Is It Diverticular Disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Learn how diverticular disease can present irritable bowel syndrome symptoms

With diverticular disease, diverticula, or pockets, develop in the colon when there is inadequate roughage in the diet. Feces accumulating in these pockets can result in irritation of the colon, ulceration, and even bleeding—all similar to irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Generally the only sure way to rule out diverticular disease is through a barium enema. If bleeding and ulceration hasn't become a problem it can be treated and often reversed with a high fiber diet. I've found that colonics in the initial stages of treatment, followed by replenishing the proper bacteria flora of the colon, work well when used in conjunction with a high-fiber diet.

More Dr. Williams Advice on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• What causes irritable bowel syndrome?
• Common conventional medical treatments for irritable bowel syndrome
• My all-natural irritable bowel syndrome treatment plan