I wasn't given much info when I was diagnosed. Used this as a guide. But everyone is different.
Yes when I tried to add some fiber after 2 weeks and it made me sick, I went back to clear liquids for 3 days. It super sucked but it was very helpful, my body thanked me. I also made my own bone broth which tasted way better than store bought and is probably healthier. Pretty much any time I’m noticing discomfort for a day or two in a row, I’ve been returning to clear liquids for 24-48 hours.
I’ve really been digging this cookbook I got for gut health. Your body probably isn’t ready for the recipes in it yet but there’s some great info in the beginning about general gut health and it really has taught me a lot reading about why they chose each recipe etc. link to cookbook
Edit to add, I also read this book by Giulia Enders. It helped me get a more thorough understanding of how the digestive system works and she’s a pretty entertaining writer.
I would recommend getting a good protein powder and mixing it with water or milk. The slimfast might be okay, but when I looked at the ingredients, the first two ingredients are sugar and sunflower creamer which might cause issues. I tried a few cheaper versions but couldn't stomach the taste for days on end. I finally got this one, which is more expensive but I can handle the taste better.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZ8FL55?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details
Protein shakes work well as a meal replacement. I still have them for lunch at times because they're quick and fast. I get this one in raspberry, but there are other brands out there if you want something cheaper. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZ8FL55
If you can only get one, get L-Glutamine. I definitely feel a difference when I take that. Take one at every meal (3 times a day) when you have a flareup. You can take up to 3000mg but there can be side effects at that dosage such as heart palpitations. I noticed that as well, but once I cut back to 1500mg they went away. If you're not in a flareup you can take once or twice a day. For L-Glutamine, I've gotten different brands and didn't notice one being better than the other. I've used NOW, Pure Encapsulations, and Life Extension.
DGL supports the GI tract. I got Pure Encapsulations brand. I honestly don't take it every day but I have noticed it helps with heart burn.
I use NOW brand for Aloe Vera gels.
This is the Ancestral Supplements Intestine, https://www.amazon.com/Ancestral-Supplements-Intestines-Stomach-Tripe/dp/B079KWK4KV
I have other Ancestral Supplements and they are awesome.
35 yo here.
I received the diagnosis roughly one year ago. Since then I have only had one flare up requiring antibiotics other than my initial diagnosis. The major change I have made to my diet was cutting out all red meat. I will occasionally eat bacon well done, but I avoid cured meats or any form of cow as that appears to be a major trigger for flare ups.
Overall, whenever I feel a possible flare up coming on I usually will go to the liquid diet for a day or two and then start introducing a low residue diet and eventually phase into a high fiber diet, slowly introducing higher fiber foods throughout the course of a month.
I purchased this book which has helped immensely:
Once I am back to a higher fiber diet, I also take probiotics daily along with a dose of benifiber every day. This seems to do the trick, although I am told it is a mild case at this time.
I'm so sorry you are going through this. It sounds like it's more genetic since you are doing all the right things. To answer your question, yes, protein shakes are your friend. I've had two flareups (This May and June) and I had protein shakes, yogurt, broth, turkey, and small portions of fruits and veggies I could tolerate (blueberries, cantaloupe, zucchini, asparagus). Everyone is different, so foods that settle well with me might not settle well with you, so proceed cautiously. But definitely find ways to get your protein in. Turkey breast is awesome because it's very lean and easily digestible. I eat low carb so I've basically cut out gluten.
I also started taking some supplements that really helped. The #1 that really helped is L-Glutamine 500 mg. 3 times a day. It reduces intestinal inflammation and reduces the cramping. I no longer have pain but I still take this twice a day because it helps. I also take a probiotic, Aloe Vera gels, DGL Plus, Collagen powder, and Ancestral Supplements Intestines. I know that last one sounds gross but it's in a capsule and you don't taste it. It does a lot to help provide the nutrients to rebuild damage.
Here's the protein shake I use. It's the only one that tastes decent enough that I was willing to have it more than once a day. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZ8FL55
Not trying to sell anything but have you seen this?
https://www.amazon.com/mberry-Miracle-Fruit-Tablets-10-Count/dp/B001LXYA5Q
They make anything take hyper sweet. You can drink straight lemon juice or vinegar and it tastes like sugar water.
My doctor recommended 3 days on a liquid diet. After the 3 days, I did a half-way liquid/soft diet. Get some protein powder and make protein shakes. I'll share a link to the one I like the best. It sounds like you really need the protein. Yogurt is a good one because it's soft and has probiotics. Bone broth is good for healing. Another thing that worked for me was turkey from the deli, sliced thin. I would cut it into squares. It's easily digested and another source of protein.
