High Fiber Diet

Fiber and Diverticulosis

Prolonged, vigorous contraction of the colon over a long period of time may result in diverticulosis.  This increased pressure causes small and, eventually, larger ballooning pockets to form.  These pockets by themselves cause no problem.  However, sometimes they become infected (diverticulitis) or even break open (perforate) causing infection or inflammation within the abdomen (peritonitis).  A high fiber diet increases the bulk in the stool and thereby reduces the pressure within the colon.  By so doing, the formation of pockets may be reduced or possibly even stopped.

In the past, many physicians were fearful that seeds as in tomatoes, nuts or berries were harmful and could get inside these pockets and rattle around, causing damage. We now know that this has never been the case and that these foods contain lots of fiber and are actually beneficial for diverticulosis patients.  You may go to Diverticulosis Diet for more dietary information.

Certain bulking agents such as psyllium are traditional types of bulk producing supplements.  Psyllium is a soluble fiber.  Combining it with insoluble fiber as in wheat bran or corn bran (no gluten) can enhance this bulking effect even more.  A product containing a prebiotic, psyllium and wheat bran is probably a very good combination for bowel regularity. Prebiotin Regularity/Diverticulosis is one such product.