Diverticulosis and Colon Health
When you have diverticulosis, pockets form on the inside of the colon wall. These pockets – which are known as diverticulum to medical professionals – may actually push through the colon walls in severe cases. When more than one pocket is present, they are known as diverticula.
There is sometimes confusion among non-medical professionals about the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis, which is a similar threat to colon health.
Diverticulosis changes to diverticulitis when one of the diverticula becomes irritated or inflamed. As many as one diverticulosis case in four leads to diverticulitis.
Causes of Diverticulosis
It’s probable that a lack of fibrous food in the diet is one of the causes of diverticulosis, but this has not been definitively proven by medical research.
Diverticulosis was relatively uncommon in the United States until the early part of the 20th century, when more and more of it began to appear. Prepackaged and processed foods were becoming more common in that era, so people began eating fewer raw, fresh foods that contain a lot of fiber. When foods are processed, much of the natural fiber found in fruits, nuts, grains and vegetables is removed.
So, when you eat a lot of junk foods, convenience foods and processed foods, you have a higher risk of developing diverticulosis.
There is many fewer cases of diverticulosis in undeveloped countries where the majority of the population eats more fresh foods. In many areas of the world, diverticulosis is virtually non-existent .
Indications of Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis is one of those conditions that you may not even know you have. The symptoms are frequently minor and easy to ignore. However, if any of the following symptoms present themselves, you may have diverticulosis.
*Mild abdominal cramping
*Bloated feeling
*Hard stools
These signs and symptoms also be caused by a wide variety of issues connected to the gastrointestinal tract, which can make diverticulosis difficult to diagnose.
Physicians need to do further tests to know for sure if the problem is diverticulosis or another issue such as an ulcer or irritable bowel syndrome.
Diverticulosis Treatment
The best way to treat diverticulosis is often a change in lifestyle. Eating more raw foods will add fiber and help relieve symptoms.
However, if symptoms get worse, a doctor may need to be consulted for further treatment.
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About the Author:
George McKenzie is a former TV news anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host.
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Tags: Alternative Therapies
