Diverticulitis pain can be like your gut is protesting, and when it gets worse, you just want quick relief. If you’ve experienced that jabbing, crampy pain in your lower belly, you know how desperate you can feel. The good news? There are proven ways to calm the pain and get your gut back to normal. Here’s what physicians and studies recommend.
1. Rest and Give Your Bowels a Break
When your colon is inflamed, it’s your body’s way of saying, “slow down.” Taking it easy—physically and diet-wise—can make a big difference. Resting helps reduce inflammation, and sometimes just lying down or doing some gentle stretches is enough to help things settle. Skip the intense workouts until you’re feeling better.
2. Use a Heating Pad
A bit of heat can make a big difference. Placing a heating pad on your stomach can relax the abdominal muscles, ease cramping, and numb the pain. It’s easy but rather reassuring.
3. Select the Best Pain Reliever
Pain medications: Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) is often safest. It can soften the edge without upsetting your stomach. Try not to use NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, as they will worsen inflammation and cause more bleeding.
4. Follow a Clear Liquid Diet (Initially)
If you’re experiencing a flare, taking a break from your digestive system does help. Clear liquids such as broth, pulp-free juice, sports drinks, gelatin, and plain water or tea are easy on your gut. After a day or two, once your symptoms settle down, you can begin to reintroduce soft, bland foods to your diet gradually.
5. Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods When You’re Ready
Once you’re eating again, choose foods that help reduce inflammation. Think berries, leafy greens, avocados, oily fish like salmon, and green tea. Garlic, turmeric, and ginger might also be helpful, though more research is still being done on those.
6. Watch Out for Medications That Can Make Things Worse
Certain medications can flare up diverticulitis. NSAIDs are notorious offenders, but some others—such as particular antihistamines, antidepressants, or even iron pills—may cause constipation or exacerbate symptoms. Red meat may be a trigger for some individuals as well. It’s always best to consult your physician regarding what is safe to use.
7. Stay Hydrated
Water is a giant help in keeping your digestive tract functioning smoothly. It can cause you to have hard stools if you’re dehydrated, which adds extra stress to your colon. Drink plenty of fluids, particularly on a clear liquid diet.
8. Bring Back Fiber—But Take It Slow
Fiber prevents future flare-ups by keeping things moving through your colon, but after an attack, your colon has to heal. Ease into soft fruits, cooked vegetables, beans, or whole grains and increase as your system allows.
9. Consider Probiotics and Fermented Foods
Certain research indicates that probiotics may alleviate bloating and discomfort, but the evidence is not conclusive. Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are all natural sources of beneficial bacteria. Just be sure to talk with your doctor before incorporating them into your diet, particularly during a flare.
10. Know When It’s Time to Call a Doctor
If your pain worsens, you develop a high fever, persistent nausea or vomiting, or significant changes in your bowel movements, it’s time to see a doctor. In occasional cases, antibiotics—or even surgery—may be needed. And if you experience symptoms such as rectal bleeding or intense cramping, don’t ride it out. Have yourself checked out.
Managing diverticulitis is all about being attuned to your body, making informed decisions, and asking for assistance when you need it. With the proper strategy, you can be yourself again, without your gut being in charge.