Diverticulitis is a disease of the colon. Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes it. However, a low-fiber diet is thought to be partly responsible. Without plenty of fiber to add bulk to the stool, the colon has to work really hard to push that stool out. This pressure can cause weak spots to form in the colon. Bacteria can even grow in these pouches, which can lead to infection and inflammation.
Symptoms of diverticulitis can last anywhere from a couple of hours to over a week or more. Some of the symptoms include belly pain, chills and fever, bloating and gas build-up, constipation and diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and a low appetite. You may not feel like eating at all. Your doctor will ask you what symptoms you have and then examine you. He might take blood tests, or other tests, like an X-ray or CT scan.
1. Refined White Flour
Refined white flour is terrible for your digestive system. Pancakes, bagels, toast, cupcakes, cakes, pastries, pizza, pastries, and cereal are all around us, though. It’s just a standard part of the American diet. But that doesn’t mean those foods are good for you, or that they support digestive health.
Refined white flour products lead to inflammation in the gut. Bread without fiber makes your digestive system work harder, and it’s not sustainable over time. Consuming plenty of fiber helps you keep a clean gut, because it sweeps out debris and toxins. Refined, low-fiber flour is terrible for diverticulitis sufferers. A low-fiber diet is thought to be the primary cause of diverticulitis.
The disease was first noted in the early 20th century, right around the time processed foods were introduced into the American diet. The disease is particularly prevalent in highly developed, industrialized nations where low-fiber diets are just the norm.