The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Clare (Banbury, England) on 10/04/2017
★★★★★
Grapefruit Seed Extract for Diverticulitis
I had my first attack of Diverticulitis just over a week ago. I saw a doctor to confirm my self diagnosis and he told me if the attack hadn't got better in two weeks to go back and I would have blood tests. I had no appetite or energy and had pretty much constant gut aches and pains. I lost seven pounds in one week because I didn't want to eat although I had a little fruit twice a day. I came on this site yesterday and saw that someone had had great success with GSE. It was said by someone else that GSE contains two nasty chemicals produced in the processing and thought it might be the two chemicals that stopped the attack. I had some GSE manufactured chemical free. I bought it online because I was also worried about the two chemicals. So I thought I would try the chemical free one made in France as I had had it in my cupboard for a few months and hadn't tried it. I took the recommended 15 drops in half a glass of water and in about two hours the Diverticulitis just went away. I had no pain at all through the night and this morning but thought it would come back as it had caught me out before. I took another dose this morning and the Diverticulitis has not come back. I had my usual fruit for breakfast and at around late lunchtime I felt a bit hungry so I had a small salad. Tonight I had soup and two small slices of Soda bread. First food I have had in the evening for just over a week. I wish I had known about GSE when my mother suffered with Diverticulitis but maybe it wasn't around then.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Donna W (Buffalo, Ny) on 05/18/2017
★★★★★
Apple cider vinegar is a life saver. I took it on my last bout of diverticulitis. It helped. It has digestive enzymes in it. Organic acv is about the only one you should consume to get the best benefits.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Soazburrolady (Arizona) on 12/02/2016
★★★★★
Having been prone to diverticulitis flare-ups for over a decade, I almost immediately recognize the symptoms and reach for my "go - to's: aloe vera capsules (can't abide the taste of aloe vera), an increase in probiotics, grapefruit seed extract, and simethicone. Normally, within a few days, I am completely better.
Last week, I followed this protocol and was stymied when, though the diverticulitis was somewhat better, I was suddenly constipated and consequently developed a hemorrhoid. Enough, already! Obviously, I needed to augment or alter my regimen. So, I added a few more drops of 5% Lugols to my usual 6 drops, used a vitamin E suppository to relieve the hemorroid, added grape seed extract, and, most significantly, reread constipation cures in Earth Clinic.
I come to this site 2 or 3 times a week, sometimes more, and am so grateful to those who post and change my family's life for the better. This time I learned that a treatment for gallstones and kidney stones could also relieve constipation and therefore hemorrhoids. So.....I added olive oil (2T) mixed with lemon juice (2T). Including a pinch of sea salt makes the mixture taste like salad dressing and entirely palatable. Today, I woke symptom free.
So, one more time, thank you Earth Clinic. BTW, my husband uses the olive oil/lemon juice mixture for kidney stones - works every time!
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Kteachernc (Charlotte, Nc) on 12/22/2015
★★★★★
Aloe with AMP (Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides) works so far! It caused the cramping, burn and PAIN to leave within 1 and 1/2 hrs.....wow....taking Turmeric with it also. I was on two rounds antibiotics and desperate when I read this site.....thank you, thank you.....I want to tell EVERYONE it works.....Aloe Vera Juice with AMP "nasty taste" but worth it.....got overnight order for a different brand now because people posted it tastes better....Praise God for answers online....suffered for so many years, so grateful....thank you everyone!!
Diatomaceous Earth
Posted by Karin (Wilmington, Nc) on 08/11/2015
★★★★★
Diatomaceous earth prevents my diverticulitis attacks. After trying a number of alternative treatments for this recurring problem, none of which helped, I discovered diatomaceous earth. I had eliminated many foods, but the problem kept getting worse until this discovery in March, 2014. Since then, I've only had one minor episode when I skipped my dosage for two weeks, and stopped the attack from getting worse by taking two doses spread a few hours apart. I can now eat anything I want with no problem!
Initially, I took one tablespoon in half a glass of water -on an empty stomach- twice a day, but after a month, it began to hurt my stomach, and I began spreading out dosages. I now take it once a week and feel cured!
It is extremely important to only use Food Grade diatomaceous earth. There is a version of this used for swimming pool filters which can be fatal! The food grade is quite safe to ingest, but be careful not to inhale the dust which can damage lungs.
The attacks, which had been worsening for years, are now history.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Marc (New Jersey) on 11/27/2017
★★★★★
I swear by Grapefruit Seed Extract for diverticulitis. I was getting a flare up every 4-6 months for 3 years. Haven't had a flare up in over a year since I started taking it. 10 drops 3x a day during flare ups and they disappear in 2 days.
