Should Someone With Diverticulosis Do a Colon Cleanse?

Diverticulosis is the condition in which the small intestines have small hernia inside. This happens when excess pressure is exerted during bowel movement, the colon gets pressurised and this condition arises. In case you have diverticulosis, doing a colon cleanse may be highly risky as it may cause bowel perforation. It is important to talk to your doctor about colon cleansing when you already have a condition of diverticulosis.

Diagnosis of diverticulosis

Most people are unaware of the fact that they may be suffering from diverticulosis until the bulges are visible. Until then they find no symptoms. Colonoscopy (also known as sigmoidoscopy) is a test that is done to view the lining of the intestines to detect colon related disorders. Doctors would advise you not to strain the lower tract of the intestine to prevent further complications in the colon that may cause diverticular disease.

Surveys show that diverticulosis affects as much as half of the people beyond 60 years of age.

Risks of colon cleansing

The sigmoid colon, which is the lower part of the colon, is the area that is mostly affected by diverticulosis. The sigmoid is the place where the digested wastes are stored until they are eliminated from the body. The doctor would generally recommend you to do a medical cleansing before you may go for a surgery or a diagnostic procedure. Colon cleansing (or colon irrigation) may pose health risks for those affected by diverticular disease.

In some colon cleansing processes, fluids like coffee, water or herbal preparations are injected in the colon with a plastic tube attached with a pump to rinse the toxic material that may be present on the walls of the colon. The high pressure used for flushing out the toxins may damage or tear the weak parts of the colon which could cause infections and bleeding of the intestines. Cleansing might sometimes cause allergic reactions, electrolyte imbalance or overload of fluid in the system.

Precautions

Those who support colon cleansing strongly believe that the process eliminates toxins from the body, improves immunity in the system, helps growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine and may also help fighting against chronic disorders and even cancer. If you really need to undergo a colon cleanse, it is recommended to speak to your doctor before taking any further step for your safety. Check all the ingredients and herbal solutions and ensure that you are not allergic to any of the listed items.  Also ensure that the person performing the process uses disposable, sterile equipment.

Dietary suggestions

If you are diagnosed with diverticulosis, ensure to have a diet rich in fibre to enhance bowel movements and make it easy for the waste to flow through the intestines. It is equally important to drink lots of water to help the fibre work through your system. Further, regular exercise should be made part of your daily routine to keep your colon healthy and fit. Exercising also helps preventing constipation.

Consume anything between 20 grams to 35 grams of fibre every day. Foods that are rich in fibre include fruits and vegetables like broccoli, apples, potatoes, kidney beans, cereals, whole grains and even breads. These will all prevent complications that arise with diverticulosis ad keeps your colon healthy.

Get suggestions from your doctor to safely manage diverticulosis.