Diverticulosis - Pouches Bulging Out of the Colon, Avoided by Keeping Your Colon Free of Bacteria
Diverticulitis and diverticulosis are similar but slightly different conditions: Diverticulosis, is when pouches known as diverticula bulge out of the colon.
Symptoms of diverticulosis are constipation, bloating and cramping - there may also be some bleeding and inflammation.
If the diverticula are bleeding there will be bright red blood coming from your rectum.
Although the bleeding may not cause pain, this could be a serious situation and you should call your doctor immediately.
Diverticulitis, is when the diverticula have become inflamed.
Symptoms of diverticulitis are pain in the lower part of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, and a change in your bowel movements.
If you think there is a possibility that you have diverticulitis you must see your doctor straight away.
A diet low in fiber is thought to be a possible cause of diverticulitis.
When your food passes through your colon the fiber absorbs water, making your stool softer and easier to pass.
If you do not eat enough fiber you are more likely to suffer from constipation meaning you will be straining to pass a stool and it is the straining that causes the diverticula or pouches to begin.
Plus, if your colon is not being evacuated correctly the waste that is left behind encourages bacteria which causes the diverticula to become inflamed and diverticulitis.
Diverticular disease is not always a major problem, but if it does become serious, there can be bleeding, blockages and rips in the pouches.
It may even come to the point where a hole has developed in the colon and faeces can leak into the abdomen.
Prevention of diverticular disease is easier than a cure.
To avoid it you should eat a diet with plenty of fiber.
Lots of fresh vegetables and fruit (organic if possible), whole grain bread and pasta, brown rice, plus legumes such as lentils, kidney beans and chick peas.
You must also drink plenty of water, the fiber must have the water in order to soften your stools.
If you have been eating unhealthily for a long time and think there is a possibility that you may be developing diverticulitis it is a good idea to undertake a colon cleanse to rid your body of the waste that has been accumulating, you will then be able to start a new whole food diet with a healthy, clean colon.
Symptoms of diverticulosis are constipation, bloating and cramping - there may also be some bleeding and inflammation.
If the diverticula are bleeding there will be bright red blood coming from your rectum.
Although the bleeding may not cause pain, this could be a serious situation and you should call your doctor immediately.
Diverticulitis, is when the diverticula have become inflamed.
Symptoms of diverticulitis are pain in the lower part of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, and a change in your bowel movements.
If you think there is a possibility that you have diverticulitis you must see your doctor straight away.
A diet low in fiber is thought to be a possible cause of diverticulitis.
When your food passes through your colon the fiber absorbs water, making your stool softer and easier to pass.
If you do not eat enough fiber you are more likely to suffer from constipation meaning you will be straining to pass a stool and it is the straining that causes the diverticula or pouches to begin.
Plus, if your colon is not being evacuated correctly the waste that is left behind encourages bacteria which causes the diverticula to become inflamed and diverticulitis.
Diverticular disease is not always a major problem, but if it does become serious, there can be bleeding, blockages and rips in the pouches.
It may even come to the point where a hole has developed in the colon and faeces can leak into the abdomen.
Prevention of diverticular disease is easier than a cure.
To avoid it you should eat a diet with plenty of fiber.
Lots of fresh vegetables and fruit (organic if possible), whole grain bread and pasta, brown rice, plus legumes such as lentils, kidney beans and chick peas.
You must also drink plenty of water, the fiber must have the water in order to soften your stools.
If you have been eating unhealthily for a long time and think there is a possibility that you may be developing diverticulitis it is a good idea to undertake a colon cleanse to rid your body of the waste that has been accumulating, you will then be able to start a new whole food diet with a healthy, clean colon.
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