Now I take 10 drops every morning in a glass of Concord grape juice and doing great. Vitamin Shoppe sells it. It worked better than antibiotics
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Laura (Va) on 02/15/2016
★★★★★
I have found a "big gun" for my diverticulitis. When the grapefruit seed extract and slippery elm isn't enough, and I start feeling the aching stomach signal that an attack is imminent, I have had perfect success with Colloidal Silver. Take two teaspoons and relief is within minutes. Thank God for relief from pain, because I'm a wuss and want to crawl in a hole when I'm in pain. The directions warn not to take this for more than 10 days. Hope this will help others who have suffered as I have.
Carnivore Diet
Posted by Richard (Augusta, Georgia ) on 11/17/2022
★★★★★
I want to update my post, I suffered for 6 months following my doctors recommendation of eat more fiber, which is the quickest way to destroy your gut, I also tried every remedy on here and nothing worked, after weeks of research, the solution is to go to a carnivore diet, yes that's right, more red meat. You see meat is digested in the small intestines, so when it gets to your colon it's a soft liquid, fiber on the other hand doesn't get digested at all, you might as well swallow a Brillo pad. And another thing is your bowel movements will be half the size as before. I've never felt better and just a couple weeks ago I was utterly help and depressed and suffering immense pain. Gob bless
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sophie (Victoria, Bc) on 12/24/2018
★★★★★
I had always had bowel problems, since teenage, which I considered to be IBS, and then recently had a bout of diverticulitis (first time) that ended in a hospital stay and recommended surgery after my recuperation - until I realized that surgeons generally know and care about little but operating. I put surgery on hold, and through Earth Clinic and other sources developed a regimen that may be half placebo, but it works!
I begin the day with a small glass of plain organic kefir and a probiotic capsule (35 billion microorganisms, 15 strains - be sure to include B. infantis) sprinkled with baking soda. I end the day with a glass of warm water with 1 tsp ACV, 1 tsp lemon juice, sprinkled with cayenne. I make sure to have 6 to 8 glasses of liquid a day.
My most important discovery. Several medical sites mentioned that many developing world people have no such bowel problems (which, through straining, etc., lead to diverticulosis). Usually they attribute it to diet. One medical researcher attributes it instead to their use of the squat toilet, which places their bodies in a better position for bowel movements. My husband and I fashioned a sort of deck to surround my toilet so that I could use it in this way. It's actually quite beautiful, stained to match the woodwork - looks like something you'd see in an Indonesian hotel. Magic!!!! It's as if I never had a bowel problem. So regular and easy that others might say it's boring
I have great hope for the future. I don't know which change is the decisive one (I know I wouldn't give up the squat toilet for anything) but they are all easy to put into practice, so I will continue with the lot.
Helpful Tips for Diverticulitis Management
Posted by Wildbilll62 (Holland, Pa, United States) on 10/07/2011
★★★★★
My first comment is that people die from divriticulitis - particularly if the condition has progressed and has resulted in a perforation of the colon. If your pain is so significant and just seems to be getting worse - head to the ER. Once your condition is stabilized then perhaps these alternate therapies may alleviate the condition. My colon had a small perforation and so I was admitted immediately and put on antibiotics and restricted diet for four days. Someone very close to me had a complete perforation, was admitted to the ER and had surgery (sigmoidectomy) the same day. In order to heal from that surgery, he had to wear a colostomy bag for weeks. He was very lucky and could have died.
There are many other side effects from divriticulitis. The colon becomes inflamed and excreting waste becomes very difficult. A consequence of this, in my case, was that my bladder also became inflamed and anytime the bladder had fluid, it was very painful.
I'm back at home now and revisiting this site to see if there is a way to avoid surgery. I had tried some of the remedies here prior to my hospital stay but I think the colon had already perf'ed and so anything I tried was ineffective. Now that things seem to have settled a bit I will try this alternative remedy and see how it goes.
As for whether eating seeds or nuts or what have you is the cause of divriticulitis, as one surgeon told me in all of the sigmoidectomies he has done, he has never seen a seed or nut lodged into the infected divriticulum. Be well.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Stibbs (Skipton, North Yorkshire) on 06/18/2010
★★★★★
Just to let you know that, after the great reply that a forum member gave about his mother who suffers from Diverticulitis, mine is now non existent.I cannot believe I am writing this after suffering for so long with this terrible disease. It will stop the pain within an hour, believe you me.Grapefruit Seed Extract tastes horrible, but I have found a way of hiding it, tonic water, you can't taste it. If you fancy a tipple after your hard days work you can also add it with the tonic.
