DEAR DR. GOTT:
For about four years, I have been battling with 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, antibiotics, and 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.

DEAR READER:
Diverticulitis can occur in individuals 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% of adult Americans over 40 have diverticulosis. That number jumps to more than 50% 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 10-25% of individuals 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.

In my opinion, you are one of the unfortunate individuals who experiences gastrointestinal upset and distress from artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols. From your brief note and apparent remission of the condition with the cessation of non-sugar sweeteners, your symptoms were not caused by diverticulitis.

According to an article entitled “Artificial Sweeteners” (written by B. Kovacs, MS, RD and edited by W.C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR) 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 FDA 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, known cancer-causing agents. The author goes on to say that since sweeteners are not necessary for bodily health, they only serve to please our sweet tooth.

For those who would like to read the article I mentioned I direct you to www.MedicineNet.com. This website is part of the WebMD network which is produced by more than 70 US board certified physicians. These physicians have also partnered with Webster’s to write the “Webster’s New World™ Medical Dictionary”.

I applaud your ability to find the cause of your symptoms and take responsibility for your own health. Most individuals do not have such profound symptoms and sweeteners, when used in moderation are considered to be safe. However, for those 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. Over-ripe 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 items. It provides all the sweetness of sugar without the guilt!

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Diverticular Disease” and “Constipation and Diarrhea”. Other readers w ho would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 (per report) to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).