Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches form in the lining of your large intestine. These pouches, called diverticula, can become inflamed, leading to diverticulitis. This occurs in about 10 to 25 percent of those who have diverticulosis, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Both diverticulosis and diverticulitis fall under the umbrella term “diverticular disease.” Increasing your intake of dietary fiber can decrease your risk of diverticular disease. Consult your doctor if you think you have diverticulosis.
Fiber
Fiber is a non-digestible food. You don’t derive vitamins, minerals or calories from it and you gastrointestinal system can’t break it down to be absorbed. It passes through your digestive system and is excreted intact. Fiber bulks up your stool and makes it easier to excrete, thus helping to reduce constipation. Constipation causes straining during defecation that causes pressure in your large intestine, forcing its lining to bulge through weak spots in the intestinal wall and forming diverticula.
High Fiber
In areas where high fiber diets are the norm, diverticulosis is rare. The U.S., England and Australia, on the other hand, have typically low fiber diets and high rates of diverticular disease. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the rise in diverticular disease in the U.S. coincided with the rise in consumption of processed foods – further proof that low fiber diets are a prime contributor to diverticular disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that more than half of Americans older than 70 have diverticular disease, but the vast majority of them have no symptoms.
Dietary Fiber
According to UMMC, you should consume between 25 and 35 grams of fiber daily to avoid diverticulosis. Food sources are preferable to supplements, as they provide innumerable other nutrients that benefit your health. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains all provide dietary fiber that can help reduce your risk of diverticular disease. Cucumbers, lettuce, spinach and brown bread are good sources of fiber for those with diverticular disease. Beans are also a good source of fiber for those with this condition, according to the NDDIC. Your doctor can advise you on tweaking your diet to include more fiber-rich foods.
Fiber Supplements
Some doctors recommend fiber supplements as a way of increasing daily fiber intake and reducing your risk of diverticulosis. According to the NDDIC, fiber supplements such as methylcellulose and psyllium can be taken in powder, pill or wafer form three times daily to reduce diverticulosis. Each of these dosages should range between 2 and 3.5 grams of fiber and should be taken with 8 ounces or more of water.
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