Prevention of diverticulitis focuses on which lifestyle measures?

• A. High fiber diet, daily fluids, and exercise
• B. Low fiber diet, dehydration avoidance
• C. High fat, red meat restricted
• D. Complete bed rest

Answer: (A)

Prevention hinges on keeping stools soft and easy to pass and avoiding straining. A high-fiber diet adds bulk and helps retain water in the stool, which lowers intraluminal pressure in the colon. Adequate daily fluids support softer stools, reducing constipation. Regular exercise improves bowel motility and further lowers the chance of constipation, all of which helps prevent diverticula from forming and becoming inflamed.

Low-fiber diets increase risk by promoting constipation and higher colonic pressure, dehydration promotes hard stools, and complete bed rest doesn’t address bowel function. While restricting fat and red meat may have other health benefits, they are not as central to preventing diverticulitis as fiber, fluids, and exercise.