can you eat spaghetti with diverticulitis

Once the attack is over and youre feeling better, you can switch back to a high-fiber diet to help avoid future attacks. A low-fiber diet may be recommended for a number of conditions or situations. Because the prevalence of diverticulosis is lower in areas where people follow a high-fiber diet, many health care professionals believe that the condition develops, at least in part, as a result of not getting enough fiber. Research suggests that eating a high fiber diet can help prevent diverticulitis flares. In the past, people with small pouches (diverticula) in the lining of the colon were told to avoid nuts, seeds and popcorn. What Ingredients Should I Eat on Pizza When I Have Diverticulitis? Recent research suggests that these foods are not harmful to people with diverticulosis or diverticulitis. Once symptoms are completely resolved, you can switch to a high fiber diet, making sure to include a variety of vegetables. To alleviate mild cramps and pain, place a heating pad on your stomach at a low setting. Generally, foods containing small, difficult-to-digest pieces such as pips should be avoided if you have diverticulosis. Red and processed meat According to a 2018 research article, eating a diet high in red and processed meats could increase your risk of developing diverticulitis. Surprisingly, you can enjoy unprocessed meats like hamburgers, as long as they are fairly tender and minimal in fat. A 2017 study associated this type of diet with an increased risk of diverticulitis. Seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, flax, or chia. Diverticulitis: All You Need to Know in 6 Photos. During the flare up, youll want to avoid as much fiber in your diet as possible as fiber creates waste that can irritate the infection even further. Diverticulitis flare-ups are still primarily caused by lifestyle factors, such as a high-fat, low-fiber diet prevalent in Western countries. 2015; doi:10.3945/an.115.009688. Broth, water, juices without pulp, and plain gelatin are all examples of these. If youre having digestive problems, the earlier you seek treatment, the better. However, it is essential to eat a minimal amount of any high-FODMAP vegetables when you have diverticulitis to avoid serious flare-up risks. Accessed Nov. 18, 2020. There is no specific recommendation against eating pizza for people who have diverticulitis. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Four or more slices may have the potential to trigger a diverticulitis outbreak, which can be quite painful and hard to tolerate. Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables and grains not digested by your body. Please try again later. Foods to avoidinclude tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, okra, blackberries, kiwi, peppers and eggplant. Fiber also helps reduce pressure in the digestive tract. Nuts and seeds. Alvarez-Gonzalez MA, et al. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. In the past, doctors thought these foods might get stuck in the diverticula and cause an infection. If you have diverticulitis, there are certain foods you should not eat. Finally, you will move on to a high fiber diet. How? Find out what conditions may be causing your stomach pain at night, as well as when you should go see your doctor. Pale or clay-colored stools are not normal. Fruits and vegetables with seeds, like raspberries or cucumbers. Logical hypothesis: Low FODMAP diet to prevent diverticulitis. You should be able to eat this delicious meal when you have diverticulitis. Dietary patterns, foods and fiber in irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease. With this condition, prevention is the best medicine, and that starts with a healthy diet. Stool color can range from bright red to maroon to black and tarry, indicating the presence of blood. The good news is the fiber will help your stools move through you faster and helps them pass through your colon with no trouble. Avoid eating gluten-free options, however because these tend to have higher fiber counts. You can also ask your doctor or dietitian about using a fiber supplement. Its not clear what causes diverticulitis, but experts believe these factors play a role: Call your doctor immediately if you have the following symptoms of diverticulitis: Occasionally, bacteria develop in those pouches (known as diverticula) and sometimes grow in the wall of the colon that could cause an infection called diverticulitis, which can cause serious symptoms and may lead to infection complications without treatment. Baking or microwaving in a covered dish is another option. This helps keep you hydrated and supports your gastrointestinal health. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Despite numerous dietary restrictions, individuals who have diverticulosis can still eat spaghetti sauce in moderation. You can remove the pips from tomatoes and eat the flesh, or strain canned tomato mix to remove the pips. Avoid all vegetables when you have diverticulitis. A FODMAP is a type of carbohydrate that can cause digestive problems. To avoid constipation, you may need to drink extra fluids. But in general, these foods tend to be easy on the intestines of people with diverticulitis. 10. Fried meat, processed meats such as bologna and salami, sausage, bacon, and hot dogs are all good sources of protein. https://www.nutritioncaremanual.org/. Water and clear juices (apple, cranberry, or grape), strained citrus juices, or fruit punch are all acceptable substitutes. The BRAT Diet incorporates specific foods from each food group, including vegetables, fruits, starches, proteins, and even beverages. Clear, pulp-free juices (such as apple and cranberry juice). After the age of 80, almost everyone has some pouches. Canned or cooked fruits without skin or seeds. (2016). Western dietary pattern increases, and prudent dietary pattern decreases, risk of incident diverticulitis in a prospective cohort study. If you're eating a low-fiber diet, be sure to read food labels. Bananas, rice, apples, and toast were originally included in this protocol; however, it has since been expanded to include additional mild foods that may help alleviate diverticulitis symptoms. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With a diverticulitis attack, you should avoid solid foods and stick to a clear liquid diet. How long does it take to recover from diverticulitis? Drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day helps you stay hydrated and promotes gastrointestinal health. Read on to learn about foods to eat and, Not sure what to eat after a colonoscopy? That's why following a high-fiber diet after your diverticulitis symptoms have resolved may help prevent future attacks. Low-residue and low-fiber diets in gastrointestinal disease management. When youre not in a flare, eating a high-fiber diet can promote gut health and reduce flares. You can remove the pips from tomatoes and eat the flesh, or strain canned tomato mix to remove the pips. Make sure to have your levels checked to ensure that youre getting enough of this all-important vitamin or you may need to add a supplement. However, switching to easier-to-digest foods during a flare may help relieve symptoms. . Review/update the Avoid these foods and products made with them: Prepare all foods so that they're tender. Both of these items have a good chance of irritating your colon and gastric mucosa. Consume a diet low in fiber. 9. While pizza isnt very high in fiber, it can help lower pressure in the colon and minimize your risk of diverticulitis. Pasta Recipes for Diverticulitis - Calming Blends Pasta Recipes for Diverticulitis A high fiber diet is recommended for prevention of Diverticulitis. Could the Pain in Your Abdomen Be Caused by Diverticulitis? Men over the age of 51 should have a daily fiber intake of about 28 grams, and women of the same age should have about 22 grams of fiber each day, according dietary guidelines. How Long Will Cooked Bacon Keep Unrefrigerated? Cereals like cream of wheat and cream of rice are healthy, low-fiber choices. But after eating spaghetti or other food, make sure to drink lots of water in order to avoid any potential bowel obstruction. Pale Stools: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help, What Supportive Therapy Is and How It Helps If You Have Diverticulitis, an abscess, or an inflamed pocket of tissue, certain fruits, such as apples, pears, and plums, dairy foods, such as milk, yogurt, and ice cream, fermented foods, such as sauerkraut or kimchi, beans and legumes, such as navy beans, chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans, whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, amaranth, spelt, and bulgur, white rice, white bread, or white pasta (but avoid foods that contain gluten if youre, processed fruits, such as applesauce or canned peaches, cooked animal proteins, such as fish, poultry, or eggs, yellow squash, zucchini, or pumpkin without skin or seeds, cooked spinach, beets, carrots, or asparagus, tea or coffee without any creams, flavors, or sweeteners. When following a clear liquid diet, you must avoid all solid food, but you can have: Although there are a lot of foods to avoid for diverticulitis, the Mayo Clinic notes that, once you start feeling better, your doctor will let you know when you can progress to eating some solid, low-fiber foods again. After you have lived on liquids for a couple of days, you can then move to a low fiber eating plan including: Once you are feeling better, you can start to work back into your regular diet. A diagnosis of diverticulitis no longer means you have a long list of foods to avoid. The most common symptom of diverticulitis is a sharp cramp-like pain, usually on the left side of your lower abdomen. After several near-death surgeries and a heart attack at 29, I decided to get serious about my health and went from 278lbs to 181lbs in only six months. Barbara G, et al. A Mayo expert weighs in, You have narrowing of the bowel due to a tumor or an inflammatory disease, You are having treatment, such as radiation, that damages or irritates your digestive tract, Whole grains, popcorn, wheat germ and bran, Brown rice, wild rice, oatmeal, granola, shredded wheat, quinoa, bulgur and barley, Dried beans, baked beans, lima beans, peas and lentils, Fruits and vegetables except those noted below, Tender meat, fish and poultry, ham, bacon, shellfish, and lunch meat, Baked goods made with refined wheat or rye flour, such as bread, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, bagels, saltines and graham crackers, Hot and cold cereals that have less than 2 grams of dietary fiber in a single serving, such as those made from rice, Canned or well-cooked potatoes, carrots and green beans, Bananas, melons, applesauce and canned peaches (no skin), Butter, margarine, oils and salad dressings without seeds, Turkey sandwich on white bread with mayonnaise. Eat foods that are easy to swallow and digest, such as soup, bananas, gelatin, pudding, and yogurt. niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diverticulosis-diverticulitis, link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-59180-3_6, gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(17)30006-9/fulltext, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6430566/, jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2552211, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5095569/, How to Eat (and Recover from) a Low Fiber Diet, A Beginners Guide to the Low FODMAP Diet. And no special diet has been proved to prevent attacks. A Food List and Diet Plan for People With Diverticulitis, Foods You Can't Eat If You Have Divertculitits, increased internal pressure on your intestinal wall, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, limiting your intake to five to 15 grams per day, A Food List and Diet Plan for Diverticulitis, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders: "Diverticula, Diverticulosis, Diverticulitis: What's the Difference? Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Our physicians and other experts will post about the latest treatments and more for living a heart healthy life. If you must continue eating this diet for a longer time, consult a registered dietitian to make sure your nutritional needs are being met. What happens with this condition is that the intestine has small pouches that can get inflamed or even burst. Health care professionals may recommend increasing the amount of fiber you eat a little at a time, so your body gets used to the change. Look for foods that have no more than 1-2 grams of fiber in one serving. Disease of the Colon & Rectum. While a narrow or pencil-thin stool is not always indicative of constipation, it may be if your poop normally looks like that. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may decrease the risk. Even so, each person is different. Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs as a result of not consuming enough fiber. Other vegetables that you should avoidinclude cauliflower, Swiss chard, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, squash, iceberg lettuce, and zucchini. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). While some researchers have linked a high fiber diet to a reduced risk of diverticulitis, this may not be helpful for someone experiencing diverticulitis flare-ups. According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, approximately half of the American population has diverticulosis by the time they reach 60. When eating pizza with diverticulitis, it is important to choose toppings that minimize your risk of outbreaks. Fruits and vegetables with seeds, like raspberries or cucumbers. This includes foods such as: You can find 15 recipe ideas, including low FODMAP meals, for people with diverticulitis here. In general, if you have diverticulosis but youre not having an episode of diverticulitis, a diet high in fiber will help prevent future flare-ups. Fiber helps to soften and bulk up stools, allowing them to pass through your colon more easily. Eat small amounts until bleeding and diarrhea subside. American Cancer Society. Fruits: You may have fruit juices without pulp and many canned fruits or fruit sauces, such as applesauce. At this point in time, it is safe to consume dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, with little or no fiber. Diverticulitis is a disease that affects your digestive tract and causes inflamed pouches in the lining of your stomach. Odor: The stool odor may be more pungent than the normal smell. You should use a low-fiber diet only as long as directed by your doctor. Coffee is a stimulant of the bowel, so if youre having an attack, you may want to avoid it and allow your bowel to rest. Tomato puree and sauce is not a problem. Swanson SM, et al. Cheese, milk, and yogurt are also acceptable choices. Ezekiel bread is thought to be the healthiest bread you can consume, as it provides you with much more nutrients and fiber than white bread, which can be helpful for this condition. Yes, drinking water may assist in the resolution of diverticulitis. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts. This means that two hours after eating, you need to drink at least 8 ounces of water. Foods you might not expect such as yogurt, ice cream, cereal and even beverages can have added fiber. When you don't eat enough fiber, waste doesn't move through your digestive system as easily and constipation can develop. Your doctor will help guide you as you gradually add fiber back into your diet following a flare up and discuss treatment options, which could include surgery, to address any concerns related to your diagnosis. Research suggests that a diet low in fiber and high in red meat may increase your risk of getting diverticulitis inflammation of one or a few pouches in the wall of your colon. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which But yes, you can eat spaghetti with diverticulitis but in moderation. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Make sure you're also drinking enough water. If diverticulitis is treated promptly and without complications, it may respond to antibiotics within a few days. Can you eat spaghetti with diverticulitis? Researchers stated this is because fiber can improve colon health by allowing better gut movement and stool bulk. These nutrients minimize your outbreak risk and improve your overall digestive health. Please seek medical attention if you are concerned about an attack of diverticulitis. High-fiber vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, and onions. 