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When Fiber Isn’t Enough: Diverticular Disease
Eating more fiber is a proven way to reduce your risk of hemorrhoids, not to mention help your entire digestive system and overall health. But sometimes fiber isn’t enough.
A study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, indicated that while a high fiber diet is very good for you, it might not prevent small pouches from forming in the colon wall. These pouches, known as diverticula, can rupture and produce a condition called diverticulitis.
The study also indicated that constipation might not lead to a higher incidence of diverticulosis, which had long been thought to be the case.
But before you toss out the oat bran, know that the physicians conducting the research still support a high-fiber diet as a core component of gastrointestinal health. About half of all Americans will have developed diverticula by the age of 60, and that number goes up with age. In other words, you’re more than likely to develop them, but in all likelihood will probably never have any resulting problems.
It’s important, however, to be aware of what the symptoms of diverticulitis are. If you do begin to have stomach pains, gas, bloating, nausea and fever, and the pains tend to be in your lower left abdomen, call your physician immediately.