Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is a condition common to industrialized Western nations with diets that are frankly unhealthy for the digestive system. This disorder is virtually nonexistent in other cultures throughout the world that are accustomed to eating an abundance of whole grains, legumes, nuts, and fresh fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, nations such as the U.S., Britain and Australia, whose citizens are sorely lacking in fiber, have the highest rates of diverticular disease in the world. Roughly 50 percent of all people over 60 years of age have diverticulosis.

In fact, it's practically considered a given that diverticular disease is a naturally occurring phenomenon in the elderly, but is this the right way to look at it? If the conditions that cause diverticular disease--namely, poor diet--can be changed, then shouldn't that be the focus of the medical profession? As the old cliche goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Changing our eating habits can make the absence of diverticular disease the new norm.

What is Diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is the presence of bulging herniations, called diverticula, in the wall of the colon. They're thought to occur as the result of undue stresses on the bowel from within--stresses that are often caused by constipation, brought on by a lack of fiber in the diet. With constipation, the blocked food and fecal matter putrifies right there in the bowel, causing all kinds of bacteria, mucus, and toxins to proliferate. Imagine the strain to which the poor bowel wall is subjected!

Diverticula can lead to bloating, constipation, and cramps; however, the majority of people with diverticula don't notice any symptoms. One problem that can develop, however, is diverticulitis, an inflammation or infection of the diverticula. This must be treated immediately, or the infection can spread throughout the abdominal cavity and infect other organs. Symptoms include abdominal pain and tenderness, fever, dizziness, and muscle and joint aches and pains.