Friend With Diverticulitis

I have diverticulosis - not itis. Not a problem yet, and maybe never will be. I don't believe the basic condition - colon looks like a vacumn cleaner hose - has anything to do with diet.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Small protruding sacs of the inner lining of the intestine (diverticulosis) can develop in any part of the intestine. They are most common in the colon, specifically the sigmoid colon. These sacs, called diverticula, occur with increasing frequency after the age of 40. When they become inflamed, the condition is known as diverticulitis. Diverticula are thought to develop as a result of high pressure or abnormal pressure distribution within the colon. High pressure exerted against the colon wall causes pouches of the intestinal lining to bulge outwards through small defects in the colon wall.

Diverticulosis is very common, being found in more than half of Americans over age 60. Only a small percentage of these people will develop the complication of diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is caused by inflammation, or (sometimes) a small perforation within a diverticulum. If the perforation is large, stool in the colon can spill into the abdominal cavity, causing an abscess or peritonitis.

Direct risk factors for diverticulitis are not known. Risk factors for diverticulosis may include older age or a LOW FIBER DIET.

Hi edgar,

Many years ago my former mother in law was diagnosed with diverticulitis. It was extremely painful for her and she definitely had to watch her diet very carefully. Unfortunately, a lot of damage had already been done before her diagnosis and during one particularly painful bout, we ended up taking her to the hospital.

The doctors had to remove about 18 inches of her colon and she had a temporary colostomy and was put on some form antibiotic treatment for about 6 months, still with a very cautious and bland diet to allow the rest of her colon to heal.

After 6 months, they reversed the colostomy and as far as I know, she has been fine ever since. I do know that she still does follow a much better diet than she ever did in the past.

Best of luck to your friend, edgar. I've seen how that disease can cause a great deal of pain and I truly hope he comes through it all in the very best of health after all.

Many years ago, my mother had an attack of diverticulitis. Equally long ago, I also had a friend who came down with it. My understanding at the time, from talking to the doctors, was that it has a lot to do with a lack of iron in the diet. Perhaps lack of fiber was also a factor. I know that when mom came out of the hospital, she was put on a high-iron diet.

Here is info from another website:

What causes diverticular disease?
Although not proven, the dominant theory is that a low-fiber diet is the main cause of diverticular disease. The disease was first noticed in the United States in the early 1900s. At about the same time, processed foods were introduced into the American diet. Many processed foods contain refined, low-fiber flour. Unlike whole-wheat flour, refined flour has no wheat bran.

Diverticular disease is common in developed or industrialized countries?-particularly the United States, England, and Australia?-where low-fiber diets are common. The disease is rare in countries of Asia and Africa, where people eat high-fiber vegetable diets.

Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that the body cannot digest. Some fiber dissolves easily in water (soluble fiber). It takes on a soft, jelly-like texture in the intestines. Some fiber passes almost unchanged through the intestines (insoluble fiber). Both kinds of fiber help make stools soft and easy to pass. Fiber also prevents constipation.

Constipation makes the muscles strain to move stool that is too hard. It is the main cause of increased pressure in the colon. This excess pressure might cause the weak spots in the colon to bulge out and become diverticula.

Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula become infected or inflamed. Doctors are not certain what causes the infection. It may begin when stool or bacteria are caught in the diverticula. An attack of diverticulitis can develop suddenly and without warning.