I cannot thank you guys enough and the chances of stumbling on this site to finally stop all the pain I have had.Get some Grapefruit Seed Extract NOW, amazing stuff. If you need any more info I would be more than elated to help.Thank you.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by intanet (Bronx, N.Y.) on 08/16/2023
I am replying to my own post since it got no replies in 2 years. I think when people post here, they should make it a point to mention what strength of GSE they are using. There are two strengths...regular and maximum. To use 10 drops of maximum is too much so, I am assuming they are using the regular strength. Please make that distinction since it is misleading for people who are not aware that there are 2 strengths for sale.
For clarity, I called "NutriBiotic"...the company that sells both strengths and they told me that the regular strength GSE has directions for taking it internally but a few years back, the FDA had them stop putting a dosage on their Maximum strength bottles and told them that they had to put: "For external use only" on the Maximum strength bottles. But, they used to put "Take 3 drops daily" before they were told not to. So, if you use the Maximum strength, use only 3 drops a day as it is much more potent.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Lisa (AZ) on 10/04/2022
★★★★★
I had a bout with diverticulitis that lasted 3 months. I have learned to follow a clear liquid diet until I see and feel improvement. Then go to a liquid diet. I take 2 grapefruit seed extract pills a day. If I get too sick, I take wild oil of oregano 2 x a day.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Daniel (Southern France) on 02/24/2024
★★★★★
This is my first time posting on Earthclinic, but I had to share with everyone how effective grapefruit seed extract was, at least for me, in keeping diverticulitis at bay. I was first diagonosed with diverticulitis in 2012, after going to the emergency room with a pretty intense pain in my lower abdomen. After a few tests, I was told I had diverticulitis and sent home with a prescription of antibiotics (I don't remember what kind). I recovered, and shortly after, I discovered Earthclinic and learned that for some of you GSE was highly effective in getting diverticulitis under control. In 2017 I did experience what seemed like a recurrence, having twinges in the same part of my gut as before, so I started a course of GSE, around 20mg in some juice three times a day. Lo and behold, the pain was gone, and I was very grateful that I didn't have to go to the emergency room or endure another round of antibiotics. Many years went by without any recurrences, but just a few days ago, the same twinge, or should I say pain this time, announced itself in my gut. It was quite upsetting, especially after reading that Fidel Castro suffered from diverticulitis, leading to his death, even though he lived to be 90. I began taking GSE again, along with some glycine and L-glutamine, and three days later, I'm free of twinges and pain. I don't know, but this recent epsiode happened right after I ate a bunch of cauliflower, along with a heavy consumption of gluten in the forms of bread and pasta. I've always eaten cruciferous veggies and bread, but maybe my gut is no longer as accomodating as it was during my youth.
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Nancy (Los Angeles) on 04/24/2023
★★★★★
I want to thank the original poster who recommended Aloe Muciliginous Polysaccharrides. I'm convinced this helped speed up the recovery for my SO who just got his second bout of diverticulitis. The first time, he got antibiotics....unfortunately, that led to c.diff, and a subsequent fecal transplant. It worked and got rid of the c.diff.... now 3 years later, the diverticulitis came back, he recognized the pain immediately.
We're convinced, after reading some of these other posts, that the cause for him was eating pumpkin seeds and popcorn, because it was literally the next day he started feeling a certain familiar discomfort that got increasingly more painful. I came on here and bought the Serovera AMP on Amazon for a crazy $143, the Physician's Choice 60 Billion 10 Strain probiotics, and slippery elm by Horbaach. The Probiotics came first, but it didn't really help with the pain. The next day, the Serovera AMP and slippery elm came...the day after that, his pain was reduced dramatically. I'm writing this post on Monday, April 24th, 2023. The discomfort began for him last Sunday, April 16th. He went to work the next day and came home unusually early. I asked why he was home early, and he said he thinks the diverticulitis came back. So within a week from discovery, it's essentially gone. I'm going to have him finish all 3 bottles. I hope this post helps someone in the future, like all of the other posters here have helped me. :)
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Peter (CO) on 08/05/2021
As someone that has struggled with this for over 10 years, I sympathize with you. I have have every symptom you listed. All at the same time, when it is at its worst. The bladder part is the one that tells me that I am in trouble. I wonder what your MG dosage of GSE is in liquid form? All I can say is that it should do more for you than just hold you over. Within a day or 2, you should note a pretty positive change. After a week or so, you should be mending quite well. I actually just posted my dosage today, but for simplification purposes, when I am in your condition, I take 2 - 250mg dry capsules twice a day. This brings me out of the woods quite quickly. All I can say is that when the pain gets to my bladder, I am one poor choice from ending up in the hospital. I cut ALL solid foods and cut right to broth for at least 24 hours, and if you can make it longer, do so. Fruits, vegetables and fiber are TERRIBLE for you at the state that you are in. You are actually aggravating your intestines with the vey things that are supposed to help you in the first place. Fiber is the enemy during infections. It causes your bowels to inflame and irritate more. Putting stress on already weak areas.
