Connect
If you’re age 60 or older, there’s a 60 percent or greater chance that you have diverticular disease (diverticulosis). This means that small pouches (diverticula) have developed along the walls of your large intestine (colon).
For most people, diverticula never cause a problem. You may only learn of the disease as a result of a colon exam done for another reason. However, up to about 15 percent of those with diverticula experience a painful attack caused by inflammation or infection of a diverticular pouch (diverticulitis). A similar percentage of people may experience nonpainful rectal bleeding.
It’s generally felt that lifestyle improvements can reduce the risk of a first or a recurrent diverticulitis attack. Steps include:
- Gradually adopting a high-fiber diet — In one study, a high-fiber diet resulted in about a 40 percent decreased risk of diverticulitis attacks compared with a low-fiber diet. It’s recommended that men older than 50 get 30 grams of fiber daily and women older than 50 get 21 grams of fiber daily. This can be done by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, beans and legumes. Seeds, nuts or popcorn can also add fiber — and importantly, there’s no evidence that these increase diverticulitis risk, as was once commonly believed. A fiber supplement such as methylcellulose (Citrucel, others) or psyllium (Metamucil) may also be used to boost your fiber intake.
- Exercising regularly — Vigorous exercise such as jogging or running appears to reduce the risk of diverticulitis.
- Maintaining a healthy weight — In one study, obesity was associated with about a 50 percent increased risk of diverticulitis attacks, particularly in those who carry more of that extra weight in the abdominal area.
Digestive issues are common, and you can learn from others who are dealing with the same digestive health questions that you have at the Digestive Health group.
Great health advice from top to bottom is available with a subscription to Mayo Clinic Health Letter.
Like
Helpful
Hug
Connect
I used to have very bad diverticulitis attacks. I lived with them for about 4 years. They got so bad I was having one every 2-3 months. Then I would have to go on antibiotics and they re-occurred so frequently that my immune system was very low. I am HAPPY to report that I have not had a single attack for over two years. I don't write down what I eat, but I did develop my own system that WORKS, for me. Sorry if this gets a bit graphic. I got a pocket calendar which I keep in the bathroom. I don't record my food, but I DO record the level of success I have in the bathroom each day. I write S, M, L, or O each day. (These letters are referring to the level of success I've had with my bowel movements. If I have to write the O for 2 or 3 days in a row, I go into emergency mode. I eat baby prunes and a bowl of Kelloggs Strawberry Mini-Wheats. (These two things ALWAY help me to go. ) But, here's the most remarkable tip I got from a doctor, and it WORKS. While lying down, every day, I massage my stomach and abdomen I use both hands and start just under my ribs and, using the heels of my hands, I press on my stomach, firmly, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO HURT. Then I put my hands on my waist and pressing in slide both hands toward each other. I have always been successful in going (a generous amount) within 12-24 hours. This is without other diet changes, or the use of laxatives. I do, however, take 2 fiber chews every morning and 2 every night. I also take docusate sodium gels, any brand, every morning and night. (the ones without a stimulant in them.). Now, this stomach massage thing may sound crazy but, for me, it works wonders. I did a little research...and there are many cultures that have been doing stomach massage, every day, all their lives to maintain regularity. Ask your doctor if you should try it. I pray this helps all those who are suffering the way I did. If it works for you, please, pass on this info. Susie from FL
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction