Sweeteners may cause flare-up

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. 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.

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.

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 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.