Struggling with Diverticulitis? Here’s How to Heal Your Gut Naturally

Lately, I’ve been seeing more and more cases of diverticulitis, and if you’ve been struggling with flare-ups, digestive discomfort, or are looking for a long-term plan to support your gut health, you’re not alone. Diverticulitis can be painful, frustrating, and even overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out what to eat, how to heal, and how to prevent future episodes. But the good news is that with the right nutrition and gut-focused approach, healing is possible.

As a gut health nutritionist in Eugene, Oregon, I specialize in helping people regain control of their digestive health by getting to the root cause of their symptoms. If you’ve been diagnosed with diverticulitis or suspect you may have it, let’s dive into what causes it, how to manage symptoms, and what you can do to restore balance in your gut.

What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) that form in the walls of the colon. While diverticula themselves aren’t necessarily harmful, problems arise when these pouches become inflamed or infected, leading to painful symptoms and digestive distress.

Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain, usually on the lower left side

• Bloating and gas

• Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)

• Nausea and sometimes vomiting

• Fever (in more severe cases)

If left untreated, diverticulitis can lead to complications like abscesses, bowel obstructions, or even perforations in the colon. That’s why understanding the root causes and managing inflammation is key to preventing flare-ups and long-term gut health issues.

What Causes Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis doesn’t develop overnight. It’s often the result of years of gut dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Low-Fiber Diet
Fiber is essential for keeping the digestive system moving, but a diet high in processed foods and low in fiber can contribute to constipation, which increases pressure on the colon and leads to diverticula formation.

2. Imbalanced Gut Microbiome
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, and when this balance is disrupted (often due to poor diet, stress, or antibiotics), it can increase inflammation and make diverticulitis more likely.

3. Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is the root of many digestive disorders, including diverticulitis. A diet high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives can fuel inflammation and weaken gut integrity.

4. Stress & Gut-Brain Connection
Stress directly impacts digestion by altering gut motility and increasing inflammation. Many people with digestive disorders, including diverticulitis, experience symptoms that worsen with stress. Read more on how to Manage Stress for Improving Your Gut Health

5. Dehydration
Water is essential for digestion, and without enough hydration, the colon has to work harder to pass stool, leading to constipation and irritation of the diverticula.

6. Lack of Physical Activity
Exercise plays a crucial role in digestive health. A sedentary lifestyle can slow down digestion and increase the risk of developing diverticulitis. Read more HERE on The Gut and Exercise Connection

Healing Diverticulitis Naturally – How I Can Help

Managing diverticulitis isn’t just about avoiding flare-ups—it’s about healing your gut from the inside out. As a gut health nutritionist, I take a personalized, root-cause approach to digestive healing. Here’s how we can work together:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Plan

• Incorporating fiber strategically (without triggering symptoms)

• Emphasizing gut-friendly foods like bone broth, cooked vegetables, and healthy fats

• Eliminating foods that fuel inflammation, like refined sugars and processed foods

• Supporting gut healing with specific nutrients like omega-3s, glutamine, and collagen

• Encouraging mindful eating habits to prevent overeating and digestive distress

• Assessing potential food sensitivities that may be triggering inflammation

2. Restoring Gut Microbiome Balance

• Identifying and eliminating harmful bacteria or yeast overgrowth

• Reintroducing beneficial bacteria with probiotics and fermented foods

• Using prebiotic foods to nourish beneficial gut flora

3. Stress Reduction & Lifestyle Adjustments

• Personalized strategies for managing stress and the gut-brain connection

• Mindful eating practices to support digestion

• Simple movement and breathwork techniques to improve gut motility

• Encouraging better sleep habits to reduce overall body inflammation

4. Targeted Supplementation

While every plan is personalized, some key supplements for diverticulitis recovery may include:

• Digestive enzymes to support nutrient absorption

• L-glutamine for gut lining repair

• Probiotics to restore beneficial bacteria

• Aloe vera or slippery elm to soothe irritation

• Magnesium citrate to support regular bowel movements

• Turmeric or curcumin to help fight inflammation naturally

Daily Habits to Keep Your Gut Healthy

Beyond specific treatments, small daily habits can make a big difference in your gut health:

• Start your morning with a glass of warm lemon water to stimulate digestion

• Make fiber-rich foods a consistent part of your meals

• Take time to chew your food thoroughly to ease the digestive process

• Reduce intake of processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol

• Move your body daily—even a 20-minute walk can improve gut motility

Gut Health is the Foundation of Your Well-Being

If you’re tired of dealing with the discomfort of diverticulitis or digestive issues and want a long-term solution, I’m here to help. You don’t have to navigate this alone or rely on restrictive diets that don’t address the root cause. My comprehensive, personalized approach will help you heal your gut, reduce inflammation, and regain control of your health so you can feel your best again.

📍 Located in Eugene, Oregon? Let’s work together in person! Not local? I offer virtual consultations so you can get gut health support from anywhere.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Your gut is the foundation of your health, and it’s never too late to start healing. If you’re ready to take control of your digestive health and finally feel relief from diverticulitis, let’s connect!

📞 Book a consultation today by clicking HERE and let’s create a plan tailored specifically for you.
📧 Contact me at Info@NicoleJoyceHealthCounseling.com
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