Diverticular disease: How serious is this?

It could cost you your life, seriously. Diverticulosis is a condition involving the large intestines wherein small pouches called diverticula develop as we get old. These diverticula “bulge outward through weak points in the wall of the large intestine” (Johns Hopkins Health Alert, 17 March 2008). Diveticulitis, on the other hand, develops when an infection or inflammation of the diverticula occurs. These two related conditions are also referred to as diverticular disease.

How constipation leads to diverticulitis

When body wastes are not able to move through the intestines and out of the body, we suffer from constipation. Too much pressure in the colon, as hardened stool pass through it, may cause the development of diverticula. The primary reason for this is lack of fiber in the body. Fibers, both soluble and insoluble, aid in promoting gastro-intestinal health. Regularity of bowel movement is mainly attributed to insoluble fibers. Thus, eating fiber-rich foods may help prevent diverticular disease.

Know the symptoms:

Aside from constipation, abdominal pain and bloating, here are symptoms that an individual may be suffering from diverticular disease.

*  fever                     *  nausea
*  vomiting                *  chills
*  diarrhea                *  painful urination
*  frequent urination

If this disease is not prevented, it may lead to complications like bleeding (from the rectum), abscess formation and peritonitis and fistula. These complications may cause more serious disease and even death. Experts suggest that high fiber intake may prevent this from happening.

The Magic of Fiber

Another Johns Hopkins Health Alert article states that insoluble fiber intake may help prevent diverticulosis (Johns Hopkins Health Alert, 01 June 2009). In a study which involves more than 43,000 men, it has been evident in their findings that high dietary intake of fiber consumption, mostly insoluble fiber, can be linked to a decreased risk in diverticular disease (Aldoori, et al, 1998). Results show that men who consumed more insoluble fiber are less likely to develop diverticular disease.

GreenCow Chia can make all the difference

If a high-fiber diet is the best answer to diverticular disease prevention, adding GreenCow Chia in your diet can protect you against this serious illness. An ounce of GreenCow Chia contains 10.6 grams of dietary fiber which amounts to 42% of its required daily value (Nutrition Data, 2008). Avoid constipation with all those fibers in GreenCow Chia. Farewell to abdominal pains and bloating. Take care of your gastrointestinal health now before it’s too late. Take your GreenCow Chia now!  

References:

Aldoori, W.H., Giovannucci, E.L., Rockett, H.R.H., Sampson, L., Rimm, E.B. and Willett, W.C. (1998). A prospective study of dietary fiber types and symptomatic diverticular disease in men, The Journal of Nutrition Vol. 128 No. 4 April 1998, pp. 714-719. Retrieved June 23, 2009,
from http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/128/4/714

Johns Hopkins Health Alert. (2008). When diverticulosis leads to diverticulitis, Digestive Health Special Report, posted in Digestive Health [March 17, 2008]. Retrieved June 23, 2009,
from http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/digestive_health/861-1.html

Johns Hopkins Health Alert. (2009). Eat more fiber, posted in Digestive Health [June 01, 2009]. Retrieved June 23, 2009,
from http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/
digestive_health/JohnsHopkinsHealthAlertsDigestiveDisorders_3022-1.html
Nutrition Data. (2008). Seeds, chia seeds, dried. Revised August 20, 2008. Retrieved May 16, 2009, from http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/
nut-and-seed-products/3061/2

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