Can Fiber Hurt Diverticulitis?

The American Dietetic Association encourages people to get 20 to 35 g of fiber a day. If you're like many Americans, you're probably consuming only a portion of that amount. Not getting enough fiber is associated with not only constipation but also development of a condition known as diverticulosis. Too much fiber, on the other hand, could increase the severity of diverticulitis, a serious complication of diverticulosis.

Understanding Diverticulitis

Diverticuli are small pouches typically located in the lining of the large intestine, although they can exist throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This condition, diverticulosis, affects a large number of older adults; in fact, approximately 50 percent of people over age 60 have diverticulosis, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Diverticulitis develops when these pouches become inflamed or infected, possibly from food particles, bacteria or stool stuck within them. These sudden attacks can have serious health effects including abscess formation, colon tears, bowel obstruction, rectal bleeding and fistulas.

Fiber Link

The exact cause of pouch formation in the colon remains unclear, but low fiber intake -- which is typical in Western diets -- may play a role. Diverticulosis became more common in the United States after Americans started eating more processed foods, which typically have little fiber. The condition is not prevalent in countries where high-fiber diets are the norm, such as those in Asia. Fiber helps make stool easier to pass; the straining associated with constipation may contribute to the development of diverticuli. Even if you already have these colon pouches, a high-fiber diet may help prevent attacks of diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis Diet

While fiber may help prevent diverticulitis, high intakes may do more harm than good if you're in the middle of an attack. You may need to follow a clear liquid diet and avoid fiber-rich foods for a few days. This will give your intestinal tract a break and give it a chance to heal from the attack, according to Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Michael F. Picco. Following a liquid low-fiber diet during a diverticulitis episode decreases the workload on the bowels and slows bowel movements. Foods to avoid include beans, whole grains and most raw veggies and fruits. You can start adding fiber-rich foods back into your diet with your doctor's approval.

Other Treatment Methods

Medical intervention is usually required to treat active diverticulitis episodes. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria causing infection in diverticuli. This is important to prevent a potentially fatal condition called peritonitis. Peritonitis can develop when perforated pouches cause an abscess to form in the abdominal area. Surgery may be necessary in severe or reoccurring cases of diverticulitis. Colon resection -- removal of part of the colon -- is a possibility. Both total bowel obstruction and peritonitis require surgical intervention to prevent fatal consequences.