Diverticulosis is when diverticula (small balloon like-sacs) are in the wall of the colon (large intestine). This disease rarely happens before the age of 30. You are more likely to get diverticula in the colon if you don’t eat enough fiber. A high fiber diet can help protect you against this disease.
Symptoms
Most people with this disease have no symptoms. Others may notice a change in bowel function, such as:
Constipation
Cramping
Belly pain
Diarrhea
Diverticula may become infected or inflamed. People often have pain in their left lower abdomen and fever. You may also see rectal bleeding, which may be severe, but does not hurt. If this happens, contact your doctor. People who pass large amounts of bloody diarrhea need medical help right away.
Diet
There is no known medical cure. Increasing the fiber in your diet may improve your symptoms. This may also prevent more diverticula from forming.
High fiber foods include:
Fresh or stewed fruits
Vegetables like broccoli, celery, carrots, cabbage
Bran cereal
Grains
Beans (kidney, pinto, lima, navy)
Breakfast cereals, like All-Bran, Fiber One, and Bran Buds, are high in fiber. Try mixing them with other cereals. Try to get about 30 grams of fiber a day. Eating unprocessed bran (about 3 tablespoons) is an easy way to get enough fiber. Eat bran with plenty of fluids. You can mix it with breakfast cereals, yogurt, or applesauce.
You do not need to avoid nuts, popcorn or seeds just because you have this disease.
When to Call
If you have questions, please contact your primary care provider