Video: Study contradicts diverticulosis diet

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SEATTLE – People who have a common intestinal condition called diverticulosis are warned to avoid popcorn, nuts and corn because those foods may increase the risk of serious complications. But a new study finds that’s not true after all.

After age 60, half of the U.S. population will develop diverticulosis, which are small pockets that form in the colon. If infected, they can lead to a more serious condition called diverticulitis.

"Diverticulitis is a real medical condition. It can be serious. It can lead to operations, surgery, colon perforations, death even in rare instances,” said Dr. Sapna Syngal, Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Dr. Syngal and her colleagues analyzed data from more than 47,000 men over a period of 18 years. Their findings came as a surprise.

"The people who had higher intakes of nuts and popcorn had a lower rate of diverticulitis. So, it actually went against what has been believed for a long period of time,” said Syngal.

Based on their findings, they believe it’s unnecessary to give up popcorn, nuts or corn.

"I think the question is, what can you do to avoid complications and we don't have the exact answers to that right now,” said Syngal.

Researchers think the findings may also hold true for women, but they cannot say for sure until further studies are conducted.

The study appears in this week’s journal of the American Medical Association.