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Diverticulitis Diet

Anyone suffering from diverticulitis would opt to go for diverticulitis diet to lessen the suffering from symptoms and prevent further complications.
 
There are even individuals who are into diverticulitis diet just to free themselves from having such condition. There are a variety of ingredients and guidelines for a diverticulitis diet to look into and it’s beneficial to know the best foods to have to be free from going through such condition. 
 

What is Diverticulitis?

 
Diverticulitis is an inflammation and infection in one or more of the diverticula. Diverticula occur in a colon weakened by age. An increased pressure in the colon, commonly because of constipation, causes to develop pea-shaped pouches along the intestinal wall.
 
The chance of developing such pouches increases with age. At age 50, around 20% to 50% of all people will have the tendency to develop a diverticula. At age 90, everyone will.
 

What consist a Diverticulitis Diet?

 
A number of people believe that a low-fiber diet can led to diverticulitis. This may be the reason why population in Asia and Africa has a very low incidence of diverticulitis for their diet tends to consist high fiber. 
 
If you are experiencing severe symptoms of diverticulitis, it may be recommended for you to have a liquid diverticulitis diet and can be part of our treatment regimen. Liquid diverticulitis diet may include water, fruit juices, broth and ice pops.
 
Your doctor may recommend you to gradually ease back into your regular diet. However, it is recommended to start with low-fiber food, such as white bread, meat, poultry, fish eggs and dairy products, before introducing high-fiber foods. 
 
It is known that fiber softens and adds bulk to the stools, which helps to pass the fecal matter more easily through the colon. Fiber also helps reduce pressure in the digestive tract. A number of studies show that eating a lot of fiber-rich foods and incorporating them as part of diverticulitis diet may help control diverticular symptoms. It is best to have at least 25 to 35 grams of fiber in a day. 
 

Here is a list of fiber-rich foods that can be included in your diverticulitis meal:

 
  • Whole grain breads (6 to 11 servings daily)
  • Breads, pastas, pizzas, pancakes, muffins, pita bread, bagels. They should be whole grain, use whole-wheat flours, and add 2 to 3 teaspoons of unprocessed wheat bran, or substitute with oat bran for 1/3 of all-purpose flour.
  • Buckwheat and stone-ground cornmeal
  • Rye Bread
  • Oatmeal, oat bran and grits
  • Dry barley
  • Brown rice
  • Beans, may it be kidney beans or black beans
  • Fresh fruits such as apples and prunes. If possible, eat them raw. Processing of fruits, as well as vegetables, may reduce its fiber content. Recommended servings should be 2 to 4 daily.
  • Vegetables such as potatoes, spinach, squash and green-leafy vegetables. Vegetables should be 3 to 5 servings daily.
  • Milk and dairy products. It is recommended to have 2 to 3 daily servings. Increase fiber in cottage cheese and yogurt by adding fresh fruit, bran cereals or whole grain.
  • Meat and meat substitutes. Two to three servings or a total of around 6 oz. or 180 gm. daily will do. Add two to three teaspoons of unprocessed wheat bran or pinto beans, kidney beans, or oatmeal to increase fiber in meat dishes such as casseroles.  Poultry, fish and eggs can be added as well.
  • For snacks, whole-wheat pretzels, baked tortilla corn chips, trail mix with dried fruits may be added to your diverticulitis diet. Cakes, breads and cookies that were made from oatmeal or fruit can do good as well. For dips, it is most recommended to make a bean dip for diverticulitis diet.
 
It is also advised to consult a dietitian if you have any difficulty constructing your diet on your own. Dietitians can set a meal plan exclusively for diverticulitis diet. A fiber supplement may also be recommended to be taken once to thrice a day. Plus, never neglect to drink enough water and other fluids throughout the day. These guidelines may help prevent constipation. 
 

What Foods Should Not be Included in a Diverticulitis Diet?

 
It is best to avoid consumption of hard to digest foods such as nuts, seeds, corn, pumpkin, caraway, sesame seeds and popcorn.
 
Doctors in the past may recommend to do so for fear that such foods may get stuck in the diverticula and further lead to worsening of inflammation. However, recent studies show no real scientific evidence to back it up. To think, nuts and seeds are component of a variety of high-fiber foods.
 
Always keep in mind, that a high-fiber diet, such as a diverticulitis diet, is essential in preventing future diverticulitis attacks. As you increase fiber intake, do not forget to also increase your fluid intake as well.
 
Preparing a meal plan for your own diverticulitis diet will be a good step. Following the given guidelines for the ingredients for diverticulitis diet is a good start.