editor@charcoalremedies.com
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Question
"I'm an ER doc. I practice
in OK and TX. I recently read your book and look forward to expanding
my use of charcoal other than just for drug overdoses. Diverticulosis
is a fairly common GI disorder. I have not been able to find any
references to the use of charcoal for this condition. If you know of
any please let me know.
Thanks, Dr. Wayne"
Definition:
By definition
Diverticulosis, also known as Diverticular Disease, is the condition of
having diverticula in the colon. Diverticula are small pockets of
mucosal tissue that balloon out through the muscle layers of the colon
wall. These are more common in the sigmoid colon,
which is a common place for increased abdominal pressure.
Diverticulosis is uncommon before
the age of 40 and increases in incidence after that age. When
individual diverticula become impacted and inflamed the condition is
known as Diverticulitis.
Diverticula are thought to be caused by increased abdominal pressure within the colon. Increased abdominal pressure coupled with
constipation may lead to weaknesses in the walls of the colon giving way to
diverticula. Other causes may include a colonic spasm (caused by dehydration or low-fiber diets (or constipation)
which also increases abdominal pressure. Fiber
causes stools to retain more water and become easier to pass (either
soluble or insoluble fiber will do this). A diet without sufficient
fiber makes the stools small, requiring the bowel to squeeze harder to
remove the smaller stool, leading to incresed abdominal pressure.
Reply:
"Dear Dr. Wayne, Thank you for your letter and interest in exploring the medicinal use of charcoal.
You ask about the use of charcoal for diverticulosis: because constipation figures so prominently in the formation of diverticula, and because charcoal tends to be binding or constipating for many, I would choose to focus more on lifestyle issues than first experimenting with charcoal.
Having said that, charcoal
can adsorb large amounts of abdominal gas thus lowering intra-abdominal
pressure, AND charcoal sometimes works as a laxative. Both these are
beneficial for constipation and may indirectly be a benefit in staying
the process of Diverticulosis.
As for the use of charcoal
for Diverticulitis (inflammation of diverticula): if the patient is
willing to employ some of the above lifestyle changes, then I would
recommend a teaspoon of very fine charcoal mixed with olive oil, or
some other sweet oil, warmed slightly, and taken a little while before
or after mealtimes.
If the patient is not inclined to cooperate with the above lifestyle changes, but is suffering abdominal pain or spasm, then I would recommend a charcoal poultice large enough to cover the entire lower abdomen. Several have reported to us that when charcoal taken internally (for diarrhea, appendicitis, colitis…) had little positive effect, they switched to a charcoal poultice and experienced prompt relief. Placing a heating pad or hot fomentation over the poultice should also be helpful. As I mentioned in the book (CharcoalRemedies.com p. 75-76), one of the complications associated with charcoal use in hospitals is constipation and bowel obstruction. People with diverticulosis/diverticulitis already have sluggish digestion and giving them charcoal internally in an ER setting may put them at more risk of impaction, especially if they are not kept well hydrated. Giving charcoal in conjunction with emetics and laxatives seems to be asking for more trouble. These are my observations from personal experience and reading several hospital records. Again, thank you for your letter. I hope the information will be helpful." Sincerely
john dinsley
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editor@charcoalremedies.com |
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