Many people have small pouches in their colons that bulge outward through weak spots, like an inner tube that pokes through weak places in a tire. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. Pouches (plural) are called diverticula. The condition of having diverticula is called diverticulosis. About 10 percent of Americans over the age of 40 have diverticulosis. The condition becomes more common as people age. About half of all people over the age of 60 have diverticulosis.
Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches, called diverticula, bulge outward through weak spots in the colon (large intestine).
The pouches form when pressure inside the colon builds, usually because of constipation.
Most people with diverticulosis never have any discomfort or symptoms.
The most likely cause of diverticulosis is a low-fiber diet because it increases constipation and pressure inside the colon.
For most people with diverticulosis, eating a high-fiber diet is the only treatment needed.
You can increase your fiber intake by eating these foods: whole grain breads and cereals; fruit like apples and peaches; vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, spinach, carrots, asparagus, and squash; and starchy vegetables like kidney beans and lima beans.
Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches become infected or inflamed and cause pain and tenderness around the left side of the lower abdomen.
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