Refined carbohydrate, smooth-muscle spasm and disease of the colon.

A diet high in refined carbohydrate is implicated in the aetiology of some diseases of the colon-i.e., diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, non-occlusive ischaemic colitis, and pseudomembranous colitis. It is suggested that spasm of the smooth muscle is the common pathogenetic mechanism in these colonic diseases. The strength of the spasm producing increased pressure in the colonic lumen or wall and the length of time for which the colon has been affected are believed to determine the type of disease resulting. A diet high in refined carbohydrate allows the intense muscle spasm to occur because the physical buffering effect of faecal bulk is considerably reduced.