That Take It Away" is
your bible of what foods are alkaline and what foods are
acidic.
Plus, the recipe book gives you 112 delicious reasons to
be so glad you are eating this way.
I was diagnosed with diverticulitis 18 months ago. Over
the last 6 months the attacks became more frequent.
I did not really understand my condition until now. I was
told not to eat nuts, seeds, tomatoes etc. and I would just
have to "live" with this condition.
I have not taken any medication nor do I take any type of
medication. The pain was unbearable at times over the last
few months, then after 4 consecutive days of attacks at my
workplace, it was time to do something.
Needless to say, your website has enlightened me with all
this wonderful information. I have used your plan for 10
days now and all the symptoms of diverticulitis have
"GONE."
I feel great and even sleep better, but most of all the
bloated, "gassed-up" feeling--gone. And more important,
the painful attacks have stayed away.
It is truly amazing that eating the right combinations of
fresh foods will keep your tummy "acid" free and healthy.
Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge I greatly
appreciate it.
Kind regards,
Carol from Aussie
*******************
SB: Carol, I'm sure you've seen that if you eat nuts,
seeds and tomatoes the way I teach you, there is no pain.
I'm very happy for you!
About the Author
Sherry Brescia is the author of Great Taste No Pain and
host of the radio show "Let's Talk Health with Sherry
Brescia" on iamhealthyradio.com.
She has over 20 years experience in the medical research
field, and cured herself from IBS in 1992 by changing her
diet and eating the way she now teaches in her Great Taste
No Pain system.
Sherry has made it her life's mission to help others with
digestive challenges by educating them about the role of
diet in overall health and the importance of an alkaline
pH.
*The contents of this email are not to be considered
medical advice.*
