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Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis Prevention
NYC

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Diverticulosis is a common condition that affects the colon, or large intestine. It occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) develop in the lining of the colon. While many people with diverticulosis have no symptoms, others may experience abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. If left untreated, diverticulosis can lead to more serious complications such as diverticulitis, an inflammation of the diverticula. This is why at Gut Love we focus on diverticulosis prevention in NYC.

Symptoms:

  • Often no symptoms
  • Abdominal pain (usually in the lower left side)
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding (rare)
  • Urgency to have a bowel movement (rare)
Fresh food to help with diverticulosis prevention in NYC.

Possible Causes:

  • Weakened or thinning areas of the colon wall
  • Increased pressure in the colon (from constipation or straining during bowel movements)
  • Aging
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Smoking
  • Certain medications (e.g. opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
  • Low-fiber diet (which can lead to constipation)

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis occurs when the small, bulging pouches (diverticula) in the colon, characteristic of diverticulosis, become inflamed or infected. This condition can lead to severe abdominal pain, typically in the lower left side, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. If left untreated, diverticulitis can result in serious complications like abscesses, perforation of the colon, and peritonitis. Prompt treatment is crucial to manage the infection and prevent complications, often involving antibiotics, dietary changes, and sometimes surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and diverticulosis prevention in NYC can help prevent diverticulitis and it’s more severe repercussions.

A woman eating a lot of green foods for diverticulosis prevention in NYC.

Symptoms:

  • Severe abdominal pain (usually in the lower left side)
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
  • Tenderness in the abdomen
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rectal bleeding (in severe cases)
  • Urgency to have a bowel movement (in some cases)

Possible causes:

  • Infection or inflammation of diverticula (small pouches in the colon)
  • Blockage in the diverticula by stool, undigested food, or bacteria
  • Weakened or thinning areas of the colon wall
  • Increased pressure in the colon (from constipation or straining during bowel movements)
  • Aging, which leads to changes in the structure and function of the colon
  • Poor diet low in fiber, leading to hard stools and increased straining
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Smoking
  • Use of certain medications (e.g., opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
A lady cooking healthy foods for diverticulosis prevention in NYC.

Common treatments:

  • Antibiotics to treat infection and reduce inflammation
  • Pain relievers to manage abdominal pain (avoid NSAIDs, which can worsen symptoms)
  • Liquid or low-fiber diet to rest the colon during acute flare-ups
  • Gradual introduction of fiber once symptoms improve to promote healthy bowel movements
  • Probiotics to maintain a healthy gut microbiome
  • Increased fluid intake to help prevent constipation
  • Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and smoking cessation
  • Surgery to remove affected portions of the colon (in severe or recurrent cases)

Diverticulosis

Ease discomfort and protect your colon health with Dr. Elena Ivanina’s integrative approach to diverticulosis. This common condition occurs when small pouches, called diverticula, form in the colon wall, often without symptoms but sometimes causing bloating, pain, or bowel changes. At Gut Love, Dr. Ivanina takes a personalized, evidence-based approach to diverticulosis prevention in NYC to help prevent complications, support gut integrity, and restore long-term digestive balance.

Smiling woman drinking a green smoothie while preparing a fresh, plant-based meal in her kitchen

What is Diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is a condition in which small, bulging pouches, known as diverticula, develop along the lining of the colon. These pouches form when pressure inside the intestine pushes through weak spots in the colon wall. While diverticulosis itself isn’t an infection, it can lead to complications like diverticulitis or bleeding if not managed properly. Most people have no symptoms, but some may experience mild bloating, discomfort, or irregular bowel habits. Early diverticulosis prevention in NYC through diet, lifestyle, and mindful gut health practices is crucial.

Symptoms:

  • Often no symptoms at all
  • Mild abdominal discomfort or cramping, usually on the lower left side
  • Bloating or a feeling of fullness
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or occasional diarrhea
  • Increased gas or rumbling in the abdomen
  • Rarely, rectal bleeding or urgency to have a bowel movement
  • Symptoms that worsen with constipation or after low-fiber meals
Active woman enjoying a colorful fruit and yogurt bowl post-workout with dumbbells nearby

Risk Factors:

  • Aging and natural weakening of the colon wall
  • Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements
  • Low-fiber diet leading to harder stools and increased pressure in the colon
  • Lack of regular physical activity
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Smoking and other lifestyle-related factors
  • Certain medications, such as opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Genetic predisposition affecting colon structure or motility

Possible Health Risks of Untreated Diverticulosis:

  • Diverticulitis: inflammation or infection of the diverticula
  • Abscess formation: localized pockets of infection that may require drainage or antibiotics
  • Perforation: a tear in the colon wall leading to peritonitis, a serious abdominal infection
  • Intestinal blockage: scarring or narrowing of the colon that disrupts bowel movements
  • Diverticular bleeding: sudden rectal bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel in a pouch
  • Chronic digestive discomfort: persistent bloating, irregularity, or pain
  • SCAD: Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis
  • SUDD: Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease
Dr. Elena Ivanina SIBO specialist in NYC

Diverticulosis Specialist

Dr. Elena Ivanina is a triple board-certified gastroenterologist in NYC specializing in integrative and preventive gut health. As the founder of Gut Love, she leverages her medical expertise to offer holistic care to address conditions like diverticulosis from the inside out. With extensive training, Dr. Ivanina emphasizes root-cause healing through nutrition, lifestyle, gut-brain axis optimization, herbs, microbiome medicine, and prescriptions when needed. Her approach to diverticulosis prevention in NYC helps patients prevent complications, restore balance, and achieve lasting digestive wellness.

Tips for Prevention and Management:

  • Eat a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to keep stools soft
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support healthy digestion and prevent constipation
  • Exercise regularly to promote bowel motility and reduce pressure within the colon
  • Avoid straining during bowel movements and respond promptly to the urge to go
  • Limit processed foods, red meat, and low-fiber meals that can worsen diverticular pressure
  • Consume probiotic-rich foods or supplements to support a balanced gut microbiome
  • Receive deep dive motility testing and microbiome testing with Dr Ivanina to guide motility & microbiome optimization
  • Receive a DEXA scan to evaluate visceral fat (as higher visceral fat area has been associated with incident and recurrent diverticulitis)

Diverticulosis FAQs

Is diverticulosis the same as diverticulitis?

No. Diverticulosis refers to the presence of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall, while diverticulitis occurs when one or more of these pouches become infected. Diverticulitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, and other symptoms that require medical attention.

Can diverticulosis go away on its own?

Diverticulosis doesn’t go away because the pouches that form in the colon lining are structural changes. However, with proper diet, hydration, and lifestyle habits, most people can prevent symptoms or complications from developing.

What foods should I eat if I have diverticulosis?

A high-fiber diet is key. Focus on fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, and whole grains. These help keep stools soft and promote regular bowel movements. Dr. Ivanina may recommend microbiome testing to see what specific fibers are needed, and then you can gradually increase fiber intake to avoid bloating as your gut adjusts.

Are there foods I should avoid?

Limit processed foods, red meat, and refined grains. These can contribute to constipation and higher pressure inside the colon. (In the past, patients were told to avoid nuts, seeds, and popcorn, but newer studies show these foods do not need to be avoided.)

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Dr. Elena Ivanina, a triple board-certified integrative gastroenterologist and functional medicine expert serving New York, is dedicated to holistic gut health solutions for conditions such as SIBO, constipation, and leaky gut.
Disclaimer: This website is intended as an information source only, not to be construed as medical advice. The information given on any page of the gutlove.com website is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. It is not intended as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your doctor. If you suspect that you have a medical problem, you are urged to seek competent medical help.
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