Diverticulosis is a condition in which small, bulging pouches (diverticuli) form inside the lower part of the intestine, usually in the colon. Constipation and straining during bowel movements can worsen the condition. A diet rich in fiber can help keep stools soft and prevent inflammation. Show
Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches in the colon become infected or inflamed. Dietary changes can help the colon heal. Fiber is an important part of the diet for patients with diverticulosis. A high-fiber diet softens and gives bulk to the stool, allowing it to pass quickly and easily. Diet for DiverticulosisEat a high-fiber diet when you have diverticulosis. Fiber softens the stool and helps prevent constipation. It also can help decrease pressure in the colon and help prevent flare-ups of diverticulitis. High-fiber foods include:
If you currently don't have a diet high in fiber, you should add fiber gradually. This helps avoid bloating and abdominal discomfort. The target is to eat 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily. Drink at least 8 cups of fluid daily. Fluid will help soften your stool. Exercise also promotes bowel movement and helps prevent constipation. When the colon is not inflamed, eat popcorn, nuts and seeds as tolerated. Diet for DiverticulitisDuring flare ups of diverticulitis, follow a clear liquid diet. Your doctor will let you know when to progress from clear liquids to low fiber solids and then back to your normal diet. A clear liquid diet means no solid foods. Juices should have no pulp. During the clear liquid diet, you may consume:
When you're able to eat solid food, choose low fiber foods while healing. Low fiber foods include:
After symptoms improve, usually within two to four days, you may add 5 to 15 grams of fiber a day back into your diet. Resume your high fiber diet when you no longer have symptoms.
Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when pouches in the colon (called diverticula) become inflamed or infected. The symptoms of diverticulitis are often mild, but sometimes they can be quite severe and require emergency treatment. To help you avoid these symptoms, today we’re discussing what triggers diverticulitis flare-ups, namely specific kinds of foods to avoid with diverticulitis. What Is DiverticulitisIf a patient does not consume enough fiber and water, their stool can become hard and harder to pass through the colon. By working harder, the muscles exert more pressure on the colon wall, causing it to bulge and form pouches. In medical terms, these pouches are called diverticula. In most cases, these pouches remain asymptomatic. However there are a number of uncomfortable diverticulitis symptoms that can be caused by these inflamed pouches, including cramps, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and rectal bleeding. Foods To Avoid If You Have DiverticulitisThere are certain foods to avoid with diverticulosis. Here is a list of the top ones: High FODMAP FoodsFODMAPs are carbohydrates. It stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Low FODMAP diets might help some people with diverticulitis. Why? According to research, a low FODMAP diet may help prevent high pressure in the colon, thus preventing or correcting diverticulitis. You should avoid the following foods:
Red & Processed MeatIf you’ve noticed that your diverticulitis symptoms often act up after a steak dinner, this may be another trigger to avoid. Studies have found that consuming red and processed meats (such as beef, pork, and lamb) could increase your risk of developing diverticulitis, or aggravate your symptoms if you already have it. Foods High In Sugar & FatHigh fat, sugar, and low fiber Western diets may also increase the risk of diverticulitis. Foods that may prevent diverticulitis or reduce its symptoms include:
Other Foods & DrinksNuts, popcorn, and many seeds used to be recommended by doctors to be avoided because they thought the tiny particles from these foods might cause infection in the pouches. In some older studies, alcohol consumption has also been linked to diverticulitis. Diverticulitis Treatment In Tampa Bay, FLIn the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, we are trained in minimally invasive techniques to handle all colon surgeries. The result is less pain, and shorter hospital stays. If you think you might be suffering from diverticulitis, get in touch with the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, and we'll help you diagnose and treat it.
Research suggests that a diet low in fiber and high in red meat may increase your risk of getting diverticulitis—inflammation of one or a few pouches in the wall of your colon. Eating high-fiber foods and eating less red meat may lower the risk. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025, recommends a dietary fiber intake of 14 grams per 1,000 calories consumed. For example, for a 2,000-calorie diet, the fiber recommendation is 28 grams per day. What should I eat and drink if I have diverticular disease?If you have chronic symptoms of diverticular disease or if you had diverticulitis in the past, your doctor may recommend eating more foods that are high in fiber. Talk with a health care professional, such as your doctor or a dietitian, to plan meals with the right amount of fiber for you. Health care professionals may recommend increasing the amount of fiber you eat a little at a time, so your body gets used to the change. The amount of fiber in a portion of food is listed on the food’s Nutrition Facts label. Some examples of fiber-rich foods are listed in the table below. Examples of fiber-rich foods
Should I avoid certain foods if I have diverticulosis or diverticular disease?Most people with diverticulosis or diverticular disease do not need to avoid specific foods. In the past, doctors used to recommend avoiding nuts, popcorn, and seeds. However, more recent research suggests that these foods are not harmful to people with diverticulosis or diverticular disease. If you have diverticulosis or diverticular disease, talk with your doctor about whether you should change what you eat and drink. |