Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis is very common in developed nations. Westernized countries have the highest incidence of lifestyle-related diverticulosis. It is estimated that approximately 27% or more of the Westernized population has diverticulosis,¹ with roughly 15% of them experiencing symptoms (such as diverticulitis). So, most people who have diverticula will not even feel any symptoms. If symptoms do develop, however, they may include:

• Attacks of abdominal pain, sometimes precipitated by eating
• Bloating
• Changes in bowel habits (constipation more often than diarrhea)
• Fullness or tenderness in left lower quadrant of the abdomen
• Fever and constant severe abdominal pain may be experienced in diverticulitis

It is unclear why some people with diverticulosis develop inflammation or infection of the diverticula, which is then considered diverticulitis. Diverticulitis often causes extreme pain in the lower left area of the abdomen, as well as fever, nausea, and constipation or diarrhea. With diverticulitis, complications can develop such as bleeding, intestinal blockages or burst of a diverticulum leading to leakage of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity.

So, how does one prevent getting diverticulosis? The answer is actually quite simple: fiber. Eating natural fiber from whole plant foods performs essential functions in our bodies; one of these functions is to protect the intestines from getting these herniations. Soluble and non-soluble fiber both have been shown to play a role. This means that, while getting in a variety of whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes in your diet every day, you are directly lowering your risk of diverticulosis without having to think about it. The foods that are low in fiber and linked to a higher risk of developing diverticular disease are processed foods and animal products, which are all low or void of fiber. A Nutritarian diet is very high in fiber, anti-inflammatory substances, and pre-biotic substances that fuel favorable bacterial growth, making it an ideal solution to this common problem. In fact, in my 25-year history as a family physician who performed flexible sigmoidoscopies on hundreds of patients every 5 years as a screening evaluation, I have observed diverticular disease improve and even resolve in those committed long-term to a Nutritarian diet.

Diet for Diverticulosis:

• A Nutritarian diet is ideal for the prevention, as well as the treatment, of diverticulosis, as it is very high in fiber, since it takes advantage of a variety of whole plant foods.
• Preventing constipation and slow motility with high fiber foods, such as vegetables, legumes, and fruits, creates less pressure on the intestines (less stretching) and less trapping of bacteria that would otherwise contribute to an episode of diverticulitis.
• Do nuts, seeds, berries, and corn cause diverticulitis? Some guessed it was so years ago, but now we know that is a myth. When this concept was properly evaluated in a scientific study, this was disproved. It was found that the risk of diverticulitis actually was lower in those who eat these foods.¹ So go ahead and eat a diet containing all natural, unprocessed plant foods, but it is always a good idea, whether you have diverticulosis or not, to chew very well.
• Taking supplemental fiber (powders, tablet, etc.) becomes unnecessary when following a Nutritarian eating style.

Diet for Diverticulitis:

• Depending on severity, medical evaluation and even hospitalization could be necessary. However, most cases can be treated outside the hospital, with appropriate oral antibiotics, probiotics, and a liquid diet for a few days, checking in with a physician to assure proper progress.
• During an attack of diverticulitis, high-fiber foods may aggravate the inflamed colon wall. Relative bowel rest should begin first with diluted fresh vegetable juices for the first 48 hours on antibiotics, advancing on day three to include pureed soups. Day four should include soft cooked vegetables made in stews and thick soups; for example, stewed zucchini and peeled, well-cooked and mashed root vegetables such as potato and turnips.
• Following the four days of relative bowel rest, maintain a Nutritarian diet of very well-chewed or blended foods.

Activity

Staying physically active is a way to minimize the effects of constipation and keep you more regular and will complement efforts to increase fiber in your diet. Being regularly physically active will also help lower the risk of developing diverticulitis.