What is Diverticular Disease (Diverticulosis / Diverticulitis)?

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.

When the pouches become infected or inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis. This happens in 10 to 25 percent of people with diverticulosis. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are also called diverticular disease.

What causes Diverticular Disease (Diverticulosis / Diverticulitis)?

The cause of diverticular disease is unknown. It is believed that a lack of dietary fibre may play a key role, as diverticular disease is practically non-existent in societies where high-fibre diets are the norm.

What are the signs and symptoms of Diverticular Disease (Diverticulosis / Diverticulitis)?

The majority of people who develop diverticulosis do not have symptoms at all. When symptoms are present, they may include;Localized tenderness or pain, usually over the left side of the abdomen.

• Muscle spasms in the abdomen.
• Blood in the stool.
• Abdominal distress may increase after eating.

A person who has developed diverticulitis may experience any of the following symptoms:Abdominal pain, cramping, tenderness (usually left-sided).

• Fever
• Chills
• Bloating
• A change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
• An almost continual need to eliminate
• Blood in the stool
• Elevated white blood cell count (an indication of infection)
• Nausea
• Vomiting

How common is Diverticular Disease (Diverticulosis / Diverticulitis)?

According to the BC Ministry of Health, it is difficult to determine the exact incidence of diverticulosis, as most people do not have symptoms. Diverticulosis generally occurs in less than 10% of people under the age of 40.

However, 50-66% of people over age 80 have the condition.  Roughly 20% of the people who have been diagnosed with diverticulosis, develop diverticulitis.

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What health problems are caused by Diverticular Disease (Diverticulosis / Diverticulitis)?

Serious complications include;

• Intestinal obstruction
• Perforation of the colon
• Boil / Abscess
• Peritonitis (when the inflammation does not seal the perforation and bacteria from the colon infects the peritoneal (chest) cavity)
• Septicemia (when the infection infects the bloodstream).
• Fistula (most commonly between the colon and the bladder when colonic bacteria invade the bladder).

What can be done to help with Diverticular Disease (Diverticulosis / Diverticulitis)?

The following products can help alleviate the symptoms of diverticular disease and, in many cases, provide significant relief.

• IntestiNEW -  to rebuild the intestinal lining and relieve inflammation.
• OilSMART - a daily EFA supplement that helps to reduce inflammation and irritation.
• FloraSMART Extra Strength - to replace good bacteria.
• FibreSMART - a daily fibre supplement that works to help keep the colon area clean of excess fecal matter.