That will also help soften and bulk up your stool and prevent the pressure that causes pouches. Cut out the java. Sometimes people drink a lot of coffee to try and get their stools to pass. That's the wrong approach, says Dr. Karlstadt. Steady high doses of coffee will harm, not help, your diverticulosis.
Caffeine is a diuretic, and stools without water get hard, which is what causes pouches to form.
Lots of caffeine can also cause the muscles in the colon to contract more, which prevents the stool from passing along. The information given here 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, we urge you to seek competent medical help. Rodale Inc. All rights reserved.