Release the Endorphins
Endorphins are chemicals or hormones released by the body when it is exposed to stress and pain. They are known as the body’s pleasure hormones and natural pain relievers. They help reduce stress, anxiety, and physical pain.
A study conducted in 2019 shows that endorphins can help alleviate pain caused by diverticulitis. Endorphins are released during light physical activities, sports, eating, massage, sexual intercourse, hugging, and kissing. One of the easiest ways to trigger the production of endorphins is regular exercise. Experts recommend at least 2 hours of light to moderate exercise per week. It can be brisk walking, dancing, gardening, swimming, cycling, or yoga.
Another study showed increased pain tolerance among patients with diverticulitis after regular physical activities and exercise in one month. In addition, fewer episodes of constipation and difficulty in defecating were recorded among physically and sexually active patients.
However, more studies are still needed to solidify endorphins’ effectiveness against diverticulitis symptoms.
