Top Five Foods for Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis refers to the condition where small bulging pouches develop on the inside lower part of the intestine and colon. Factors such as age can cause diverticulosis and nearly 75 percent of people suffer from the condition without even knowing that they do. However, in 20 percent of these cases, diverticulosis goes on to develop into a serious medical condition known as diverticulitis when the pouches or diverticuli become infected or inflamed. This can cause a number of painful symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, cramps, fever, constipation or diarrhea.

One of the main causes of diverticulitis is constipation and straining caused by a low-fiber diet. Fiber helps encourage the movement of waste material through the intestines and colon and softens the stool to prevent constipation. Eating a diet high in fiber is therefore the first course of action when it comes to treating diverticulitis. Other recommendations include regular exercise and drinking plenty of fluids to improve digestion and bowel movements.

The top five foods for diverticulitis include:

• High fiber foods such as beans, legumes, whole wheat bread, bran, whole grain cereals, oatmeal, brown rice, wild rice, whole-wheat pasta, fruits like apples, bananas or pears, vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and squash. Try to eat at least 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day.

• Fiber supplements such as psyllium and glucomannan (3 - 5 g per day of either supplement) supplements help increase your daily intake of fiber and regulate the digestive process. Soluble fiber supplements such as oat bran or flax seeds can also help.

• During an attack of diverticulitis when symptoms are severe, a clear liquid diet is suggested to alleviate any pressure on the digestive system. During this time you should include liquids such as clear broths, clear juices without any pulp, jello, and popsicles. Stay away from milk and yoghurt during an attack, as these products can be difficult to digest.

• After a diverticulitis attack, you can slowly start adding solid food back in your diet. Begin with small amounts of low-fiber foods such as canned or cooked fruits and vegetable (without any skin or seeds), dairy products such as yoghurt, milk, and cheese, eggs, fish, poultry, ground and well-cooked meats, pasta, and white rice.

• Liquids such as broths, juices, ice pops, ice chips, water, tea or coffee without milk or cream.

Foods such as nuts, popcorn, and seeds should be avoided as they may lead to inflammation of the diverticuli.

If you have any trouble planning your meals or devising a diet to treat the condition, consult with your doctor or dietician to set up a workable meal plan for you.

References:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/diverticular-disease-can-be-prevented
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Mens_Health_Watch/2010/August/diverticular-disease-of-the-colon