Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon.
About Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon. Risk rises with age; diverticulosis is seen in up to ~60% by age 60, but only a minority develop diverticulitis. Complications include abscess, perforation, fistula and, rarely, obstruction. JAMA Network
Common Misunderstandings
Patients are often told to avoid nuts, seeds and popcorn. High‑quality cohort data do not support that advice, and avoiding these foods can be unnecessarily restrictive. People can feel anxious about sudden flares and frustrated by mixed dietary messages. JAMA Network
How is Diverticulitis Linked to Your Microbiome?
- Reviews show altered gut bacterial profiles and lower diversity in diverticulitis, suggesting dysbiosis contributes to inflammation and symptoms. Gastrojournal, ScienceDirect
- The traditional “progressive disease” view has shifted; most episodes are uncomplicated and many improve with conservative care. Europe PMC
- Diet patterns matter: fibre‑rich, plant‑forward eating is associated with lower risk; avoiding nuts/seeds is unnecessary. JAMA Network
Symptoms
Left-lower abdominal pain
Fever
Change in bowel habit
Constipation or diarrhoea
Nausea
Bloating
Loss of appetite
The Microbiome Clinic™
Our treatment approach for Diverticulitis includes:
Gut Microbiome Test
Profile the mouth and gut to identify dysbiosis that may be affecting symptoms or treatment using the Gut Microbiome Test.
Targeted Antimicrobial Strategies
Antibiotics and plant-based or pharmaceutical antimicrobials (where appropriate) to reduce the overgrown population of unwanted bacteria in the gut.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Targeted probiotics and prebiotics are introduced slowly to restore balance and biodiversity of microbes in the gut without fuelling overgrowth.
Individualised Nutrition Plans
Nutrition strategies to support recovery and enhance your overall health such as a tailored low-FODMAP diet or fibre consumptions strategies.
Suspect you might have Diverticulitis?
