It was interesting when we did the survey for the End Diverticulitis Reference what our Newsletter readers had to say about stress. (If you haven't joined our Newsletter you can on the right hand side).

Stress was something that we had suspicions about and its association on Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis, and a few people had mentioned to us that when under stress they noticed problems. And when we did our End Diverticulitis survey there was a bit of a surprise for us.

We were amazed at the survey result about Stress and it's affect on Diverticulitis.

It turns out that Stress was the number 1 cause for people to have a flare up, ie Diverticulosis to turn into Diverticulitis.

Really is it such a big surprise? A little story for you.

Many many years ago I was in a job and there was a big big problem looming with one of the customers I dealt with. I knew it was going to be a problem, and the company I worked with was working very hard to find alternative solutions. However in the few days that this situation remained unsolved, I was under some pretty serious stress, I had trouble sleeping, and all those things. Now I think back on it, I also had a knot in my stomach, some issues with heart burn, and irregular bowel movements.

We finally found several solutions, and approached the customer presented our case, told them what had happened and worked toward a resolution. Needless to say my concerns vanished overnight. Once we had solutions in place and was working with the customer, the knot in my stomach disappeared, and so did my heart burn etc. I also had the best nights sleep that I had in ages that night.

After thinking back on that experience it is no wonder stress and Diverticulitis are related. All my concerns and worries were directly effecting my digestive system. Now if your digestive system is not healthy what do you think those sort of effects are going to have on Diverticulitis? Not Good.

What happens when your are STRESSED?
Well Stress causes your body to not digest food properly. Usually when under stress blood and oxygen are not directed to the digestive system but to other areas in the body. This has a direct effect on how well the digestive system works. When the stressful situation is resolved the blood and oxygen is directed back to the digestive system. So imagine that you have the Diverticuli and you body is busy fighting a small infection in them. A stressful situation comes up, blood and oxygen is taken away from where your body is fighting the infection.
Guess who starts winning?
yep, the infection!!
So you now have a full blown flare up of Diverticulitis.

It is important to give your digestive system the best possible chance for fighting any infections, and stress does not allow that to happen.

So what do you do?

Well avoid stress. That's obvious isn't it.

However while it is obvious we all live in the real world and not some Utopian society. It will not always be possible to avoid stress. So we need to learn to manage it and control it. Controlling and managing stress is not something that is easy to do. It's funny that even the calmest person might appear relaxed and confidant on the outside, but inside they are REALLY STRESSED OUT.

There are some great programs and books about stress management. I have to say one of the simplest and easy stress management programs we have found is the Meditainment Stress Relief Program. If you find stress is a major part of your life then check it out. It could help you save another flare up.

There are also many great books on stress management, check out the library. We have listed 5 good books on stress, all available from amazon and should be available from your local library.

While complete stress management is outside the scope of this article. There are some simple things you should consider.
If it is your job that is causing the stress, is it continuous?
Are you under constant pressure to perform and is the place you work a high stress work place?
You need to ask yourself.
Do you really need it?
I know some people thrive on it and love the stress and high action jobs, but if your health is failing then why risk Diverticulosis for the sake of a job? Might be time to have a look around at something else.

Is it something specific in your life, money, illness (Diverticulitis can itself cause stress, which can cause Diverticulitis, nasty circle that one). Then you need to face the problem and find a solution. Once it is brought out into the open and discussed you might find the solution is closer than you think. But keeping it inside will not help.

Some simple stress relief things you can do RIGHT NOW.

• 1. exercise. get out and stretch the legs, best reason I have heard of for a hit of golf yet. Doctors orders.
• 2. deep breathing, very simple take a few deep breaths when you feel the stress building and calm down.
• 3. identify what is causing the stress and take actions to fix it.
• 4. understand what you can and cannot change. and change the things you can
• 5. avoid unrealistic expectations
• 6. have a break
• 7. enjoy a pastime, be it family, hobbies, something you can loose yourself in.
• 8. avoid chemical stress enhancers, coffee, alcohol etc
• 9. learn relaxation techniques, from meditation to sport
• 10. if all else fails GET HELP don't be too afraid to ask a professional

What is causing the Stress?
Is it yourself? This one is a tough one. I know a lot of people are worriers, spend all their time worrying about things and places and a lot of the time it is really just pointless. You need to control concerns and anxieties as if they get out of hand they will cause stress which can flare up your Diverticulitis. That's what programs like the Meditainment Stress Relief aims at doing. controlling stress and controlling anxiety.

FIND A STRESS RELIEF SOLUTION THAT WORKS FOR YOU
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.
Doesn't matter what it is as longs as it works.
From going for a walk.
To a good book on stress relief (see the library).
To a full on stress relief program (like Meditainment's).
Stress is a major factor in Diverticulitis, you need to control, manage or avoid stress for your long term health.