Diverticulitis Literature Review on Research Article

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Education and Diverticulitis Education and Diverticulitis Diverticulitis is a common digestive disease in America. It is caused by Diverticulosis, which is the formation of “sac-like pouches or herniations” in the “mucosal layer” of the bowel wall (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2013). It commonly occurs in the large intestine or colon but can also occur in the small intestine (Nutrition Care Manual [NCM], 2013). Scientists are still not certain what causes diverticulitis but for the last 50 years a low-fiber diet is believe to be the cause. The disease is rare in populations in Asia and Africa because most of them eat a high-fiber diet (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2013). Known as a common disease in the “western and industrialized” countries, diverticulitis “affects approximately 5% to 10% of the population by age 50” (Nutrition Care Manual [NCM], 2013). The Nutrition care manual describes how the incidence of the disease increases with age along with a history of constipation, low-fiber intake, a high intake of red meat, obesity, and low physical activity. Early diagnosis in patients is just the beginning in understanding the pathology of this disease and applying the right medical nutrition therapy. Three studies are summarized below which discuss diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and risk factors for diverticulitis. In past studies diagnosed patients appeared to consume less fiber than healthy patients. A study posted in The Journal of Nutrition showed consistent results. This was a “HPFS prospective study on heart disease and cancer” among males with regards to dietary fiber intake (Sopena, Federico, 2009). In this study they also looked at physical activity. Sopena (2009) compared physical activity, soluble fiber intake and insoluble fiber intake among the male participants. The “study

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