by Miles F. Adler, M.D.

No one expects a car to travel 100 miles when the tank only has enough gas to go 50. And yet, most Americans take in only half the amount of one substance they need for long-term good health: fiber.

While the Food and Drug Administration recommends that adults consume 20 to 35 grams of fiber every day, studies show the average person actually only consumes 14 to 15 grams daily.

By not eating enough fiber many Americans are setting themselves up for a number of painful conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract. These conditions range from constipation and diarrhea to diverticulosis, colitis, Crohn’s disease and colorectal cancer.

Besides getting the recommended amount of fiber by eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, it is also important to know the signs of gastrointestinal disease.

Diseases of the Colon… and Treatments

When it comes to gastrointestinal health, these are the major problems affecting the colon:

Constipation is a common digestive problem in the U.S., and a diet high in bran can often relieve or prevent it. Ideally, fiber – and water – intake should be increased gradually because fiber absorbs liquid. While anyone may experience occasional constipation or diarrhea, immediate medical care is advised when these conditions are accompanied by severe abdominal pain and unremitting high fever. Patients should seek immediate medical attention whenever there is bleeding from the anus during a bowel movement, and not dismiss it as hemorrhoids.

Diverticulosis is a chronic condition affecting as much as half the population over 50 and nearly two-thirds of those in their 80s, and is largely due to a low-fiber diet. Symptoms include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, altered bowel patterns, and abdominal gas. Doctors use sigmoidoscopies, barium enemas, or colonoscopies to diagnose diverticulosis.

When little pouches – called diverticuli – form in the weakest part of the colon wall, it indicates diverticulosis. If the pouches become infected and there is persistent abdominal pain associated with fever, the diverticulosis is said to turn into diverticulitis. A blood test to check for infection or a CT scan can confirm the existence of diverticulitis, which is treated with antibiotics. Surgery and a temporary colostomy may be needed if diverticulitis goes unchecked.

Colitis is a chronic inflammation of the large intestine. A patient with this condition has an increased risk of colorectal cancer and other problems can arise such as weight loss, fistulas and fissures. Symptoms may include bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain, and it is diagnosed through a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or x-rays. Mild colitis may respond to antidiarrheal medication and dietary changes, while more severe cases require prescription medications.

Crohn’s disease is similar to colitis in that it affects the lining of the colon wall, causing deep sores or ulcers. While its cause is unknown, genetic or environmental factors may play a role. Crohn’s patients may be given sulfa-based drugs or steroids such as prednisone.

Colon cancer may be revealed through early warning signs such as bleeding during bowel movements, a change in bowel patterns, difficult elimination, and pencil-thin or black tarry stools. The majority of colorectal cancers develop first as polyps, which are abnormal growths inside the colon or rectum. Early detection of colon cancer with a colonoscopy is important because it can immediately remove any polyps found during the exam.

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Dr. Adler is a board-certified internist, specializing in gastroenterology, and is affiliated with Eden Medical Center. For more information call 1-888-445-8433.