If you’re an adult living in the U.S., there’s a strong chance you may have a quiet, sneaky digestive condition developing—and not even know it.

This disease often causes no symptoms at all. But when symptoms do appear, there’s usually no mistaking that something is wrong.

We’re talking about diverticular disease.

Diverticular disease is an umbrella term that includes two related conditions: diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Below, we’ll break down what each one means, why rates are climbing so rapidly, and—most importantly—what you can do to help prevent them or manage symptoms if you’re already affected.

Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis: What’s the Difference?

Diverticulosis refers to the presence of small, pea-sized pouches (called diverticula) that form in the wall of the intestine.

It’s estimated that:

• About 35% of people under age 50 have diverticulosis

• Nearly 60% of adults over age 60 are affected

These pouches are usually “silent,” meaning they don’t cause noticeable symptoms. As a result, most people don’t realize they have diverticulosis unless it’s discovered during a routine colonoscopy.

Problems arise when these diverticula become inflamed or infected—a condition known as diverticulitis.

When diverticulitis strikes, it often does so suddenly and severely. Symptoms may include:

• Intense abdominal pain

• Fever and chills

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Rectal bleeding

For many people, diverticulitis can be completely debilitating.

Why Are Rates Skyrocketing?

Although diverticulosis is common today, it wasn’t always this way. In fact, prior to 1917, the condition was virtually unheard of.

So what changed?

The Modern Diet

Cases of diverticulosis began rising shortly after processed foods were introduced in the early 1900s. As diets shifted away from whole, natural foods and toward refined, fiber-poor products, digestive health took a serious hit.

Processed foods are notoriously difficult to digest and lack the natural fiber needed for healthy bowel movements. The result?

Poor digestion + low fiber = constipation.

Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements place excess pressure on the intestinal walls, which can eventually weaken them and contribute to diverticula formation.

Other factors that increase risk include:

• Overweight and obesity

• Chronic stress

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Prescription drug use—especially opiates, steroids, and NSAIDs, some of the most commonly prescribed medications

Diverticulitis Is Increasing—Even in Younger Adults

Not only is diverticulosis widespread, but diverticulitis is also on the rise.

Over the past 25 years, the overall incidence of diverticulitis (with or without hospitalization) has increased by more than 50%.

Once considered a condition of older age, diverticulitis is now appearing at alarming rates in people in their 30s and 40s. Even more concerning, younger individuals often experience more severe and complicated cases.

Conventional treatment options typically include:

• Antibiotics (which disrupt the gut microbiome and may worsen long-term digestive health)

• Partial bowel resection (surgical removal of affected sections)

• Full bowel resection with colostomy in severe cases

How You Can Support Digestive Health Naturally

The good news? Even if you already have diverticulosis or have experienced diverticulitis, there’s a lot you can do to support healing and prevent flare-ups.

It’s never too late to improve your digestive health.

1. Eat Real Food—and Make Digestion Easier

Do your body a favor and minimize:

• Processed and fast foods

• Vegetable and seed oils

• Refined carbohydrates and sugars

These foods promote inflammation, worsen constipation, feed harmful gut microbes, and disrupt microbiome balance.

Instead, focus on whole, nourishing foods such as:

• Fresh fruits

• Non-starchy vegetables (excluding corn and potatoes)

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Eggs and dairy

• Healthy fats like real butter (never margarine), avocado, and coconut oil

To further support digestion, structure meals in a way that’s easier on your GI tract. Aim to eat one concentrated food type per meal—either protein or starch—paired with plenty of vegetables or a tossed salad.

This simple strategy alone can dramatically improve bowel regularity and comfort.

2. Support and Rebuild Your Microbiome

The typical modern diet, combined with stress, medications, environmental toxins, and antibiotic use, can severely damage beneficial gut bacteria.

When digestion is impaired and refined carbohydrates dominate the diet, harmful bacteria thrive—leading to dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance.

An unhealthy microbiome not only compromises digestion and immune function, but also creates an ideal environment for diverticulitis flare-ups.

That’s why a high-quality probiotic like Super Shield Multi-Strain Probiotic Formula can be so beneficial.

Super Shield delivers:

• 15 billion CFU

• 15 diverse bacterial strains

This powerful formula helps restore balance to even the most distressed microbiome and supports overall intestinal health.

3. Get Moving—and Get Sweating

Lack of exercise is a significant contributor to diverticular disease.

The good news? You don’t need an intense workout routine to see benefits. Even brisk walking can help stimulate digestion and improve bowel function.

No more excuses—movement matters.

4. Consider Digestive Enzyme Support

While a healthy diet goes a long way, many people simply don’t produce enough digestive enzymes—especially:

• Adults over 50

• Those using acid-reducing medications

• Individuals who’ve had abdominal surgery or gallbladder removal

If enzyme deficiency may be part of the problem, Digestizol Max Enzyme Formula can provide valuable support.

Digestizol Max features:

• A complete blend of 15 plant-derived digestive enzymes

• Soothing, anti-inflammatory herbs like ginger, peppermint, and fennel

Together, these ingredients help your body fully break down meals and calm an inflamed intestinal tract.

Small Changes, Big Results

Just a few targeted changes can make a dramatic difference in how you feel day to day.

By supporting digestion, restoring gut balance, and addressing lifestyle factors that impact intestinal health, you give your body the tools it needs to heal.

See what a difference it can make—you won’t regret it.

To your health,
Sherry Brescia