Is diverticulosis hereditary and is there a way to prevent it?
A. Diverticulosis is a very common medical problem, mostly related to our Western diet. Most are unaware that they have diverticulosis until they have symptoms or when it is found incidentally on a CT scan or during colon cancer screening. Diverticulosis refers to a condition where small pockets are formed in the colon, usually the left part of the colon. They can be complicated by infection, inflammation or bleeding, which is usually the indication to have the affected part of the colon removed. Most of the time, however, diverticulosis can be managed through diet. Everyone should eat a high fiber diet, and there is some thought that those with diverticulosis should avoid foods with small seeds that can become stuck in the diverticuli and cause infection. It seems as though diverticulosis is mostly caused by diet, although a genetic/inheritable cause can’t be ruled out. Given your family history, I would be very cognizant of your diet and that you are getting daily exercise and mainta
