Pouches that push outward through vulnerable areas in the colon are called diverticula. Diverticulosis is the condition of having diverticula. Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches (diverticula) become infected or inflamed. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are also called diverticular disease.

CAUSES OF DIVERTICULAR DISEASE:

Our highly refined western diet, with inadequate amounts of fiber, especially soluble fiber, is the primary cause of Diverticular disease, a type of digestive disease. The disease was first noticed around the time that processed foods were introduced into the western diet. Because processed foods contain refined, low-fiber flour, there is not enough fiber to prevent constipation.

Chronic constipation forces the muscles to strain in order to move hard stools. This increased pressure in the colon causes weak spots that force the colon to bulge out and become diverticula.

Diverticular disease is rare in countries where people eat high-fiber diets. It is only common in the industrialized countries where low-fiber diets are now so common.

SYMPTOMS OF DIVERTICULAR DISEASE:

DIVERTICULOSIS: Symptoms of diverticulosis are chronic constipation, cramping, and bloating. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately to determine if you are suffering from diverticulosis.

DIVERTICULITIS: Because diverticulitis occurs when the pouches become infected, abdominal pain is the most common symptom of diverticulitis. There may also be nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and cramping. The extent of the symptoms is dependent upon the level of the infection.

TREATMENTS FOR DIVERTICULAR DISEASE:

DIVERTICULOSIS: Typical treatment for diverticular disease includes a high-fiber diet. Fiber keeps the stool soft and lowers pressure inside the colon so that bowel contents can move through easily. If you increase your fiber intake, make sure you increase your fluid intake at the same time. (Drink at least 3 pints per day). Insoluble fiber needs fluid in order to form stools that are easy to pass.

Occasionally, mild pain medications that help relieve symptoms can be prescribed. The doctor may also recommend taking a fiber product such as Citrucel or Metamucil once a day.

Foods that may irritate or get caught in the diverticula should be avoided. These foods include nuts, popcorn hulls, and sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds. The seeds in tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, strawberries, and raspberries are considered to be harmless.

People vary in the amounts and types of foods they can eat. Each person should make the decision about their diet based on what works for them. Keeping a food journal can help identify problem foods.

If chronic constipation, cramps and bloating continue, the doctor may recommend pain medication. Some medications, however, can affect the colon's ability to void itself, causing adverse consequences for people with diverticulosis.

DIVERTICULITIS: The primary goal of treatment for diverticulitis is to clear up the infection, rest the colon, and prevent complications. If there are no complications, antibiotics can heal the infection within a few days.

To rest the colon, the doctor may suggest bed rest, along with a liquid diet. An acute attack with severe pain or severe infection may require a hospital stay.

ADDING FIBER TO YOUR DIET:

*The table below shows the approximate amount of fiber in some foods that you can easily add to your diet:

FRUITS
apple 1 medium = 4g fiber
peach 1 medium = 2g
pear 1 medium = 4g
tangerine 1 medium = 2g

VEGETABLES
acorn squash, fresh, cooked 3/4 cup = 7g fiber
asparagus, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 1.5g
broccoli, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 2g
Brussels sprouts, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 2g
cabbage, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 2g
carrot, fresh, cooked 1 = 1.5g
cauliflower, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 2g
romaine lettuce 1 cup = 1g
spinach, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 2g
tomato, raw 1 = 1 gram
zucchini, fresh, cooked 1 cup = 2.5g

STARCHY VEGETABLES
black-eyed peas, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 4g
lima beans, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 4.5g
kidney beans, fresh, cooked 1/2 cup = 6g
potato, fresh, cooked 1 = 3g

GRAINS
bread, whole-wheat 1 slice = 2g
brown rice, cooked 1 cup = 3.5g
cereal, bran flake 3/4 cup = 5g
oatmeal, plain, cooked 3/4 cup = 3g

*Source: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA Nutrient Database for standard reference.

In summary, diverticulosis occurs when pouches, called diverticula, push outward through vulnerable areas in the colon. The pouches form when the pressure builds, usually caused by chronic constipation. Diverticulitis is a result of the pouches becoming infected, thus causing pain in the abdomen. Eating a high-fiber diet is the treatment that is always recommended.