Fiber and Diverticulitis

Question: What can help with diverticulitis?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Diverticulitis is an inflamed and infected pocket of bowel that starts as a local extrusion at a point of weakness in the bowel wall known as a diverticulum.

Most diverticuli do not get blocked or become infected, especially if we consume a high-fiber diet. High-fiber diets help keep the pressures within the bowel from having to rise too high to propel contents forward.

Though there is some genetic predisposition, diverticuli usually remain asymptomatic until they become blocked. Once blocked, they cause pain, discomfort, infection, and sometimes an abscess. They may rupture just like an inflammed appendix.

Most cases of diverticulitis are managed without surgical intervention, but by all means see your doctor as soon as possible. The most effective therapy for diverticulitis is early antibiotic treatment and bowel management to minimize and prevent perforation and abscess formation that may require emergency surgery.

Contrary to long established belief, seeded foods and vegetables are not related to an increased incidence of diverticulitis. A high-fiber diet appears beneficial at reducing attacks of diverticulitis in those with diverticuli.