You can prevent diverticulitis!

Mayo Clinic researchers say diverticulitis—small pouches that form in the intestinal wall, then become inflamed and often infected—is one of the most common digestive problems nationwide! And while these painful “tummy aches” used to affect mostly the elderly, they’re now a growing problem for younger women. Can you avoid diverticulitis— or prevent flareups if you’ve had it before? Yes! The keys: ● Preventing trouble with D People who live near the equator are 51% less likely to develop diverticulitis, Harvard research shows. “That’s because strong sun exposure helps your skin produce vitamin D, which keeps the lining of your intestinal tract healthy so troublesome pouches don’t form,” says Boston University professor of medicine Michael Holick, M.D. Not interested in moving to the tropics? Get the same great protection by supplementing with 3,000 IU of vitamin D-3 daily! ● Getting popcorn protection Used to be that folks who worried about diverticulitis were told to avoid popcorn since the kernels were thought to inflame existing pockets. Not any more! Turns out, popcorn creates more polyphenols than any other food— and polyphenols are proven to heal and strengthen the lining of your digestive tract so weak spots and pouches never form! In fact, University of Washington research shows that women who snack on four cups of air-popped popcorn weekly are 27% less likely to develop diverticulitis. ● Cutting the risk with motion Walking for 30 minutes daily, and standing every hour for 60 seconds if you’re usually seated, cuts your odds of diverticulitis 30%, reports the American Journal of Gastroenterology. The more active you are, the faster food moves through your intestines, reducing damaging pressure on delicate tissues.

● Speeding healing with citrus Eating a cup of citrus each day lessens diverticulitis risk 33%, experts say. Citrus’ vitamin C, bioflavonoids and plant acids enhance healing if your intestines become inflamed.