5 Habits to Slash Your Diverticulitis Risk—Even if It's in Your Genes

Increasing physical activity and eliminating red meat consumption could have a greater impact than genetic factors.

Verified by Nick Blackmer

A recent research discovered that Five daily habits may reduce your chances of developing diverticulitis .
Diverticulitis occurs when pockets develop in the colon and become inflamed.
These behaviors may lower your risk of developing the condition. no matter if you have a genetic tendency irrespective of your hereditary factors whether or not you have a genetic inclination in spite of having a genetic disposition regardless of your inherited traits even if you're born with a genetic risk not depending on your genetic makeup without considering your genetic background whatever your genetic propensity may be despite any genetic tendencies you might have to it.

Some daily practices are associated with a reduced chance of developing diverticulitis, as per a recent investigation. Scientists particularly identified five factors —from eating more fiber to getting more exercise— which could help counteract a hereditary tendency to the digestive condition.

"While it has been proposed that genetics may be a contributing factor to diverticulitis, lifestyle elements play a role in increasing the risk of the condition irrespective of one's genetic background," stated Pratima Dibba, MD, A board-certified gastroenterologist from Medical Offices of Manhattan who did not participate in the study.

The research 'offers support for previously recognized possible lifestyle risk factors associated with diverticulitis,' she said." "The investigation 'strengthens earlier findings regarding potential lifestyle-related risks for diverticulitis,' she mentioned." "The report 'confirms established lifestyle risk factors linked to diverticulitis,' she stated." "This analysis 'reinforces known lifestyle elements that may contribute to diverticulitis,' she explained." "The work 'supports prior identification of lifestyle risks for diverticulitis,' she noted. .

Below is essential information regarding diverticulitis, including recognized risk factors, and ways to reduce your likelihood of experiencing this often uncomfortable illness.

What Is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis occurs when sacs known as diverticula develop in the large intestine and become swollen - The illness may lead to symptoms such as: - This state can result in manifestations including: - Symptoms might include: - Possible signs are: - One may experience symptoms like:

Stomach pain
Fever
Low appetite
Nausea
Changes in bowel habits

Approximately 80% of individuals diagnosed with diverticulitis have an " uncomplicated" form of the illness, indicating that it does not lead to severe issues and usually improves with proper care. However, in certain cases, patients may develop complications, such as fecal matter entering the abdominal cavity, which could lead to sepsis .

About Each year, 200,000 individuals in the United States require hospitalization because of diverticulitis. , which makes it one of the most frequent gastrointestinal issues resulting in hospitalizations and urgent care encounters, according to the researchers. Although the condition mainly impacts elderly individuals, cases among younger populations are increasing.

What Constitute the Potential Dangers?

Researchers have traditionally thought that both heredity and daily habits play a role in the likelihood of developing diverticulitis, yet the extent to which lifestyle choices can counteract a genetic tendency remains uncertain.

To investigate this, scientists examined several decades of information from almost 180,000 individuals through three major research initiatives focused on healthcare workers.

They created evaluation methods that took into account genetic predisposition and five key lifestyle risk factors associated with diverticulitis:

Obesity
Smoking
Physical inactivity
A low-fiber diet
Excessive intake of red or processed meats

The analysis, published online July 1 in the journal Gut, it was confirmed that these lifestyle factors are closely linked to a higher chance of developing diverticulitis, irrespective of an individual's genetic predisposition .

Individuals who consumed larger amounts of red meat or were current smokers faced approximately a 10% increased risk, while those who previously smoked had around a 17% greater likelihood, and being overweight with a BMI of 25 or above raised the probability by nearly one-third.

On the other hand, increased consumption of dietary fiber and greater engagement in exercise were associated with a 14% and 16% reduced likelihood, respectively.

In general, individuals who had none of the risk factors were 50% less probable to receive a diagnosis compared to those who had all of them.

We further confirmed our results using an independent group called the Southern Community Cohort Study, in which two-thirds of the participants identified as non-Hispanic Black. Wenjie Ma, MD, ScD , primary investigator and associate professor of medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, stated .

Why Daily Habits Matter

Although you cannot alter your genetic makeup, Knowing your inherited susceptibility to diverticulitis can assist you in more effectively managing and evaluating your likelihood of developing the condition. .

Lifestyle choices could affect the likelihood of developing diverticulitis by encouraging inflammatory responses and interfering with metabolic processes. gut microbiome , Ma explained.

"For instance, being overweight, particularly with excess belly fat, is strongly associated with increased systemic inflammation and alterations in gut bacteria, both of which may play a role in causing diverticulitis," she explained.

Ingesting sufficient fiber may boost the creation of short-chain fatty acids within the digestive system, which possess anti-inflammatory effects.

That’s why eating fiber-rich foods For example, foods like raspberries and lentils play an important role in reducing the likelihood of developing diverticulitis, according to specialists. Steering clear of tobacco use and reducing consumption of red and processed meats are also suggested, alongside getting regular exercise The CDC recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-level aerobic activity or 75 minutes of high-intensity cardiovascular exercise each week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more occasions.

While using specific drugs, such as corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medications Hormonal treatment and opioids might increase your chances of developing diverticulitis, so specialists recommend consulting with your physician prior to discontinuing any medication.

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