Diverticulosis is more common in developed or industrialized
countries, such as the United States, England, and Australia,
where the typical diet is low in fiber and high in highly
processed carbohydrates, diverticulosis is common.
Diverticulosis first appeared in the United States in about
1900. This was the same time that processed foods were first
introduced into the US diet. Diverticulosis is much less common
in countries of Asia and Africa, where the typical diet is high
in fiber. (For more information on diverticulitis, check with
the Mayo Clinic at
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diverticulitis-diet/HQ00548)
Most people recover from diverticulitis without problems if they
receive appropriate treatment. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis
can be prevented by changes in lifestyle and habits.
Diverticulosis is thought to be caused by increased pressure on
the intestinal wall from inside the intestine. As the body ages,
the outer layer of the intestinal wall thickens. This causes the
open space inside the i