Is it OK to do Heavy Weight-lifting with Diverticulitis?

Question: I have recently been diagnosed with diverticulitis. I had an attack and I am currently trying to modify my diet to prevent any further occurrences.

I am concerned that after an attempted colonoscopy the Dr. told me that my case was “severe” in both the number and size of the diverticuli (to the extent he could not perform the procedure and sent me for x-rays instead.)

Are there any risks involved in continuing to train heavy or is there concern I should be aware of? He spoke of a weakened colon wall and I envision the internal pressure created when squatting or dead-lifting heavy possibly injuring the colon. Is this possible?

Thank you in advance for any information you can give me on the matter. Barry

Answer: Although I’m rather familiar with diverticulitis, I don’t claim to be an expert in the area.  So make sure to ask your doctor prior to making any changes to your training (or nutrition) program.

I do see your point about internal pressure with heavy lifting. However, if I have my thinking cap on straight, in addition to some pressure going from the inside of the colon out, the internal pressure created from the Valsalva maneuver would put pressure on the colon from the outside (abdomen) in toward the center of the colon.

I know this occurs to an extent with arteries which helps negate the increase in blood pressure when lifting. If it occurs around the colon as well, then reasonable lifting should not normally be a problem. (I say normally because anything can cause anything.)

If you do lift, just make sure to avoid creating excess internal pressure by excessively holding your breath.  Instead, use the Valsalva maneuver as it was intended as I describe in this Q & A on Lifting with High Blood Pressure.

There is one definite benefit to lifting weights with diverticulitis – it tends to speed bowel transit time – which is a good thing for those with diverticulitis.

However, please run all this by a “GI guy” (your doctor) before resuming lifting. And if/when I found out if my theory is, in fact, correct, then you all will be the first to know.

All the best,
Dr Clay