Diverticulosis is a condition caused by pouches that form in the wall of the large intestine. If left undiscovered and untreated, it can lead to diverticulitis. In diverticulitis, these pouches become inflamed and infected. This can lead to extreme pain and serious complications including a rupture in the colon wall. Doctors do not know the exact cause of diverticulosis, but it can be treated and prevented. One of the most important ways it is prevented is through a high-fiber diet.
In diverticulosis, doctors theorize that the pouches (called diverticula) form because of excessive pressure built up inside the colon. This pressure pushes against weak areas in the wall of the colon. When stool is bulky and soft it moves through the colon with little or no difficulty. However, it the stool is small and hard, the colon has to use more force than normal to move it through. This added friction and strain can create the diverticula that leads to diverticulosis. Symptoms of diverticulosis include abdominal cramping, constipation and diarrhea.
When a person has a diet that is high in fiber, the roughage creates stool that aids in normal, healthy bowel movements. Both soluble and insoluble fiber provide benefits. Soluble fiber combines with water to create a jelly-like substance that promotes regular bowel movements and decreases the chance of constipation. Insoluble fiber will increase the size and bulk of stools, making stools that can easily pass through the intestine. The result is less strain during bowel movements, which keeps excess pressure from building up in the colon.
To help prevent diverticulosis, doctors recommend a diet that contains at least 30 grams of fiber a day for women and 38 grams of fiber a day for men with a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber. Some excellent sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nut and legumes. Examples of high fiber foods are apples with the skin on, whole-wheat bread, strawberries and kidney beans. For people who do not like many vegetables or are picky eaters, there are a number of fiber supplements available. Fiber powder can be mixed into juice or water and drank as normal. There are also lines of products specifically made to have a high fiber content such as fiber bars and cereals. Although it is best to obtain fiber from vegetables and fruits, these alternate sources are acceptable to help reach the recommended daily amount.
