Hi David,

Probiotics may be a good supplement for those suffering from colon issues, such as Diverticulitis, but they should only be suggested if the physician treating the patient approves. The following are some reasons why these beneficial bacteria may be helpful for this condition:

• If you populate the colon with probiotics, or "good bacteria", the bad bacteria are crowed out and are less likely to grow and cause pain.
• Diverticulitis is often treated with antibiotics so probiotics are often suggested to mitigate the possible negative side effects of these drugs, such as diarrhea, yest, etc. 
• Beneficial bacteria also appear to help with overall colon health by creating short chain fatty acids which nourish the colon's cells.

Once a doctor is able to medically treat the flare ups of Diverticulitis, a great natural strategy is to take a daily probiotic and increase roughage in the diet. A high quality, finely ground fiber product is a great addition to the diet because consuming enough roughage can be a challenge for many people.

Hope that helps,