Diverticulosis is a common problem that occurs when tiny pouches (diverticula) form in the wall of your bowel. A common problem as we age, diverticulosis typically causes no symptoms unless the pouches become inflamed, causing a more serious condition called diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis can cause a lot of pain, along with bloating and even bleeding. Our team at Desert West Surgery helps patients manage their symptoms through medical care and lifestyle changes, such as the five listed below.
Exercise isn’t just about building muscle tone and shedding pounds; it’s about supporting overall health and wellness. Regular physical activity keeps your digestive system moving, supporting regular bowel movements that, in turn, flush away irritants and reduce pressure on your bowel wall.
Exercise also reduces your risk of constipation, a common trigger for diverticulitis symptoms and flares. Best of all, you don’t need to join a gym or engage in strenuous activity — a brisk 30-minute walk each day is all it takes to support better gut health and overall wellness.
If you’re overweight, you probably have at least a few unhealthy eating habits that can affect your bowel health and increase inflammation throughout your body. Processed foods are a common culprit, containing few nutrients and lots of chemicals and additives that can irritate bowel symptoms.
If you carry those extra pounds around your waist, the added pressure on your bowel can worsen your symptoms. Extreme dieting isn’t the answer; aim for a healthy, balanced diet that supports your specific nutritional needs and features fresh, whole, unprocessed foods.
Smoking is a tough habit to break, but it’s also a habit that’s really bad for your health. Most of us know smoking is bad for our lungs and heart, but its effects are far more widespread.
Smoking contributes to inflammation, a trigger for all sorts of chronic ailments, including issues that affect digestion. If you smoke, you may experience more frequent flare-ups or more severe symptoms (or both). You also increase your risk of bowel bleeding.
Smoking interferes with your bowel’s ability to heal, which means you could wind up doing even more damage over time. We can help you find resources to support cutting back. You can also find plenty of help online at sites like SmokeFree.gov.
Since diverticulitis happens in your bowel, it’s no surprise that your diet has a significant impact on symptoms and flare-ups. Adding more fiber to your diet keeps your bowels regular, reduces pressure inside your colon, and flushes out food and irritants.
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are all fiber-rich food sources that benefit health in other ways, too. Try keeping a food journal to track what you eat and any symptoms you experience. It can help you spot foods that may be contributing to discomfort or triggering flares.
Most of us know staying hydrated is important for our health in many ways. For digestive health, it’s essential. Your bowel health and activity depend on an ample and steady supply of fluids to keep your stool soft and prevent irritation and inflammation.
Staying hydrated is especially important in Nevada, where the dry air can increase fluid loss throughout the day. Carrying a water bottle at all times is one of the best ways to ensure you’re drinking enough. You can even add a reminder app on your phone.
Managing diverticulitis is an ongoing process, but one that can yield significant dividends in comfort and better bowel health overall. To learn more about diverticulitis management, call Desert West Surgery to schedule a consultation at our Las Vegas, Nevada, location nearest you.
