Diverticula are small bulging pouches. Most people think of them only in the colon. They can form anywhere in the GI tract, including the esophagus, stomach and small intestines, where they rarely cause problems. Those that do cause problems are in the colon. When you add "itis" to a word, it means inflammation, usually due to infection. When diverticula become infected, the condition is called diverticulitis.

Diverticula develop when there is a weakness in the muscles that gives way during pressure or strain. They look like little pouches and protrude through the colon wall. It is common for adults older than 40 to have one or a few diverticula since more than 50% of people older than 60 have them.

When diverticula in the colon become inflamed or infected, it can cause severe abdominal pain and tenderness, (usually on the left side), fever and nausea. It will even change bowel habits to constipation or diarrhea, or flip-flop between the two. Less common symptoms include a change in urinary frequency or pain, bloat in the abdomen, slight rectal bleeding, or vomiting.

In mild cases, the condition can be treated with rest, a change in diet to include more fiber while avoiding seeds or nuts, and antibiotics. At the completion of the antibiotics, reflorastation is important to reintroduce healthy probiotics.

Lifestyle changes relieve diverticula. It is important to have a diet rich in fiber and water. One needs adequate exercise and to listen to the body's urges. When the bowel communicates the need to evacuate, don't delay. The longer stool remains in the descending and sigmoid colon; the more water is absorbed. As the stool gets harder, the need to strain increases and aggravates the condition.

B.M. is a 79 year old female who has been coming for treatments since Aug 1996. She was diagnosed with diverticulitis in May 1995. She had some polyps removed during her last colonoscopy and has hemorrhoids that bleed occasionally.

She schedules an appointment whenever the diverticula starts to "tickle" and flare. Her comment at her last appointment: "Unless I have antibiotics, I have no problems with diverticulitis. I can eat seeds, nuts, and even popcorn. I also have no problems as long as I see Vicki for an occasional colonic with reflorastation."

About Victoria Bowmann, PhD

Dr. Victoria Bowmann received her PhD in homeopathy and natural medicine from Westbrook University as well as a doctorate in homeopathic medicine from the British Institute of Homeopathy. She is also a licensed massage and certified colon therapist in the state of Arizona. Bowmann is a regular contributor to several national publications, has been interviewed on television and radio, and has delivered numerous presentations internationally. She has personally trained physicians and colon hydrotherapist and wrote a widely used training manual on GI Health and reflorastation. Her private practice is located in Phoenix, Ariz., and Bowmann lives by the motto, "Happiness is a choice."