Recent Blog Articles
Tinnitus: Ringing or humming in your ears? Sound therapy is one option
Naps: Make the most of them and know when to stop them
Making holiday shopping decisions quicker and with less stress
Yoga for weight loss: Benefits beyond burning calories
Embryo donation: One possible path after IVF
How to stay strong and coordinated as you age
Acupuncture relieves prostatitis symptoms in study
Skin in the game: Two common skin problems and solutions for men
Anti-inflammatory food superstars for every season
Harvard Health Ad Watch: An upbeat ad for a psoriasis treatment
Staying Healthy
Battle of the bulges
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Take these steps to avoid ailments that afflict your colon.
As you age, there’s a good chance you’ll develop diverticulosis, a condition that affects the walls of your colon. In fact, about 58% of people over 60 have diverticulosis, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Diverticulosis occurs when tiny bulges (called diverticula) form in weak areas of your colon’s inner wall. These bulges occur naturally over time, but certain conditions and lifestyle habits can accelerate the process. For instance, people with frequent constipation or irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to develop diverticulosis, especially at an earlier age.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
You might also be interested in…
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
In this guide, we will explain how diverticular disease can appear with little or no warning. We’ll show you how to tell when you may be having symptoms and give you steps you can take to keep the problem from developing in the walls of your colon in the first place, including tips on maintaining a healthy, high-fiber diet. We’ll explore the more common diverticulosis, then go into detail about the more serious diverticulitis, offering insight into treatments for both, as well as self-help and prevention strategies
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
