A diet high in fiber and water can help prevent several diseases that attack the gastrointestinal system.

Diverticulitis

This disease is characterized by pouches that form in the wall of the colon from pressure exerted on weak spots. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea.

A diet low in fiber forces the colon to work harder, exerting more pressure on the walls as stool is moved through. Stool remaining in the bowel longer also exerts more pressure. A high-fiber diet is often recommended for people with this condition.

Gallstones

As tiny as a grain of sand, or as big as a walnut, gallstones are bits of cholesterol in the bile. Symptoms depend on the number and size of gallstones.

If they move into and block ducts that connect the gallbladder, pancreas, and liver with the intestines, they create pain, infection, and organ damage. Symptoms include pain in the upper right belly, which can spread to the back and shoulder. It may or may not be severe, and it may feel worse after meals.

Keeping at a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet high in fiber and calcium, with limited saturated fat and cholesterol, can reduce risk of gallstones.

Ulcers

Ulcers are sores on the inner lining of the stomach and upper small intestine (the duodenum). The protective layer of the stomach is broken down and irritated by gastric juices, which include hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin.

Symptoms, which can come and go, include abdominal pain, burning and aching of the belly, back pain, bloating, and nausea after meals. Alcohol slows the healing of ulcers and increases symptoms. Remedies include ending tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol consumption and reducing stress.