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A Better Way to Manage Diverticulitis—Without Antibiotics, Laxatives, or Surgery

Feb 25, 2025

You’re sitting in your doctor’s office, frustrated, overwhelmed, and already knowing how this conversation will go.

"More antibiotics."
"More laxatives."
"You might need surgery if this keeps happening."

A gut-punch. Again.

You want to scream, "There has to be a better way!" Because deep down, you know this isn’t fixing anything—it’s just putting a band-aid on a bigger problem.

I know this because I was in that exact same seat.

For six years, I did everything I was told—antibiotics, fiber supplements, “just eat more fiber,” “just avoid nuts and seeds,” “just take Miralax.” None of it worked.

When my third colonoscopy showed more diverticula despite everything I had been doing, I realized something:

🔥 The medical system wasn’t helping me heal—it was keeping me in a cycle.
🔥 I was getting sicker, not better.
🔥 If I didn’t find another way, I’d be headed for surgery.

So, I took control.

And what I discovered completely changed my life.

The Big Lie About Diverticulitis Treatment

Diverticulitis is when small pouches in the colon (diverticula) become inflamed or infected. And while doctors are great at treating acute infections, they rarely talk about what happens next.

Here’s what they don’t tell you:

Antibiotics don’t prevent future flare-ups. They wipe out your gut bacteria, making you more vulnerable.
Laxatives don’t fix the problem. They create dependency, making your gut weaker over time.
Surgery isn’t a cure. It removes damaged sections, but if you don’t change what led to it, new pouches can form.

I learned this the hard way.

After years of following mainstream advice and still getting worse, I threw out the rulebook and started listening to my body instead of blanket recommendations.

I developed a 4-Stage Approach that helps your gut heal, rebuild, and become stronger over time—without fear, confusion, or giving up all the foods you love.

The 4 Stages of Eating: A Gut-Healing Strategy That Works

Most diets tell you what to eat.
This system tells you how to eat—so your gut can actually digest and absorb it.

Each stage is designed to support your body exactly where it is, without shocking your system.

Stage 1: Rest & Reset

  • If you’re flaring, your gut needs a break—not a ton of fiber.
  • Bone broths, herbal teas, and soothing liquids calm inflammation and reduce stress on digestion.
  • This stage gives your gut the space it needs to start repairing itself.

What I learned: Jumping straight into “just eat fiber” is a mistake. Your gut needs a reset before it can rebuild.

Stage 2: Gentle Repair

  • Slowly reintroduce low-fiber, easy-to-digest foods—think mashed root veggies, soups, and gut-friendly smoothies.
  • Nourish, don’t shock, your system—this phase is about rebuilding strength before adding fiber.
  • Add in gut-healing tools like collagen, glutamine, and anti-inflammatory herbs.

What I learned: This stage is where most people get stuck—they eat the same “safe foods” for too long. Your gut needs variety and progression to truly heal.

Stage 3: Rebuilding with Soluble Fiber

  • Start adding in cooked vegetables, fruits (no tough skins), lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Track your reactions—your Food Journal is your best friend here.
  • Don’t just eat fiber—pair it with hydration, movement, and gut-friendly supplements.

What I learned: Adding fiber too fast leads to bloating, gas, and frustration. Slow and steady wins the race.

Stage 4: Long-Term Gut Balance

  • Time to reintroduce insoluble fiber—leafy greens, nuts, legumes, and raw veggies.
  • Don’t fear fiber—learn how to introduce it properly.
  • Stay consistent. Gut health isn’t a “one and done” fix—it’s a lifestyle shift.

What I learned: I spent years avoiding foods out of fear, only to realize it wasn’t the food—it was my approach.

How to Start Feeling Better Today

If you’re tired of feeling stuck and want a real plan to prevent flare-ups, improve digestion, and feel like yourself again, here’s where to start:

  1. Hydration is non-negotiable. Water + electrolytes help fiber do its job, but dehydration can slow digestion, trigger constipation, and make flare-ups worse.
  2. Keep a Food Journal. If you don’t track your symptoms, you’re flying blind. Your gut health isn’t just about what you eat—it’s about how your body responds. Tracking your meals, symptoms, and stress levels helps you identify patterns and prevent setbacks.
  3. Stop forcing fiber if you’re in pain. There’s a time and place for it—Stage 1 and 2 are not it. When your gut is inflamed, fiber can do more harm than good. The 4 Stages of Eating help you ease into fiber at the right time and in the right way—without making symptoms worse. The right natural supplements, like digestive enzymes and probiotics, can also help support digestion and reduce flare-ups.
  4. Support your gut beyond food. Managing diverticulitis isn’t just about diet—it’s about stress, digestion, and inflammation. Mind-body practices like breathwork, movement, and stress reduction can have a huge impact on how your gut functions. 
  5. Healing isn’t linear. Some days will be better than others, and that’s normal. The goal is not perfection—it’s learning how to listen to your body and adjust before symptoms escalate.

You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck in This Cycle

Imagine eating a meal without fear.
Imagine not dreading pain after every bite.
Imagine finally having answers instead of guessing.

That’s the kind of freedom you can have—and I want to help you get there.

If you want to start taking control of your symptoms and stop the endless cycle of flares, I’ve built a program that can help.

👉 Explore my Diverticulitis Rescue Program & get the support you need. 

👉 Feeling overwhelmed? Let’s talk. Book a free 15-minute Clarity Call and I’ll help you figure out the best next step.

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