Other Proposed Treatments - Fiber Supplements: Psyllium,
Glucomannan , and Methylcellulose Almost half of all Americans
over the age of 60 develop diverticulosis: small, bulging
pouches (diverticula) in the colon. In most cases, these
diverticula do not cause any discomfort. However, in perhaps 15%
of people with diverticulosis, diverticula may become inflamed
or infected. The result is a condition called diverticulitis.
Symptoms of diverticulitis include pain, nausea, and sometimes
fever. It is thought that the main cause of diverticulosis is
the relatively low-fiber diet consumed in developed countries.
Treatment of diverticulitis includes dietary changes,
antibiotics, and, sometimes, surgery. Proposed Treatments for
Diverticular Disease Fiber supplements have shown promise for
both preventing and treating diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
Common fiber supplements include psyllium, glucomannan , and
methylcellulose. Note: Use of fiber supplements during an active
bout of diverticulitis is not advisable, be