What is the cause of diverticular disease—who is at risk?
Diverticulosis is an acquired condition; you are not born with it. A low-fiber diet over many years requires increased pressure within the colon to move stool (constipation), resulting in the formation of diverticula. Your risk of developing diverticulosis is also increased if someone in your family has had the disease. How can diverticular disease be prevented? Increase your fluid intake, drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily. It cannot always be protective, but a diet high in fiber (aiming for at least 25 grams per day) is recommended. For a listing of those foods rich in fiber, visit http://www.rochestercolon.com http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-fiber-foods/nu00582 http://www.health.gov/DIETARYGUIDELINES/dga2005/document/html/AppendixB.htm How is diverticular disease diagnosed and treated? Diverticulosis is diagnosed most often on routine colonoscopy. Your doctor may also obtain a barium enema, which is an x-ray study. The symptoms of diverticulitis may prompt a CT scan, which wi
