Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease affects the colon - the distal end of the intestinal tract. The role of this organ is to compact waste in the last stop before elimination. Muscle rings along the intestinal tract contract to push the waste through the intestine and finally out of the body. Fiber is an important part of the waste - the undigested part of food that passes through the body intact- it absorbs water as it moves along the digestive tract softens stools to add bulk and facilitate the process.

Without enough fiber in the diet the waste material becomes to compact and the rings on the intestinal muscle have to work harder. The increased strain causes the muscles to pocket out in weak areas. The pocketing itself is called diverticulosis.

Most people don't experience any discomfort. But in about 20% of cases the pockets rupture causing infection; abdominal pain, fever and nausea. In this case the diverticulosis becomes diverticulitis. In most cases the patient is made NPO (no food by mouth) then liquids until the infection subsides. In severe cases surgery is needed to remove the diseased intestine.

Fiber

A fiber rich diet can prevent diverticulosis from becoming diverticulitis by reducing the workload on the intestines. Try to get 25-35 grams of fiber day. (See Fiber on this website) If you are unwilling or unable to make changes we suggest you try to incorporate a fiber supplement such as Metamucil or Citrucel, be sure to incorporate plenty of fluids as well.

The National Institutes of Health states that no food should be off limits to people living with diverticulosis. However some gastroenterologists warn against foods that contain indigestible particles of seeds, nuts and corn. This includes small seeds in berries, tomatoes, eggplants etc. These particles may irritate diverticular pockets and cause inflammation.

Updated June 2000

Donna Tinnerello, MS, RD, CD/N is a registered dietitian, living in Manhattan, with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight management.
Donna is available for private consultation by referral only. Ms.Tinnerello has donated time and articles to our web site at always your choice and we sincerely appreciate her contributions.