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Diverticulitis: Risk Factors and Recurrence
Lifestyle
Did you know that physical activity does more than help maintain fitness or support cardiovascular health? It also plays an important role in digestive health. As mentioned in the previous section, moving regularly can help stimulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. But its benefits do not stop there. Several studies have also found that physically active individuals tend to have a lower risk of diverticulitis and diverticular complications.
On the other hand, certain lifestyle factors appear to increase this risk. Sedentary behavior, smoking, and obesity have all been associated with a higher likelihood of developing diverticulitis or experiencing complications. These factors may influence digestive health in several ways, including promoting inflammation, altering the intestinal microbiota, or affecting intestinal motility.
The good news? Even small changes can make a difference. Adding more movement to your daily routine by walking, cycling, gardening, or practicing any physical activity you enjoy can support digestive health while providing many other health benefits.
Stress and Digestive Health
Stress often feels like something that mainly affects the mind but the digestive system can feel its effects as well. The digestive tract is closely connected to the nervous system through what is known as the gut–brain axis. This constant communication between the brain and the intestines helps explain why certain emotions or stressful periods can influence digestion. For some people, stress may alter intestinal motility, increase digestive sensitivity, or trigger symptoms such as bloating or abdominal pain.
This does not mean that stress directly causes diverticulitis. However, it may contribute to digestive imbalance and worsen certain gastrointestinal symptoms. Researchers are therefore increasingly interested in the possible role of stress and psychological factors in digestive health, although their precise link with diverticulitis flare-ups is still being studied.
Certain Medications
When discussing diverticulitis, we often focus on diet or lifestyle, but some medications can also influence digestive health. Several studies have identified an association between the use of certain medications and a higher risk of diverticulitis or diverticular complications. Among the medications most often mentioned in the scientific literature are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and corticosteroids.
These medications may affect the digestive system in different ways. For example, some may irritate the intestinal lining, alter the immune response, or slow intestinal transit. In certain situations, these effects may contribute to a more fragile digestive balance.
This does not mean that these medications should be avoided. In many cases, they are essential for treating other medical conditions. It is therefore important never to stop or modify a treatment without first discussing it with a doctor or pharmacist.
Author
Lyna is a McGill University–trained registered dietitian and has been a member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ) since 2020. Through several years of varied clinical experience, she has developed a strong interest in science-based nutrition that is meant to be understood and applied in everyday life. Always with her glass of mint tea, she enjoys making complex nutrition concepts clear, practical, and accessible. She is particularly interested in the development of tools and projects with a broad positive impact, supporting informed and sustainable food choices.
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