Diverticulitis is an inflammation localized in the colon. It is a complication of diverticulosis, a common disease that affects roughly a third of all individuals over the age of 60 in the United States, according to the Harvard Men's Health Watch. Sardines provide a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which minimize inflammation in general and may reduce diverticulitis flare ups. Speak to your doctor or health care provider about sardines if you have diverticulitis.
Causes
The exact cause of diverticular disease remains open to debate, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. That said, several recognized risk factors exist, including aging, obesity, chronic constipation and excess pressure upon the large intestine walls, typically caused by insufficient fiber in the diet. Diverticulosis creates small pouches called "diverticula" to form within the muscle wall of the colon; diverticulitis occurs when bacteria or pieces of stool become trapped in the diverticula and trigger inflammation.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Sardines are a good source of the essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, better known as DHA. A 4 oz. tin of sardines canned in oil will provide 1.8 g of EPA and DHA combined, according to the Tufts University School of Medicine.
Inflammation
The omega-3 fatty acids in sardines demonstrate the ability to treat inflammation. In particular, EPA and DHA suppresses many of the cytokines -- proteins involved in the inflammatory response -- including C-reactive protein, interleukin-1, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Diverticulitis is categorized as an inflammatory disease, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Therefore, adding sardines to your diet can help you diminish the inflammation associated with diverticulitis.
Warning
Recurrent bouts of diverticulitis can lead to serious health complications, according to the Harvard Men's Health Watch. These include the formation of an abscess within the colon, which may require surgery, and peritonitis, a major infection of the whole inner lining of the stomach that requires emergency surgery. If diverticulitis becomes chronic, the inflammation can also cause a stricture formation, wherein parts of the colon narrow and obstruct the passage of waste from the body -- this is a serious condition that requires corrective surgery. The inflammation suppressing activity of the EPA and DHA in sardines combined with adequate fiber intake can treat and potentially curtail the outbreaks of diverticulitis, so that you can avoid these severe health crises down the road.
References
- Harvard Men's Health Watch: Diverticular Disease of the Colon; August 2010 »
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diverticular Disease; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; August 2008
- Tufts University School of Medicine: Omega-3 Fatty Acid Content; March 2002
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute; Two Faces of Inflammation; Victoria J. Drake, Ph.D.; May 2007