Here's the protein powder I like. Since I had multiple shakes a day, I needed one that tasted good or at least tolerable. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZ8FL55
I had small portions of blueberries and cantaloupe, which seemed to help with regularity and worked okay with my system. I also ate stir-fry zucchini. Find what works for you...just keep portions small, especially the first time you introduce it.
Get yourself a diverticulosis diet cookbook like this one so you can see the whole diet laid out with example recipes. Then you can build from there.
Amazon has them as well, I don’t recall the pricing difference. They are perfect for traveling, and if you haven’t had them before, you’ll never go to anything else. It’s like a damn meal but only 10 calories.
Bare Bones Bone Broth Instant Powdered Beverage Mix, Chicken, Pack of 32, 15g Sticks, 10g Protein, Keto & Paleo Friendly
Too much coffee does it for me as well. I limit it to one (big) cup in the mornings and then it’s nothing but tea for the rest of the day.
I’ve also fallen madly in love with the amazing ability of ginger to settle the gut. I drink a big cup of ginger tea every night after dinner. Can’t recommend that highly enough.
Just look up “organic psyllium husk powder” on Amazon, there are lots of options. Should be 1 ingredient: powdered psyllium husk. I used to get the Anthony’s brand, it looks like is out of stock now, but here’s another brand. Would check out the reviews first. Most come in pretty big bags that last a long time.
Have you tried a stool softener? Trace Minerals also work wonders.
Are you stressed? Have your exercise habits changed?
I’d kick up a fuss. This is your health, not some Karen issue at a Target. Blockages and subsequent tears are one of the biggest risks we face.
This book helped me more than any of the dozens of specialists and procedures I endured over the years. My review is the fourth one down.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250066115/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_3S5A7MAHR4HABQDS1S76
The probiotics have helped me quite a bit too. I take one of these every night before bed. Also make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Probiotics 60 Billion CFU - Probiotics for Women, Probiotics for Men and Adults, Natural, Shelf Stable Probiotic Supplement with Organic Prebiotic, Acidophilus Probiotic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079H53D2B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0EZDH64YB6S8VSAM4JMA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I'm glad that it may have helped.
I was raised to talk though my issues, so going on about my diverticulitis helps to process my emotions and alleviate some of my anxiety about it all.
As far as the water habit goes, what really helped me to establish drinking water as a daily mainstay was to buy two 48oz bottles like these and always having one with me. This way I can track how much water I'm really getting throughout the day. I've been doing this since college, and for about 23 years now I've always had one of these bottles with me wherever I go.
You should be taking fiber every day. Get some organic psyllium husk powder and drink a tablespoon with water every night or morning: https://www.amazon.com/Herbal-Secrets-Certified-Organic-Psyllium/dp/B072Z6C91B/
I don't know if this will help you, but it helps me and they gave it to me while I was recovering in the hospital. clear ensure.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BY661T8?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
Hello, I’ve read up on a few websites people using food grade to help with gut issues as well as many positive reviews on Amazon for food grade products. I figure it might be worth a try.
DiatomaceousEarth DE10, 100% Organic Food Grade Diamateous Earth Powder - Safe For Children & Pets 10 LBS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00025H2PY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_IkL2FbCKD358Z?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Is this one Neuropathy Nerve Pain Relief Cream - Maximum Strength Relief Cream for Feet, Hands, Legs, Toes Pain Reliever, Large 3 oz Ultra Strength Arnica, MSM, Menthol, Soothing, Fast-Acting Anti-Inflammatory https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GDN44LH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WmsxFb654TFK2
This is the colon cleanse I am taking. NatureWise Total Colon Care Fiber Cleanse with Safe Herbal Laxatives, Prebiotics, & Digestive Enzymes for Healthy Elimination, Safe Digestion & Weight, Detox, & Gut Health [1 Month Supply - 60 Count] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BBY2NY4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Uq3nFbQDMVS10
Try this: https://www.amazon.com/Swanson-Colostrum-Gi-Health-Capsules/dp/B002DGE9Q0
Bovine Colostrum contains a natural antibody, Probiotics with (>) short-chain fructooligosaccharides as prebiotic
Get it and take it. Good luck
> Before the development of antibiotics, COLOSTRUM was the main source of immunoglobulins used to fight bacteria.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colostrum#Human_consumption_of_bovine_colostrum
https://www.amazon.com/Swanson-Colostrum-Gi-Health-Capsules/dp/B002DGE9Q0
Good luck!