Diverticulosis, otherwise known as diverticular disease is the condition of having outpocketings of the colonic mucosa and submucosa through weaknesses of muscle layers in the colon wall. Diverticuli develop in the majority of people in industrialized societies as they get older, most likely due to the absence of fiber in their diets. About 10% of the US population over the age of 40 and half over the age of 60 has diverticulosis. Minute ruptures occur in the wall of the large intestine, which can become inflamed and infected, a condition called diverticulitis. These infections are painful and can eventuate in perforations or abscesses. Hospitalization for antibiotics or surgery may be necessary.

For many years doctors have told their patients with diverticulitis not to eat nuts or seeds, or any foods containing seeds, as if those bits of food would lodge in their intestinal outpocketings and cause infection or perforation. An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA, 2008; 300:907-914), puts that argument to rest.

It was thought that nuts or small seeds, even soft ones from tomatoes or cucumbers, could get stuck inside these diverticuli and cause obstruction and infection. It turns out that instructions to avoid such foods have been completely wrong. Nuts, seeds, and even popcorn do not worsen diverticulitis, but seem to prevent it by providing fiber.

The best instructions to prevent diverticulitis are to increase the intake of high fiber foods, meaning fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds. The more fiber, the less likely inflammation and infection will occur.

- Allan Sosin, MD

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Author's Bio: 

Allan Sosin is the founder and medical director of the Institute for Progressive Medicine. He received his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School and is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Nephrology, the study of kidney disease.

For thirteen years Dr. Sosin ran a private internal medicine practice in Philadelphia. During that time he became increasingly interested in alternative approaches to medical problems including nutrition, vitamin and mineral therapies, chelation therapy, acupuncture, natural hormone replacement therapy, exercise and stress management. He also held the position of Assistant Medical Director at The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, a world-renowned facility for the treatment of brain injured children.

Dr. Sosin is an expert in the use of natural approaches to replace drugs and surgery. He has over 40 years of clinical experience in treating patients with traditional therapies and 15 years experience using alternative methods in combination with conventional medicine. He is a member of the American College for the Advancement of Medicine (ACAM) and is a certified Defeat Autism Now!® physician. Dr. Sosin has also worked extensively with IV therapy, acupuncture and natural hormone replacement therapy. He has successfully treated thousands of patients with serious medical conditions. Dr. Sosin is the author of two books, Alpha Lipoic Acid: Nature's Ultimate Antioxidant, and The Doctor's Guide to Diabetes and Your Child, and has appeared on both radio and television.