A new research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has released some exciting news. One of the strongest risk factors would be nuts and seeds, which indeed found a very meaningful and impressive reduction in diverticulitis risk, particularly for women. This increased risk may be attributed to the 1,531 cases of diverticulitis diagnosed in females, with 21% needing surgical treatment. Diverticulosis is a highly prevalent condition among older adults, affecting nearly half of older Americans. Diverticulitis only affects about 5% of people with diverticulosis.
This fundamental research from Dunn continues to highlight the essential role that a high-fiber diet plays in keeping your colon healthy. Similar to a 2008 study, which showed these similar effects in males, this research found… It brings to light the transformative role that dietary patterns can play in treating this chronic condition.
Understanding Diverticulitis and Its Impact
Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of small pouches in the colon called diverticula. In this latest study, researchers were able to find 1,531 cases. Of those, 14% needed surgery to fix complications and 58% had at least two other recurrences. With fewer than a third of these cases requiring hospitalization, it is easy for the public to overlook that serious complications are still possible and should be feared.
Dietary Recommendations for Prevention
The study’s authors established four important dietary habits. Of these diets, the DASH diet is the most effective diet overall, and one that can help reduce the frequency of diverticulitis. As the researchers explained, “We included whole fresh fruit with edible seeds, such as raw tomatoes and strawberries, in our analyses. Frequently eliminated by patients due to fear, these fruits are healthy sources of nutrients. The study’s resulting diets point the way to including more of these beneficial foods as a part of every day colon-healthy eating patterns.
Shabnam Sarker, a gastroenterologist who has been using these dietary recommendations in practice, reflected on what the research means. This joint study serves to confirm the best practices we’ve already been implementing. She says, “A high fiber diet really is the best thing you can do for your colon health,” she said.
Managing Diverticulitis and Its Complications
Patients who are diagnosed with diverticulitis may have different treatment options available to them based on the severity of their diagnosis. In uncomplicated cases, “Generally, outpatients can be managed with pain control and oral analgesics as well as a liquid diet,” said Shawn Khodadadian, MD, medical director at Manhattan Gastroenterology. In more complex cases these can result in perforations that will need surgical repair.
Sarker explained the serious complications that can arise with diverticulitis. She explained, “Once there’s a perforation, then you have colonic content in the abdominal cavity and that’s bad. This might require the use of a colostomy bag for a few months while the patient heals.
Leave a Reply