Diverticulosis

Description
Diverticulosis, one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, is non-inflammatory and often has no symptoms. However, it may give rise to the more serious disorder, diverticulitis, which is inflammatory. Diverticulosis is characterised by one-fourth to one inch diverticula (pouch-like Herniations that protrude through the muscular layer of the colon) formed in weakened sections of the colon wall. It is an increasingly common affliction for the elderly.

Treatment includes increasing dietary fibre, ingesting drugs to alter intestinal motility, taking bulk-producing laxatives, and using antibiotics for Inflammation. If complications (such as an Abscess) are found, surgery may be required.

Herbs
Aloe Vera (4)
Slippery Elm

Nutritional Supplements
Vitamin C (1)
Vitamin E (2)
Zinc (3)

References
1. Middleton E. The flavonoids. Trends Pharmaceutical Science 1984; 5:335-38.
2. Bennet JD. Use of a-tocopherol-quinone in the treatment of Ulcerative colitis. Gut 1986; 27:695-97.
3. Fleming CR, et al. Zinc nutrition in Chron’s disease. Dig Dis Sci 1981; 26:865-70.
4. Saito H, et al: Effects of aloe extracts, Aloctin A, on gastric secretion and on experimental gastric lesions in rats, Yakugaku Zasshi, 109(5), May 1989, p 335-339.