Once you are out of the woods, then you can cut back to porridge and eventually solids.
I know that I did not answer your question on GSE, because I think that you will find many subjective answers. What I can tell you is that the state that you say you are in is very close to the state that puts me in the hospital and at very high risk of sepsis. IMO, you cannot worry about how long you can take GSE (albeit, I feel that low doses daily is totally fine for me. Something like 125mg GSE.). You are trying to avoid permanent damage as well as toxic shock.
Probiotics are fine for the most part. Just know that some people, including myself sometimes get constipated from certain types. Find the one that works for you. I find that Visbiome and culturelle work best with my body.
One more thing to try: N-A-G. When I am in the woods, I add N-A-G to the mix. While I know that most of my issues alleviated from GSE alone. I've read quite a bit on N-A-G and it should definitely help. I find it more effective than slippery elm and agrees with my body more.
Good luck.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Tc7 (Toronto) on 06/15/2016
I am responding to myself as an addendum. This cure I described works, but the cause of my diverticulitis is worth mentioning - now that I know the cause, the cure will not be required again. I would have symptoms (bloating, pain) of diverticulitis concurrent with a toothache. I noticed that symptoms arose when I sat at my desk. On my desk is a wireless modem. The tooth that ached was the only one with a filling. As cell phones will make earrings hot, so the modem was heating my tooth AND the colloidal silver in my gut (which did ease symptoms of diverticulitis when I was not near the modem).
As soon as I killed the modem, symptoms were GONE and have not returned. My house is now wired, no more wireless. I have fewer floaters and sleep better now also (after a week of no wireless). I had to share this info so I made a video called "WI-FRIED", you can find it on YouTube.
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Alyson (Leesburg, Va) on 02/15/2016
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been taking Aloe Vera Juice (Whole Leaf) for over two years for diverticulitis. I was just in the ER twice in one week with heart issues, low potassium and electrolyte imbalances. The cardiologist suggested it could be the Aloe Vera juice and had me read a few articles, including one from the Mayo clinic, that have severe warnings about internally taking it which described almost all of my symptoms. I'm wondering if anyone has heard any dangers about it? I was happy taking it and really thought it worked; now I'm not so sure.
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Robert H. (Mount Pleasant, Sc) on 07/05/2016
Look for Aloe that is made from the fillet and NOT "Whole Leaf" The latex lining of the green outer skin contains laxative ingredients and the side effects listed by the Mayo Clinic. Almost all Aloe on the market is processed with activated charcoal to remove the latex component.
Salt Water Cleanse
Posted by Misty (Indiana, Usa) on 02/07/2014
★★★★★
Salt Water Cleanse for Diverticulitis: Dissolve 2 tsp non-iodized, natural salt (such as Himalayan pink salt or sea salt) in 1 liter warm water. Drink in the morning on an empty stomach. When you first feel the urge to go, just resist the urge and let the solution "brew" in your intestines for about 30 minutes (or more if you can stand it). When you feel you can't stand it any longer, visit the toilet. This will likely result in one semi-solid defecation and 3 or more liquid ones. Avoid eating anything until you can go one hour without evacuating your bowels (which takes about 5 hours for me), then have light meals for the rest of the day. Repeat in 2 days, increasing the salt to up to 3 tsp, if you are not feeling any better. Once you are feeling better, it is important to eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water to prevent flare-ups.
I first decided to try this remedy after having a flare-up due to taking calcium/magnesium/zinc tablets (calcium can cause constipation). After suffering for a few days with pretty severe pain, I figured I would try this remedy. I believe this remedy works by dissolving the contents of diverticula while reducing swelling and inhibiting bacterial growth. The next morning, I woke up pain-free!
Note that using iodized salt in this remedy probably will work but is dangerous because it may result in iodine poisoning. For best results, use filtered water or boiled tap water. I would advise doing this on a day when you are going to be home all day because you'll feel the urge to run to the bathroom throughout the day. Avoid passing gas when not on the toilet because it will probably not just be gas!
