Strategies to Minimize the Chance of Experiencing Agonizing Diverticulitis
Lowering Diverticulitis Risk with a Healthy Lifestyle Score
A new study has identified a five-factor healthy lifestyle score (HLS) that can significantly reduce the risk of developing diverticulitis, a condition where small pouches in the colon become inflamed or infected.
This protective score, which includes avoiding red meat, consuming a high-fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, not smoking, and maintaining hydration, has been linked to a lower risk of developing diverticulitis.
According to research by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, adherence to this healthy lifestyle is associated with a substantially lower risk of developing diverticulitis [1]. This protective effect likely stems from several mechanisms.
High fiber intake promotes bowel regularity and prevents constipation, reducing pressure in the colon which may prevent diverticula inflammation or rupture [3][5]. Regular physical activity improves gut motility and overall immune and metabolic health, further lowering the risk [5]. Avoiding red meat and smoking reduces inflammation and gut microbiome disturbances associated with diverticular disease [5].
Maintaining a healthy weight, which is linked to a lower risk of diverticulitis [4], is also a factor in the HLS. The recommended daily fiber intake for women is 25 grams, while men should aim for 38 grams [2].
The HLS has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of diverticulitis. A large long-term study published in Gut (by BMJ Group) specifically confirmed that maintaining such a healthy lifestyle composite score is linked to a significantly lower risk of diverticulitis [1]. Every one-point increase in HLS means a 12 percent lower risk of diverticulitis. Those with a "full house" (a point given for all five factors) are 50 percent less likely to be diagnosed than those with zero points.
In summary, the five-factor healthy lifestyle score captures key dietary and behavioral choices that collectively lower inflammation and promote gut health, reducing the odds of diverticulitis onset. By following this score, individuals can take an active step towards maintaining a healthy gut and reducing their risk of developing diverticulitis.
References:
- A Healthy Lifestyle Score Predicts Lower Risk of Diverticulitis
- Dietary Fiber Intake and the Prevention of Diverticular Disease
- Diet and Diverticular Disease: Roles of Fiber and Red Meat Intake
- Body Mass Index and the Risk of Diverticulitis: A Population-Based Study
- Healthy Lifestyle Factors and Colorectal Cancer Prevention: A Review
- Adherence to a healthy lifestyle that includes a high-fiber diet, regular physical activity, avoiding red meat and smoking, maintaining hydration, and maintaining a healthy weight, as indicated by the five-factor healthy lifestyle score (HLS), can significantly lower the risk of developing chronic diseases like diverticulitis.
- The five-factor HLS, which is shown to be effective in reducing the risk of diverticulitis, includes factors such as adequate fiber intake, regular exercise, avoidance of red meat and smoking, maintaining hydration, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- The HLS, a composite score that represents key dietary and behavioral choices, has been linked to a lower risk of developing diverticulitis, chronic diseases, and potentially other medical-conditions.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for overall wellness, and the HLS is a promising tool to lower the risk of diverticulitis, promote gut health, and possibly prevent other health-and-wellness issues such as chronic-diseases and mental-health problems.
- By following a healthy lifestyle that adheres to the HLS, individuals can take an active step towards maintaining their physical health, reducing inflammation, improving their fitness-and-exercise, and optimizing their nutrition for better mental-health and Medicare coverage.
- A combination of science, medical research, and healthy choices are essential in reducing the risk of various health problems, including diverticulitis, and promoting overall wellbeing, which can be improved by following the recommended guidelines in the five-factor healthy lifestyle score.
