The Surprisingly Common Gut Condition You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
When it comes to overall wellbeing, one often overlooked aspect is gut health. Your gut plays a significant role in your overall health, and one common condition affecting the large intestine is diverticular disease.
Diverticular disease, also known as diverticulosis, occurs when small pouches or bulges (diverticula) form in the colon wall due to a weakening in the muscle layer. While these pouches are usually harmless, they can become inflamed or infected, leading to a condition known as diverticulitis.
Studies show that around 70% of people in western countries will develop diverticular disease by the age of 80. It is also increasingly prevalent in younger adults, possibly due to the low-fibre, highly processed nature of modern diets. Poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, obesity, and genetics are all factors that contribute to the development of diverticular disease.
Most people with diverticular disease do not experience symptoms, but some may report pain or discomfort in the lower left side of the abdomen, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. These symptoms can be similar to other digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, making diagnosis challenging.
For those with diverticulitis, symptoms are more severe and may include constant abdominal pain, high temperature, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. Prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent complications associated with untreated diverticulitis.
While diverticular disease is common, it is often misunderstood. Outdated advice, such as avoiding nuts, seeds, and popcorn out of fear of inflammation, has been debunked. Current recommendations focus on a high-fibre diet to soften stools, reduce pressure in the colon, and prevent constipation – a known risk factor for diverticulitis.
Official guidelines recommend adults consume at least 30g of fibre per day. Simple ways to increase fibre intake include starting the day with a high-fibre breakfast cereal, choosing whole grains, and incorporating lentils, beans, and vegetables into meals.
It is essential to gradually increase fibre intake to prevent bloating or gas. Hydration and physical activity also support healthy digestion and reduce the risk of complications.
By making small, sustainable changes to diet and lifestyle, such as eating more fibre, staying hydrated, and staying active, individuals can reduce the risk of discomfort and complications associated with diverticular disease. With up-to-date medical advice and a balanced approach to nutrition, maintaining a healthy gut is achievable for years to come.
Sophie Davies, Lecturer in Nutrition & Dietetics, Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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