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Many people have small pouches in their colons that bulge outward through weak spots. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. About 10% of Americans older than age 40 years have diverticulosis, which, when the pouches become infected or inflamed, is called diverticulitis. The main cause of diverticular disease is a low-fiber diet.
Serum cholesterol testing in adults is recommended every 1 to 5 years. People with diabetes and a family history of high cholesterol should be tested even more frequently.
Eat fiber! A diet high in fiber can help lower cholesterol levels by as much as 10%.
Human stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve small pieces of metal such as razor blades or staples.
In most cases, kidneys can recover from almost complete loss of function, such as in acute kidney (renal) failure.