Diverticulitis is a painful condition caused by inflamed diverticula—small bulges in the intestinal wall. While diverticula themselves are often harmless, inflammation can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. Understanding how to manage and prevent diverticulitis is key to maintaining digestive health. In this article, we’ll explore what causes diverticulitis, how it’s diagnosed, and the best dietary and lifestyle strategies for preventing diverticulitis flare-ups.

What Are Diverticula?

Diverticula are small, pear-shaped sacs that form in the intestinal wall, most commonly in the sigmoid colon—the S-shaped section of the large intestine. These bulges protrude outward through weak spots where blood vessels pass, not inward into the intestine. When multiple diverticula are present, the condition is called diverticulosis. If they become inflamed, it’s known as diverticulitis.

Unlike polyps—growths inside the intestine that can turn cancerous—diverticula are not a cancer risk. They’re often discovered incidentally during routine colonoscopies and don’t require treatment unless inflamed.

Who Is at Risk?

Diverticula become more common with age. By age 50, 10-20% of people have them; by age 60, it’s one in three; and by age 70, half the population is affected. While anyone can develop diverticula, factors like a low-fiber diet, obesity, smoking, and genetics (e.g., weak connective tissue) increase the likelihood.

What Is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula become inflamed, often due to trapped stool particles that foster bacterial growth. This can cause symptoms like:

• Pain or tenderness in the lower left abdomen
• Fatigue and fever
• Digestive issues (gas, constipation, diarrhea)
• Nausea, vomiting, or rectal bleeding

Severe cases may lead to complications like abscesses, fistulas, intestinal perforation, or peritonitis, which can be life-threatening if untreated. Seeking medical attention is critical if symptoms escalate.

Diagnosis and Detection

Uninflamed diverticula are typically found during preventive colonoscopies. However, if diverticulitis is suspected, doctors avoid colonoscopies due to the risk of perforation. Instead, they use:

• Anamnesis: A detailed patient history
• Physical exam: Checking for abdominal tenderness
• Imaging: Ultrasound or CT scans
• Blood tests: Elevated CRP levels indicate inflammation

A colonoscopy may follow 6-8 weeks after recovery to rule out other conditions.

Causes and Risk Factors

Diverticula form due to pressure on the intestinal wall, often linked to:

• Low-fiber, meat-heavy diets
• Constipation
• Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, lack of exercise)
• Obesity or pregnancy

Preventing diverticulitis starts with addressing these triggers. For example, a 2017 study in Gut found that high red meat consumption doubles the risk of diverticulitis, likely due to inflammation and poor gut flora.

Treatment and Management

• Mild cases: A bland, liquid diet (e.g., broths, tea) and rest may suffice.
• Moderate to severe cases: Hospital-based antibiotics (via infusion or tablets) and temporary fasting with IV nutrition are common.
• Recurrent flare-ups: Surgery, such as removing the sigmoid colon via minimally invasive techniques, may be recommended.

Diverticula don’t disappear, but with proper care, flare-ups can be minimized.

The Best Diet

During an acute flare-up, give your gut a break:

• Liquid phase: Stick to clear broths, vegetable soups (carrots, zucchini), and water for 2-3 days.
• Light diet: Transition to mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or porridge for up to 10 days.

Once symptoms subside, adopt a high-fiber, plant-based diet (30-40g fiber daily) to prevent recurrence. Contrary to old myths, nuts and seeds are safe and beneficial for non-inflamed diverticula, per study from the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (1).

Lifestyle Tips

• Eat high-fiber foods: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables promote healthy digestion.
• Reduce meat: Opt for plant-based meals to lower inflammation.
• Stay active: Daily walks or strength training reduce risk.
• Hydrate: Start your day with 500ml of water to ease bowel movements.
• Limit NSAIDs, smoking, and alcohol: These irritate the gut.

Preventing diverticulitis is within reach with the right diet and lifestyle changes. While diverticula may not vanish, a fiber-rich, active life can keep inflammation at bay. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially if symptoms persist.

Colonics are contraindicated for acute diverticulitis. But regular colonics can definitely be helpful to prevent further flare-ups. We can also help you find the best fiber for you. As not all fiber is equal.