Diverticular disease is a condition caused by low fiber intake, strained stools, and constipation that occurs over a long period of time (Peaston). Straining stools can cause small pouches or bags called diverticula to form, called colonic diverticulosis. A person is not diagnosed with diverticular disease when diverticula form in the colon, but when the diverticula cause lower abdominal pain (Peaston). 10 to 25 percent of Americans diagnosed with diverticular disease have developed diverticulitis, a more serious stage of diverticular disease (Meerscharet). Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticulum becomes infected with bacteria or is inflamed and requires immediate medical surgical intervention (Peaston). According to Jill Peaston, diverticula normally form in weak areas of the intestinal lining or, according to Meerschaert, in the colon wall. When you suffer from constipation, the wall of the colon or the lining of the intestines puts a strain on it. According to Meerscharet, diverticular disease was first discovered in the United States, where it is common to consume low amounts of fiber in the diet. Meerscharet also exclaims that diverticular disease is rare in countries like Asia and Africa because residents of these countries consume large amounts of fiber in their diet. The amount of fiber a person consumes can determine whether or not they will develop diverticular disease. Diverticular disease is a common intestinal disease (Tufts University) that Americans are at high risk of getting due to the low amount of fiber in their diet. Without enough fiber in the diet, it can be difficult to pass feces from the body. Not only does low fiber consumption lead to di...... middle of paper ...... rams for men (Meerscharet). Below, I've provided a seven-day meal plan that focuses on fiber-rich foods. and total 1,500 calories per day. Works Cited “Diverticular disease on the rise”. Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter 16.8 (1998): 6. Agricola. Internet. November 25, 2013. Meerschaert, Carol. “Fill them with fiber.” The Dietitian Today 13.12 (2011): 26-28. CINAHL finished. Internet. November 25, 2013. Peaston, Jill. “Diverticular disease.” Chemist and Druggist 277.6819 (2012): 16-19. CINAHL finished. Internet. November 25, 2013. “Vegetables and fiber linked to lower risk of diverticulitis.” » Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter 29.9 (2011): 1-2. CINAHL finished. Internet. November 25, 2013. Seibert, Andrew, MD. Diverticulitis Slideshow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for Diverticulitis.(2011)