10 Foods That Help Manage Your Diverticulitis Research shows that people who consume a fiber-rich diet have fewer chronic illnesses. Dairy products are not foods you should indulge in. A low-fiber diet restricts these foods. Compared to diverticulosis, diverticulitis causes fever and severe belly pain and tenderness, and is usually more severe. While you may tolerate many pizza toppings reasonably well when you have diverticulitis, there are many others that should be avoided. Vegetables in cans and well-cooked without skins or seeds, as well as vegetable juice. For example, a whole wheat crust is rich in fiber, magnesium, and most B vitamins. After that, you can resume normal eating habits and gradually increase the amount of fiber in your diet. If it is not something that you would partake of on a regular basis, chances are it will be okay. But this does not mean that you should ignore your condition and do whatever you want since that may lead to something serious. However, it may be possible to enjoy your favorite pizza even if you have diverticulitis, giving you the chance to eat out with friends, family members, and others. Can you eat tomato sauce with diverticulitis? Popcorn. This means that your stools will become very soft and there will be less strain on the system as a whole. This will go away over time. What should you avoid eating with diverticulitis? Is it OK to Eat Cheese With Diverticulitis? Diverticulosis can lead to a painful infection in your large intestine. Some examples of fiber-rich foods are listed in the table below. We Recommend Nutrition Is Sugar Bad for Diverticulitis? Make sure youre eating well most of the time, and reserve that pizza for a special treat. What Ingredients Should I Avoid on Pizza When I have Diverticulitis? Avoid these foods if you have symptoms after eating them: Nuts. Your doctor might recommend avoiding fiber during an acute flare. Upon referral from your physician, we coordinate your testing and treatment. In the past, doctors had recommended that people with diverticular disease (diverticulosis or diverticulitis) avoid hard-to-digest foods such as nuts, corn, popcorn, and seeds, for fear that these foods would get stuck in the diverticula and lead to inflammation. include protected health information. It also is important to make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Its an infection of the diverticula. Weve got fresh new ideas about how to lead a healthier life! Ice pops. Most vegetables, such as green beans, sweet potatoes, and carrots, Chicken, fish, and other sources of lean protein, Any fried toppings, such as deep-fried shrimp, High-fat dairy products (try low-fat alternatives, like almond milk), Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and other similar veggies, Onion, garlic, peppers, and other spicy foods, High-fat meats that may worsen your outbreak. This diet prohibits the consumption of solid foods. Diverticulitis. Have you been postponing a colonoscopy? Can you eat tomato sauce with diverticulitis? By creating platforms and opportunities that allow us to come together, we can begin to know and understand each other. However, avoid red meats and pork as they are tougher on the digestive system. Fiber softens and adds bulk to stools, helping them pass more easily through your colon. Lets take a deep look at whether it is safe to eat pizza with this condition, what ingredients you should avoid, and other related topics. Applesauce is also rich in pectin to help prevent symptoms of diarrhea and nausea. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but although both conditions fall under the umbrella of diverticular disease, they're vastly different. Butter and margarine, plain cream cheese, gravy, mayonnaise, smooth salad dressings, plain sour cream, vegetable oils, sauces made from allowed ingredients. Instead, increase your intake slowly over a period of two weeks to give your body time to adjust to your new diet. Foods such as these have been linked to diverticula inflammation and adhesion. Flounder, salmon, crappie, or bass? I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time. If you have diverticulitis once, you may experience it again in the future, so prevention is key. by Edward-Elmhurst Health. Dairy: (avoid or limit if you have an allergy or sensitivity): low-fat milk, yogurt without nuts, fruit or granola, cheddar or Parmesan cheese, and cottage cheese. Actually, no specific foods are known to trigger diverticulitis attacks. Once a flare up eases a bit, your doctor may ease up on dietary restrictions by advising you to switch to an all-liquid diet. If youre following a clear liquid diet, after your condition improves, your doctor may recommend slowly adding low fiber foods back into your diet, building up to a high fiber diet. Once the symptoms ease a bit more, you may be advised to begin an extremely low-fiber diet to further limit bowel movements until the attack is completely gone. A lighter or simpler pizza may make it easier to enjoy three slices, though it is a bad idea to eat much more than that. All About FODMAPs: Who Should Avoid Them and How? If the pouches become inflamed or infected and diverticulitis does develop, it's likely that you'll experience some uncomfortable digestive symptoms. Eating a high-fiber meal reduces your chances of getting heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. From offering tips on managing chronic conditions to the latest in health news, Alot Health is a leader in wellness information. Talk to your doctor in order to find out more about what you can eat when you have diverticulitis. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Diverticulitis is the flare up or attack of symptoms caused by an attack to the diverticula. privacy practices. In the past, doctors used to recommend avoiding nuts, popcorn, and seeds. The average adult eating a 2,000-calorie diet needs at least 28 grams of fiber each day. That gives your intestines a chance to rest and heal. Some people may find that avoiding certain food helps. Without the fiber intake, pressure builds in the colon wall and after a period of time, the weak points balloon up creating diverticuli. Here are some to start with: If youre not sure what you should or shouldnt be eating when you have diverticulitis, talk with a dietician or health care professional and see what they suggest. