The symptoms of diverticulitis can be influenced by what you
eat. Some foods can help with symptom prevention, while others can exacerbate a
Diverticulitis is one of the most common gastrointestinal
diagnoses in US clinics, according to an article in the journal
Gastroenterology. Antibiotics or surgery may be used in medical treatment.
During an acute flare-up of diverticulitis, doctors may
advise people to stick to a clear liquid diet. According to some research,
dietary changes such as increasing fiber and probiotics while avoiding certain
carbohydrates and red meat may help some people with diverticulitis symptoms.
This article goes over what foods to eat, what foods to
avoid, and other things to think about.
Can healthy diet help?
Diverticulitis is a condition in which the small pouches
called diverticula in the intestine become inflamed or infected. Abdominal
pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, constipation, and diarrhea are all symptoms
Diverticulosis is a condition in which a person's pouches
are not inflamed or infected, and they usually have no symptoms. Diverticulitis
affects less than 5% of people with diverticulosis, according to current
estimates Trusted Source.
Aging, increased fat around the abdomen, inactive
lifestyles, and poor diet, according to a 2018 review, are all risk factors for
According to the review, there
isn't enough high-quality research to determine which diets are beneficial for
acute diverticulitis. However, they did suggest that eating a high-fiber diet
after recovering from acute diverticulitis could lower the risk of recurrence.
- A perforation or abscess in the colon
- Peritonitis is an inflammation or infection of the lining of the stomach.
- A fistula is an unusual tunnel that connects two organs or an organ to the outside of the body.
- A stumbling block in the passage of food or stool through the intestines
Continue reading to learn more
about which foods to eat and which to avoid if you have diverticulitis.
A diet rich in fruits,
vegetables, and whole grains has been linked to a lower risk of diverticulitis
in men, according to one study.
high in fiber
A clear liquid diet has
traditionally been recommended by doctors for people suffering from acute
diverticulitis flare-ups. After that, they may switch to a low-fiber diet until
their symptoms improve. Once a person's symptoms have improved, some doctors
advise them to eat a high-fiber diet.
Dietary fiber intake of 14
grams (g) per 1,000 calories is recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans 2015–2020. Foods high in fiber include:
- Bran cereal with a high fiber content that is ready to eat
- Fruits, such as pear, avocado, apple, and prunes beans and pulses, such as navy beans, chickpeas, split peas, and lentils
- Green peas, potatoes, squash, and parsnips are examples of vegetables.
- Bulgur, quinoa, barley, and whole wheat are examples of grains.
The following are examples of
serious diverticulitis complications:
- If certain foods aggravate symptoms, a person should consult their doctor. Some doctors may recommend a fiber supplement, such as methylcellulose (Citrucel) or psyllium, according to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) (Metamucil).
Probiotics are good bacteria
that keep your gut in good shape. Probiotics can be effective in treating
symptomatic diverticular disease, according to a 2013 study, especially when
combined with medication.
Probiotics are available as a
supplement, but they are also found naturally in some foods. Natural yogurt and
fermented foods, for example, are examples of these foods.
People who have been taking
antibiotics may want to include these foods in their diet to help repopulate
the gut with beneficial bacteria.
The potential probiotic effects
of fermented foods, according to a 2019 review of the health benefits of
fermented foods, can support a healthy digestive system and may help symptoms
of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, there isn't enough evidence to say
whether or not they have an effect.
to stay away from
The typical Western diet is
high in red meat and refined grains, with little fiber. This type of diet was
linked to a higher risk of diverticulitis in a 2017 study.
Nuts, popcorn, and seeds,
including pumpkin and sesame seeds, are safe for people with diverticulitis,
according to the UCSF. Tomato, zucchini, cucumber, strawberry, and raspberry
seeds are also safe to eat, according to experts. Doctors may have previously
advised people to eliminate these foods from their diets.
However, each person is unique,
and some people may find that certain foods aggravate their symptoms. Anyone
who notices that a particular food causes pain or a change in symptoms should
avoid it and consult their doctor or healthcare provider.
The High FODMAP foods
disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) are abbreviated as
FODMAPs. These are carbohydrate foods that have been linked to digestive issues
like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, according to studies.
Low intake of FODMAP foods may
help to reduce the risk of diverticular disease and alleviate symptoms,
according to the author of Dietary Patterns and Whole Plant Food in Aging and
According to a 2016 hypothesis,
a high-fiber diet combined with FODMAP foods can result in excess gas, which
can exacerbate diverticulitis symptoms.
Foods high in FODMAPs include:
- Onions, mushrooms, cauliflower, and garlic are some of the ingredients in this dish.
- Pears, peaches, apricots, dried fruit, apples, apricots
- Milk, yogurt, and cheese are examples of dairy foods.
- Pulses and legumes
- Cereals and bread
- Sweeteners and sugars
Because some of these foods
also contain beneficial fiber, it's important to talk to a doctor about your
food choices and elimination. Because each person's dietary requirements and
sensitivities are unique, doctors advise seeking professional advice.
Higher intakes of red and
processed meat have been linked to diverticulitis in studies. According to a
2017 study, if people follow a healthy diet and lifestyle, they may be able to
prevent 50% of diverticulitis cases.
Consumption of no more than 51
grams (g) of red meat per day, 23 grams (g) of dietary fiber per day, at least
2 hours of vigorous exercise per week, maintaining a healthy weight, and never
smoking are all recommended.
Another study in the Gut
journal looked at males in the United States. Higher intakes of red meat,
particularly unprocessed red meat, were linked to a higher risk of
diverticulitis, according to the study. They suggest that substituting poultry
or fish for red meat may reduce risk.
things to think about
Diverticulitis is caused by a
combination of factors, including diet and other aspects of one's lifestyle.
Obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking, according to a 2018 review, may all
play a role in its development.
Several medications are also
linked to an increased risk of diverticulitis, according to the study. The use
of non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids,
or opioid analgesics on a regular basis may increase one's risk.
Diverticulitis may be linked to
low levels of vitamin D, which is obtained primarily through sun exposure.
According to the study, genes
are responsible for about half of a person's susceptibility to the disease, though
genetic markers have yet to be discovered. If a person has a family history of
diverticulitis, they may be at a higher risk.
More research is needed to
determine which foods are beneficial to people who have diverticulitis.
Researchers are currently
investigating how beneficial gut bacteria can support overall health, with
promising results for diverticulitis as well. However, there is currently
insufficient high-quality evidence to make recommendations.
Fiber appears to be a crucial
component. A high-fiber diet may lower the risk of diverticulitis and improve
overall digestive health. People who are experiencing a flare-up, on the other
hand, may benefit from avoiding high-fiber foods.
Reducing your intake of red and
processed meat may also help to lower your risk and symptoms. It might be a
good idea to replace them with poultry, fish, and plenty of fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, and legumes.
Being active, eating a healthy
diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking can all help to
improve overall health and reduce the risk of obesity and disease?
If you have diverticulitis, you
should always talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian nutritionist about
how to best manage your symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes.
Thanks for sharing
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