Foods to avoid to reduce and prevent diverticulitis

Research has shown that diet can influence the likelihood of developing diverticulitis. Certain foods can worsen or improve symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, and gas.

Specific dietary recommendations vary depending on your symptoms or whether you are trying to prevent diverticulitis from recurring. A healthy diet rich in fiber can help prevent or manage symptoms. In case of an acute attack, you may need to take a liquid diet to give your bowels a rest.

This article explains what foods to eat and what to avoid in case of diverticulitis.

Relationship between fibrosis and diverticulitis

A diet low in fiber can increase your risk of developing diverticulitis. If you have had this condition in the past or have a chronic condition, your health care provider may recommend a high-fiber diet. Dietary fiber has the effect of softening stool, making it less likely that you will become constipated. It may also reduce pressure in the colon and prevent diverticulitis from recurring.

Foods with high fiber content include:

• Whole grains (high-fiber cereals, crackers, or brown rice)
• Vegetables (broccoli, collard greens, or green peas)
• Fruits (raspberries, apples, pickled plums)
• Legumes (beans, peas, lentils, etc.)

What foods cause diverticulitis?

There are no specific foods known to cause diverticulitis. Previously, experts believed that eating popcorn, nuts, corn, and seeds could cause seizures, but there is no research to support this claim. A large study found that consuming these foods did not increase the risk of diverticulosis or diverticular complications.

Can eating too much fiber cause diverticular disease?

Some health care providers recommend avoiding high-fiber foods during diverticulitis flares, but high-fiber foods are generally thought to help rather than harm the disease. I am. However, adding too much fiber to your diet too quickly can cause unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps.

List of foods to avoid with diverticulitis

Although most health care providers do not recommend eliminating foods to prevent diverticulitis, research shows that the typical Western diet, which is high in fat and sugar and low in fiber, can prevent diverticulitis. It has been suggested that it may increase the risk of developing the disease.

processed meat and red meat

Some research suggests that a diet high in processed and red meat may be a risk factor for diverticulitis. One study found that men who consumed the most red meat per week had a significantly higher risk of developing diverticulitis compared to men who consumed the least.

high FODMAP foods

Some people find that avoiding high FODMAP foods, which are types of carbohydrates (fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols), may improve symptoms of diverticulitis. Research suggests that a low FODMAP diet may reduce pressure in the colon and help with diverticulitis.

High FODMAP foods to avoid include:

• dairy products
• Foods high in trans fatty acids
• Onions, garlic, etc.
• soy
• cabbage or brussels sprouts
• certain fruits

Low FODMAP foods to add to your diet include:

• egg
• meat
• almond milk
• Grains (rice, quinoa, oats)
• Certain cheeses (Brie, Camembert, Cheddar, Feta)
• Fruits (strawberries, blueberries, oranges, pineapples, grapes)
• Vegetables (zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, potatoes)

foods high in fat and sugar

Greasy, high-fat foods and foods loaded with sugar can increase inflammation in your digestive system, causing stomach pain and other symptoms.

Fried foods and potato chips are examples of unhealthy high-fat foods. Foods high in sugar include cakes, muffins, candy, and cookies.

Other nutritional and lifestyle risk factors

In addition to following a healthy, high-fiber diet, it’s important to drink enough fluids to soften stools. Try to drink at least eight 8-ounce servings of liquid each day. Daily exercise may also promote bowel movement and prevent constipation.

Foods to avoid during diverticulitis diet

Research shows that avoiding certain foods may not prevent diverticulitis, but dietary changes may be necessary in some cases.

What to avoid with clear liquid diets

Your health care provider may recommend a clear liquid diet to give your bowels a break when your diverticulitis flares up. Solid foods and juices containing fruit pulp should be avoided on this diet.

The clear liquid diet allows you to consume the following:

• water
• broth
• Clear juices (grape, apple, cranberry juice, etc.)
• ice lolly
• jello

Foods to avoid on a low-fiber diet

When you are weaning a liquid diet, your health care provider may recommend eating low-fiber foods while you heal. This means you should avoid fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains that are rich in fiber.

Low-fiber foods to consider include:

• egg
• low fiber cereal
• Canned or cooked fruit without skin
• Canned vegetables with seeds and skin removed
• minced meat
• dairy products
• white bread or white rice

summary

Generally, people with diverticulitis are encouraged to eat a diet rich in fiber and low in unhealthy fats, sugar, and red and processed meat. If you are having an acute attack, it may be helpful to take a liquid diet. Replenish fiber slowly. Although no foods are strictly prohibited, it’s a good idea to talk to your health care provider about whether changing your eating habits will improve your diverticulitis symptoms.