What Is Diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis of the Sigmoid Colon

Diverticulosis is a condition in which small pouches grow in the lining of the sigmoid colon and sometimes begin to bulge through the sigmoid colon wall. When this happens, it is known as diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon, or simply diverticulosis.

A single pouch is called a diverticulum. The plural word is diverticula. Diverticulosis is therefore known as a diverticular disease.

In 10 to 25 percent of cases, diverticulosis often precedes a similar condition called diverticulitis. This disorder occurs when diverticula become inflamed.

Cause of diverticulosis Although conclusive evidence is lacking, it appears diverticulosis may result from the lack of fiber in the patient's diet. Researchers noticed that diverticular diseases became much more prevalent in the United States early in the 20th Century, when processed foods became more common in the American diet. Processed foods generally have less fiber. The more processed foods you eat, the less fiber you get.

Diverticular disease is also more common in developed or industrialized countries—which adds credence to the theory that low fiber diets promote diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Diverticular disease is rare in Asia and Africa, where people generally eat a lot more fiber.

Symptoms of diverticulosis Those who have diverticulosis generally don't experience any discomfort or symptoms. Occasionally, however, there may be

mild cramping,

bloating, and

constipation.

Other diseases like stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome or IBS present similar symptoms, so diagnosis is not always easy.

Treatment of diverticulosis Lifestyle changes are usually the best treatment for diverticulosis. Adding more fiber to the diet reduces diverticulosis, although mild pain medications may be prescribed in cases involving abdominal pain and discomfort.

High fiber diet for diverticulosis If you have diverticulosis, it's important to make sure there's a lot of fiber in your diet. Fiber provides bulk and helps move food through the colon. There's fiber in oat bran and wheat bran, fruits and vegetables. Drinking a lot of water helps, and you may want to considerand adding a fiber supplement, such as ground flax seeds. This can be especially good for relieving constipation if it occurs.

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The Diverticulitis Breakthrough