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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffHere are things you can do to help prevent or slow the progression of diverticular disease:
- Eat more fiber. High-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, soften waste material and help it pass more quickly through your colon. This reduces pressure inside your digestive tract. Aim for 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day. An apple or 1/2 cup (236 milliliters) of spinach each contains more than 3 grams of fiber, and 1/2 cup of kidney beans contains about 8 grams. Try to substitute fruits, vegetables and grain products for foods high in fat. Be sure to add fiber gradually to avoid bloating, abdominal discomfort and gas. If it's difficult for you to consume 20 or more grams of fiber every day, consider using a fiber supplement, such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel). Avoiding seeds or nuts won't prevent recurrent attacks of diverticulitis.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Fiber works by absorbing water and increasing the soft, bulky waste in your colon. But if you don't drink enough liquid to replace what's absorbed, fiber can be constipating.
- Respond to bowel urges. When you need to use the bathroom, don't delay. Delaying bowel movements leads to harder stools that require more force to pass and increased pressure within your colon.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise promotes normal bowel function and reduces pressure inside your colon. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes on most days.
References
- Diverticulosis and diverticulitis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diverticulosis. Accessed March 30, 2009.
- McQuaid KR, Gastrointestinal disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2009. 48th ed. Los Altos, Calif.: Lange Medical Publications; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=6395. Accessed March 30, 2009.
- Diverticulitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec02/ch019/ch019c.html. Accessed March 30, 2009.
- Young-Fadok T, et al. Epidemiology and pathophysiology of colonic diverticular disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 30, 2009.
- Jacobs DO. Clinical practice: Diverticulitis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2007;357:2057.
- Strate LL, et al. Nut, corn, and popcorn consumption and the incidence of diverticular disease. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2008;300:907.
- Fox JM, et al. Diverticular disease of the colon: Epidemiology. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/128818258-3/0/1389/861.html?tocnode=51643533&fromURL=861.html#4-u1.0-B1-4160-0245-6..50119-0_5426. Accessed March 30, 2009.
- Fox JM, et al. Diverticular disease of the colon: Etiology. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/128818258-3/0/1389/863.html?tocnode=51643536&fromURL=863.html#4-u1.0-B1-4160-0245-6..50119-0--cesec3_5429. Accessed March 30, 2009.
- Picco MF (expert review). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. March 31, 2009.
