Diverticuli are outpouchings within the wall of the colon. This image shows multiple diverticuli within the colonic wall. The issue with diverticuli are: ☝️that they can bleed, causing blood loss in the stool, and ✌️ that they can become infected and inflamed, causing some serious belly pain and fevers, which we call diverticulitis. . Within the wall of the colon, there exists a smooth muscular layer 💪 that contracts to move intestinal products along. Diverticuli are thought to occur when this muscular wall is overly strained, needing to squeeeze 😬 intestinal products through. When does this happen?? Well, diets low in fiber (particularly a high meat and low fiber combo 👊) can lead to particularly tough stool, increasing intra-colonic pressure and the subsequent risk for diverticuli development. Those on purely plant-based diets for instance, which are inherently higher in fiber content, have a significantly lower incidence of diverticuli. The important point here is to be mindful of fiber intake - 30 grams of fiber a day 🍎🍐🍊 is a great number to shoot for! . An apple a day (or 2 or 3 😄) really does keep the doctor away! 🍏 . 📝 David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA lecture slides, 2013