Diverticulosis is a condition whereby diverticula (small pouches) develop in the lining of the large intestine, extending into and through the muscular tissue surrounding the intestine. If these pouches become infected or inflamed, the condition becomes known as diverticulitis. Rarely, diverticula may also occur in the stomach or small intestine. Diverticulosis used to be a rare disease and even today it is almost nonexistent in certain parts of the world. However, in developed countries like the United States over half of people over 60 have it and most of them are unaware of their condition. The disease usually remains dormant, with the pockets uninfected. Unfortunately, by the time most people realize they have it, it's too late and the disease is established. The good news is that simple changes in the diet will prevent it from ever becoming a serious problem.

Diverticulosis is a "lifestyle disease" that is easily prevented through dietary modifications. Insufficient fiber in the diet is the chief cause as the large intestine must work overtime to produce small, hard stools that ultimately stress the colon beyond its endurance. In addition, increasing pressure in the colon is experienced when trying to evacuate the firmer stools. This pressure causes weak spots in the wall, forcing the tissue to bulge out.

In over 90% of cases, serious diverticulitis affects the sigmoid colon, in the lower left side of the abdomen. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a barium enema X-ray. If it is known that pockets are present, signs and symptoms alone are enough to make the diagnosis of diverticulitis, and further testing is not usually required.

Conventional treatment of minor diverticulitis can take place at home with rest, a liquid diet, and oral antibiotics. Symptoms usually subside rapidly. The diet transitions to soft low-roughage foods and a daily psyllium seed preparation. Eventually a high-roughage diet is resumed. If the patient has severe symptoms or complications such as peritonitis or obstruction, hospitalization is necessary. Overall, about 80% of patients can be treated successfully without surgery.