Diverticulosis is a condition which creates pockets or pouches of the colon.
It is very common and typically a result of a typical Western diet that is made up primarily of animal products and seldom fiber and plant foods over a number of years.
A lack of fiber can result in small or hard stools, which means there is high pressure in the colon. Due to the pressure, the weak points in the colon wall balloon, forming what is called diverticuli. This is a slow process and occurs over many years. Diverticulitis occurs when these pockets get infected. This is a painful and sometimes serious condition.
There are three stages of Diverticulosis, all which require different diets.
Diverticulitis - Diverticulitis means that one or more diverticuli has become infected and inflamed. At this stage, a doctor may recommend a progressive diet starting with a clear liquid diet, then a low fiber diet and ultimately a high fiber diet.
Early and moderate diverticulosis - Most people with the condition are at this stage. Often, it is discovered during a colonoscopy. It is imperative to treat diverticulosis before it progresses. To decrease the pressure in the colon, a doctor may recommend a diet that includes plant fiber, particularly insoluble fiber, such as wheat bran, amaranth, and barley.
Advanced, fixed and/or narrowed diverticulosis - Elderly people with diverticulosis are often at this severe stage in which the colon becomes twisted by tissues in the bowel wall. Although the colon may not return back to normal size at this point, small doses of food fiber and/or supplements may be recommended.
Insoluble Fiber
This fiber attaches to water in the large bowel, resulting in large, soft stool. Ingesting this type of fiber can result in regularity and a reduced chance of colon polyps and cancer.
Foods that are high in insoluble fiber are:
-whole wheat bread and baked goods
-wheat bran
-whole grain breads
-vegetables and fruits, especially the skins
-peanuts
-Brazil nuts
-popcorn
-brown rice
Soluble Fiber
Soluble Fiber dissolves in water in the colon, which feeds the healthy bacteria and allows it to thrive. Ingesting soluble fibers has various health benefits.
Foods high in soluble fibers are:
-oats in any form
-apples, oranges, grapefruit, peaches, concord grapes
-prunes, pears, cranberries
-beans
-beets
-carrots
-sesame seeds
-psyllium found in dietary supplements and cereals
