Diverticulosis, or diverticular disease, is a condition where the colon contains bulging sacs or diverticula. Many people have this condition without knowing it and only discover it after a routine colonoscopy or when it advances into diverticulitis — when one or more of the sacs become inflamed or infected.

Following a diverticulosis diet now will help you feel healthier and possibly prevent you from acquiring the condition in the future. If you've already been diagnosed with the condition, it is imperative to follow a diverticulosis diet. The first thing to remember is to get plenty of fiber from a variety of sources. If this change will require a drastic change to your fiber intake, you'll need to be sure to incorporate the increased fiber slowly into your diet. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) suggests individuals consume anywhere from 20 to 35 grams (0.70 to 1.24 ounces) of fiber every day.

People from the US, England, and other developed countries, who tend to eat more processed foods which taste good but offer no benefit to our colon health or our overall well-being, tend to be more susceptible to diverticulosis. Those from less developed countries tend to have more fiber in their diets and therefore have a lower incidence of diverticulosis. Still, even for those in developed countries, it is easy to follow a diverticulosis diet by substituting fiber rich foods in our every day diets.

Wheat pasta, brown rice and wheat bread, for example, taste great and when pair them together with your favorite sauces or favorite lunch meat, you will barely know the difference between them and your traditional choices.

Whenever possible, eat fresh fruit instead of fruit-flavored snacks like fruit roll-ups or candy. Fruits with their skins on, such as grapes, berries or cherries, are typically a great source of fiber. Others fiber-rich fruits include bananas, prunes and raisins.

Vegetables are another great source of fiber. Try to incorporate vegetables into as many meals as possible. Spinach with your morning eggs, or broccoli with your chicken, are easy ways to follow a diverticulosis diet.

Beans are another great source of fiber and can be substituted for meat at least one night a week for dinner. Lima beans, kidney beans or pinto beans can be used to make a tasty stew. Alternatively, garbanzo beans are a great addition to salads.

Cereals can be another great fiber source. Since truly fiber-rich cereals tend to have questionable taste, you can mix it with your normal cereal until you get used to it.

It is also important to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, to keep your colon healthy. As with all diet alterations, these changes should be made gradually. Following a diverticulosis diet is a healthy choice but the increased fiber may cause excess bloating and gas until your body gets accustomed to it.

With these few, and relatively simple changes, you can follow a diverticulosis diet that will allow you to maintain your colon health and avoid getting diverticulosis or even worse, diverticulitis. Ask anyone who has ever suffered from diverticular disease and they will recommend that you follow these tips now to avoid a lot of pain in the future.