Diverticulosis is an inflammatory condition where small pouches form on the inside of the large intestine or the colon. Among other things, if someone becomes constipated or strains during bowel movements, these pouches can become irritated. Then the condition turns more severe and is known as diverticulitis. Once that happens, eating becomes more difficult. What is the recommended diet for diverticulitis?
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Diverticulitis?
Each small pouch is known as diverticula and if any of them become irritated or inflamed, they become painful causing stomach discomfort. Although there is no direct cause for these pouches to become inflamed, there are certain risk factors.
Some risk factors for developing diverticulitis include:
- Consuming red meat on a regular basis
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Getting older
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Low fiber diet
- Taking medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids
In addition, if someone has had an earlier episode of diverticulitis in the past, they are more likely to have another one.
Diet Recommendations During Flare Ups
When a flare up occurs, it’s important to give the colon a chance to rest. Patients should start with a clear liquid diet for a few days.
As the person slowly begins to recover, they should gradually add low fiber foods back into their diet. White bread and low fiber cereals are good choices during recovery. You can also include:
- Fruit juice without pulp
- Ice chips
- Gelatin
- Broth
- Tea or coffee without milk
What to Eat Throughout Recovery From a Flare Up
Recovering from a flare requires slowly adding back fiber. Consult with Springfield General Surgery about when you might be ready to begin this process.
Gradually include starches like:
- White bread
- Potatoes without skin
- Dairy like milk and cottage cheese
- Protein from fish, eggs, lean poultry, and yogurt
- Fruit including applesauce, canned fruit, and juice without pulp
- White rice
- Well-cooked vegetables
- Broth
- Ice pops
What to Avoid Throughout Recovery From a Flare Up
Avoid the following during recovery:
- Beans and legumes such as pinto beans, kidney beans, and black beans
- Whole grains like brown rice, wheat, oats, quinoa, and berries
- High-fiber cereals, bran, and granola
- Whole wheat pasta and other whole-grain foods
- Nuts and seeds
- Raw or dehydrated fruit
- Juices that contain pulp
- Raw vegetables and potato skins
- Processed meats including deli meat, hot dogs, salami, sausage, and bacon
- Crunchy peanut butter
- Fried or greasy foods
- Hot or spicy meals
Living With Diverticulosis
During non-flare times, choosing the right diet with the correct fiber content is essential. You need enough fiber to prevent constipation, as fiber acts as a stool softener.
Begin with between 5 and 15 grams of fiber per day. Slowly work up to more. If you experience bloating or gas, eat a little less. An adult eating a 2,000-calorie diet per day needs 25 to 28 grams of fiber daily.
Be sure to drink plenty of water.
Choosing the right diet plan can become confusing, but it all revolves around the amount of fiber to eat and when to eat it during flare ups versus living with diverticulosis.
To help keep flare ups at bay, follow this recommended general diet plan:
- Beans
- Whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, and whole-wheat pasta
- Brown rice and other whole-grain foods
- Apples, pears, oranges, and berries
- Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and dark greens like spinach and kale
- Popcorn, nuts, and seeds
Finding the right diet for you can help manage symptoms and reduce flares.
Contact Dr. Tedros Andom at (937) 717-4884 to discuss your history of diverticulosis and begin a personalized treatment plan at our office in Springfield, OH.