Diverticulosis Basics

Diverticulosis happens when small pouches (diverticula) develop along the wall of your intestine (gut).  It's very common.  Many people don't even know they have it.

These pouches can lead to blood in your stool (poop).  And if they become infected, they can turn into diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis can cause pain, fever, constipation or diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting.  It is usually treated with antibiotics, but serious cases might need surgery or a hospital stay.

Diverticulosis is usually caused by constipation, which puts pressure on the intestines, creating small pouches (diverticula).  Age, smoking, and a higher body weight can also be factors.

The most important thing is to keep your bowels moving regularly.

Here's how:

• Eat a high-fiber diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, beans, and fruits.
• Stay hydrated.
• Get regular exercise.  Aim for at least 2 hours of high-intensity activity (running, jumping rope) per week.
• Try not to push too hard when you go to the bathroom.  Let us know if you need help treating constipation.
• Consider adding a fiber supplement to reach a total of 25-30 grams of fiber per day.

You should also:

• Limit red meat.
• Limit processed foods.
• Stop smoking. Let us know if you need help quitting.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol.
• Avoid taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammations) more than twice a week, unless you have been asked to do so by your provider.
• Maintain a normal weight. Reach out if you need help with weight loss.

Doctors used to recommend staying away from seeds, nuts, corn, and popcorn. But it turns out these foods don't actually trigger diverticulosis. There's no need to avoid them.

If you have or have recently had diverticulitis, add fiber slowly. Read more about diet for diverticulitis here.

Let us or another medical provider know if you:

• Have red or dark stool (poop).
• Have abdominal (stomach) pain, fever, a change in bowel habits, nausea, and/or dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Are regularly constipated or straining to go to the bathroom even though you're getting enough fiber and are hydrated.