What is Diverticulosis? 

Diverticulosis is a condition that occurs when small pouches, or sacs, form and push outward through weak spots in the wall of your colon.

• Increased pressure on weakened spots by gas, waste, or liquid
• Diverticula can form while straining during a bowel movement, such as constipation
• They are most common in the lower portion of the large intestine (sigmoid colon) (McDaniel, 2015).

Symptoms

Although many people with diverticulosis are asymptomatic.

Common symptoms include:

• Constipation, or less commonly diarrhea
• Abdominal Pain/tenderness
• Bloating
• Fever
• Small amounts of blood in stool

Risk Factors

• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Some medications, including steroids, opiates, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Mallen, 2017).

Diet

Eating a high fiber diet  softens the stool and helps prevent constipation. It also can help decrease pressure in the colon and help prevent flare-ups of diverticulitis (Shahedi, et al., 2013).

High-fiber foods include:

• Beans and legumes
• Bran, whole wheat bread and whole grain cereals such as oatmeal
• Brown and wild rice
• Fruits such as apples, bananas and pears
• Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, corn and squash
• Whole wheat pasta

Treatment Options

The main goal is keep the pockets from causing problems. Your doctor might prescribe treatments that include:

• • Fiber Supplements (Citrucel or Metamucil)
  • Probiotics