Reader gets to the root of gastrointestinal distress

Q: For about four years, I have been battling what I consider chronic diverticulitis that was diagnosed by MRI. During one of the past four years, I had a flare-up every nine weeks. I was put on antibiotics each time and was finally told to see a surgeon. This cycling made me think that surgery was not the answer (for me, at least), and I began looking into dietary supplements. I took Xango for over a year, and it seemed to keep the diverticulitis in check for a while. Then I was back to flare-ups and antibiotics, and I was again told to see a surgeon.

One day, while chewing gum that contained an artificial sweetener, I felt mild GI distress. Later that day, I drank some diet soda and again experienced the same distress. About that time, the light went on. Stop the artificial sweeteners! I did, and it's been almost a year now without any flare-ups, complications or symptoms from my diverticulitis. What a blessing!

True diverticulitis is probably not caused (or affected) by artificial sweeteners, but it's worth a try. By listening to my body, I've been able to avoid surgery.

A: Diverticulitis can occur in people with diverticulosis. Diverticulosis is generally a harmless condition of the colon that causes small pouches to bulge outward in weakened areas. It is estimated that about 10 percent of adult Americans over 40 have diverticulosis. That number jumps to more than 50 percent in those over 60. Diverticulitis occurs when some or all of the pouches become infected or inflamed. This condition is relatively uncommon, affecting only about 10 percent to 25 percent of people with diverticulosis.

Because most people with diverticulosis do not have any symptoms, they go undiagnosed. Some may experience mild cramping, constipation and bloating. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor to rule out other conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, stomach ulcers and more.

Symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain or tenderness (often on the lower left side). If the cause is infection, vomiting, cramping, constipation, chills, nausea and fever may be present. If inflammation is the cause, fever, chills and vomiting are generally not present. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. He or she will most likely prescribe antibiotics, bed rest and pain medication for severe cases.

Your case is more complicated. To the best of my knowledge, diverticular disease is not caused by artificial sweeteners. However, you were positively diagnosed with diverticulosis by MRI. I believe that this may be an inconsequential finding in your situation. Antibiotics did not seem to help when you were having flare-ups every nine weeks.

You are one of the unfortunate people who experiences gastrointestinal upset and distress from artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols. Your symptoms do not appear to have been caused by diverticulitis.

According to an article titled Artificial Sweeteners, written by Dr. Betty Kovacs and edited by Dr. William C. Shiel Jr., all artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols can cause gastrointestinal upset. While reading the article, it also became apparent to me that despite claims made by thousands of consumers, the Food and Drug Administration has failed to follow up these claims with more scientific research. Furthermore, most of the substances in the sweeteners are unhealthful and in some cases are known cancer-causing agents. The author goes on to say that since sweeteners are not necessary for health, they serve only to please our sweet tooth.

To read the article, visit www.medicinenet.com/artificial_sweeteners/article.htm. This Web site is part of the WebMD network, which is produced by more than 70 U.S. board-certified physicians.

I applaud your ability to find the cause of your symptoms and take responsibility for your health. Most people do not have such profound symptoms. Sweeteners, when used in moderation, are considered to be safe. However, for people who do not wish to use them but don't want to use sugar, either, there are several options. Fructose is natural fruit sugar. It is as sweet as table sugar but is not detrimental to diets. Overripe fruit and dried fruits are abundant in fructose. Try making a "syrup" by blending hot water, dried figs, dates and/or raisins to pour over hot cereal, French toast or other foods.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my health reports "Diverticular Disease" and "Constipation and Diarrhea." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 (per report) to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).