Red Meat May Cause Diverticulitis; Men's Risk Higher?

A new study reveals that "red meat" can cause an inflammatory bowel condition. This condition is also called the diverticulitis.

A study was done to men who eat "red meat." Those men that are served six or more red meat weekly are 58 percent more likely to develop the condition. This has been a 26-year study. Those men who are served an average of 1.2 servings weekly are less inclined to diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis happens when the wall of the gut bulges from its original position. This forms a sac which is called the diverticulum. The sac gets inflamed and most of the time it happens in the large intestine. Severe cases of diverticulitis need surgery and intravenous antibiotics.

Additionally, the men who have high-risk for diverticulitis are the ones who smoke, consumed a high level of fat, does not usually work out and those who consumed lower levels of fiber. The data collected for the study show that even one serving of unprocessed red meat may lead to the condition.

The researchers of the study note that the conclusion that has been taken from the observation still needs more investigation. However, it is still safe to be on a healthy diet to prevent such conditions in the body to occur.

Meanwhile, a report indicates that the reason for the condition may be that the bacteria in the gut gets affected. Once it is affected it will then alter the immune system and will further irritate the gut lining. The meat needs to be cooked on higher temperature to prevent the condition to occur.

The lifestyle of the patient may also have a significant effect on the condition. Red meat may be substituted with other food that is healthier to decrease the risk of diverticulitis. The best thing to be done to is practically live healthy and eat healthy.