Diverticulosis usually does not lead to serious problems. In some persons, however, the diverticula become inflamed. This painful acute condition, called diverticulitis , may require hospitalization, antibiotic therapy, or surgery. Many physicians recommend that people with diverticulosis increase their intake of fiber, which may help relieve mild symptoms, such as constipation and moderate abdominal discomfort. However, fiber is not used in the treatment of diverticul itis .
Some studies suggest that a high-fiber diet contributes to the prevention of diverticulosis.
The findings of a study published in 1994 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition support the belief that fiber is protective against diverticulosis. Colon Cancer Scientists have long suspected that high intakes of dietary fiber might decrease the risk of colon cancer, one of the most common types of cancer in Western populations. Several plausible mechanisms for a protective effect have been proposed. Other, more complex protective mechanisms have been proposed. However, studies of human populations have not established that high fiber intakes per se decrease colon cancer risk.