Diverticular Disease affects about one third of Australians over the age of 45. One of the main causes is poorly managed constipation and individuals who eat a high fibre diet are less likely to develop diverticular disease as the main cause is constipation. The best treatment to prevent infections in Diverticular disease is to maintain regular bowel activity.
Diverticulosis is when abnormal pouches develop in the bowel wall and the best treatment is to maintain regular bowel function with a high fibre diet.
Diverticulitis is when these pouches become inflamed or infected and this requires urgent medical treatment and a short period of low fibre diet until symptoms have settled.