Diverticular Disease
Approximately 30 million Americans suffer from diverticulosis -- more than 50 percent of people over age 60. That's one in two! Send this page to a friend to help them avoid it. Diverticulosis is a condition wherein small bulges or sacs (called "diverticula") are created in the walls of the colon. Doctors have found that a high fiber diet is beneficial in helping to prevent diverticular disease and in relieving symptoms in most cases.
Signs and Symptoms of Diverticular Disease
Diverticulosis refers to having diverticula (small pouches or sacs), usually in the large intestine. Many people have diverticulosis without problems. However, if the pouch becomes inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis ("-itis" means inflammation of the diverticula). When diverticulitis is developed, symptoms may include abdominal cramping, constipation, diarrhea and bloating. There may be pain in the lower left side of your abdomen. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are also called diverticular disease.
Causes of Diverticulosis
As a person ages, pressure within the colon causes bulging pockets of tissue (sacs) that push out from the colon walls. The average western diet contains only about half the amount of fiber needed to reduce pressure build up in the colon, which is required to avoid diverticulosis. Studies show that in areas where diverticulosis rarely occurs, the fiber intake is close to 45 g/day. The average American diet contains only about 10-15 g/day. One teaspoon of Konsyl Original psyllium fiber has 5 grams of fiber. Konsyl may be taken up to 3 times a day. (If you want to get an idea of how much fiber you get each day, see this fiber content chart of common foods.)
Treatment and Prevention of Diverticulosis
In countries where a high-fiber diet is common, diverticulitis is rare. However, in areas where the average diet is high in refined carbohydrates and low in fiber, diverticulitis is common. There are many ways to add the needed fiber to the diet. This should be done slowly and progressively. A fiber supplement such as Konsyl Original or Konsyl Easy Mix can be a way to get that needed dietary fiber.
Diverticulitis can be confused with other causes of abdominal pain such as appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Diverticulitis can range from minor inflammation to a massive infection. Because diverticulitis can be serious, see your doctor right away if you suspect you're having an attack.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician.Did you find this article useful? Click to email this page to a friend.
See personal stories about diverticulitis on the VP's weblog.
People looking for information on diverticulitis may also search for these common misspellings: divirticulitis, dianaticalitis, diverticula, diverticularus, diverticultis, diverticulos, divericulios, diaticliatis, diverticulaous, diverticulitise, divaticurlitis or divericulitis.
Learn how Konsyl Fiber and Supplements can help with other conditions:
Constipation | Constipation in Women | Hemorrhoids | Diverticulitis | Diabetes | Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | Pregnancy | Cholesterol & Heart Disease | Colon Health | Weight Management