Diverticulosis is the presence of many small balloon-like sacs (diverticula) in the wall of the large intestine (colon). In the United States, this disease rarely occurs before the age of 30, but mostly affects up to 50% of people over 60 years of age. Studies show that a high fiber diet protects against this disease, and people who lack fiber in their diet are more prone to getting diverticula in the colon as they grow older.
Symptoms & Problems
While most of the people with this disease have no symptoms, a few can have major problems. When mild symptoms occur, people often notice a change in their bowel function first. Constipation, cramping, abdominal pain, and occasional diarrhea can become hard to deal with.
When diverticula become infected or inflamed (acute diverticulitis), people often have pain in their left lower abdomen and fever. People with these symptoms should seek their doctor's care. Another problem that can be very scary is severe, but painless, rectal bleeding. People who pass large amounts of bloody diarrhea need medical attention right away.
A High Fiber Diet
Once diverticula occur, there is no known medical cure. But people with diverticulosis can reduce their symptoms, prevent more diverticula from forming, and prevent later problems by increasing fiber in their diet. In the colon, fiber reverses many of the abnormal conditions that promote the development of diverticular disease.
People can increase fiber in their diets by eating portions of:
fresh or stewed fruits vegetables especially broccoli
bran cereal cabbage
grains beans (kidney, pinto, lima, navy)
The breakfast cereals, like All-Bran®, Fiber One®, and Bran Buds®, are high in fiber and mix well with other cereals. The recommended daily fiber dose is about 30 grams. Eating unprocessed bran (about 3 tablespoons) is an easy way to get enough fiber. Because bran is so dry, it should be taken with plenty of fluids or mixed with breakfast cereals, yogurt, applesauce, etc.
Follow your Health Care Provider's Advice
A good rule to live by is to listen to your health care provider. Refer your questions about illness, medicines, or diet to the health care provider who knows you best. Working together improves your ability to follow your health care provider's advice and helps to assure success in treatment.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 02/10/2011
Copyright © 02/09/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4408
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