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the Other ingredients that you should consider on your pizza include: Try to focus on eating healthy toppings like these instead of those that may trigger problematic diverticulitis outbreaks. For example, for a 2,000-calorie diet, the fiber recommendation is 28 grams per day. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Sorry, an error occurred. (2016). Any foods that are hard to break down can bring on another attack of diverticulitis by aggravating the intestinal track. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Acute attacks characterized by severe pain or infection may necessitate hospitalization. Can you eat cheese with diverticular? Water helps your body use fiber to keep your stools soft and bulky. More-severe cases typically require hospitalization. It Our experts appeared on ABC7 Chicago's Windy City Live to talk about how to prevent cardiovascular disease and help Eleven years ago, five families fell into a friendship after participating in a birthing class at Edward Hospital Edward-Elmhurst Health is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Its important to discuss how food may heal or aggravate your condition. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 20202025, plan meals with the right amount of fiber, www.dietaryguidelines.gov/resources/2020-2025-dietary-guidelines-online-materials/food-sources-select-nutrients/food-0, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 1/2 cup of ready-to-eat cereal, high fiber, unsweetened, 1/2 cup of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), cooked. If diverticulitis is confirmed, your doctor may recommend a specialized diet (along with other treatments, if necessary) during your flare-up. The gastroenterologists at Edward-Elmhurst Health are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive health issues. Research shows that people who eat a Western-style diet (pizza, fast food, and sweets) tend to have more bouts of diverticulitis. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). So can you eat spaghetti with diverticulitis? Diverticular disease is a gastrointestinal disease that occurs when pouchescalled diverticulaform along the digestive tract, usually near or in the colon. Thats thanks to its grains and other healthy ingredients. Whole milk, whipped cream and coffee creamers that are nondairy can potentially irritate your stomach if you have diverticulitis. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 20202025. Diverticulitis is a painful intestinal swelling that can cause digestive problems that may cause other related health concerns. (2017). What should I cook for someone with diverticulitis? The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. So leave a comment below to let us know how you manage your diverticulitis outbreaks! Your doctor may recommend eating more foods that are high in fiber. Nutrition Care Manual. Straining can ultimately lead to small pouches in the colon (diverticulitis). Pain and cramping on the lower left side of your belly (most common, but not always). Yes, you should be able to eat spaghetti with diverticulitis since it is a low residue diet. Though more research is needed, future studies are likely to support modulating gut bacteria through a high fiber diet and probiotic supplementation. However, those who eat more fiber foods experience fewer problems from diverticulosis. Constipation is typically caused by a deficiency of fiber in the diet or insufficient exercise. 9th edition. 801 S. Washington Street, Naperville, Illinois 60540, 155 E. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health - Main Inpatient Campus, 852 South West Street, Naperville, Illinois 60540, 2023 Edward-Elmhurst Health. If you have diverticulitis, talk with your doctor about your food needs and food restrictions. ", American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: "Understanding Diverticulosis", Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Diverticular Disease", UCSF Health: "Diverticular Disease and Diet", National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: "Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Diverticular Disease", Harvard Health Publishing: "Rethinking Fiber and Hydration Can Lead to Better Colon Health", Clear juices, like apple, cranberry and grape (with no pulp), Fruit (with the skin, if you can tolerate it). As a result, the amount of undigested material passing through your large intestine is limited and stool bulk is lessened. Reduce your fiber intake for a few days if you have bloating or gas. Click here for an email preview. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on LINK. According to mayoclinic.com, well-cooked vegetables with the skin and seeds removed are more easily digested. The root of diverticulitis is unknown, therefore there is no specific list of foods to eat in order to ease symptoms. If youre wondering whether you can still eat pizza and your favorite treats with diverticulosis, the answer can vary depending on the severity of your condition. This allows your bowel to rest and recover. While this article went in depth into foods to avoid with diverticulitis, you are probably wondering what you can eat. Current time: 03/05/2023 02:45:49 a.m. UTC Your doctor may prescribe a low-fiber diet if: As your digestive system returns to normal, you usually can slowly add more fiber back into your diet. You can incorporate vegetables into your meals or serve soup, salad, or cooked vegetables on the side; gradually increasing your fiber intake; and consuming enough fluids in conjunction with the high fiber foods. The increased pressure (and straining to go to the bathroom that's associated with constipation) can lead to diverticulosis.