Diet For Diverticular diseases

Fibers are cell walls from plants. It is mostly found in the outer layers of plants. Fiber is a special type of carbohydrate that passes through the person’s digestive system. It is virtually unchanged, without being broken down into nutrients. Carbohydrate is the mother source of energy for all body functions, especially on motor development and brain functions. Cereals, veggies, fruits, rice, potatoes and flour products are major source of carbohydrates.

There are two mother types of fiber and they have relatively different effects on the body. Insoluble fibers are classified mainly made up of plant cell walls. Although they cannot be dissolved in water but it has an excellent laxative effect. Soluble fiber is made up of polysaccharides (carbohydrates that contain three or more molecules of simple carbohydrates). These fibers have beneficial effect on body chemistry such as lowering your blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Because foods containing fiber-rich elements, they needed to be digested and chewed more thoroughly. Fiber slows down the eating process and it helps contribute to a feeling of being full. These in turn can help prevent obesity and other related diseases due to overeating. Fiber has an influence on the digestion process from start to finish. Fiber makes food more satisfying probably because the contents of the stomach are bulkier and it stays there longer. Fiber slows down digestion and absorption so that glucose in your food. As soon as it enters the bloodstream, it feeds the body slowly which keeps blood sugar on a more controlled level. Fiber is broken down in the colon by bacteria. This process is called fermentation and the simple organic acids are produced by this process and helps to nourish the lining of the colon. These acids elements also provide fuel energy for the rest of the body especially the liver, where it plays an important role in metabolism.

There are good sources of fiber. These would include whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, citrus fruits, vegetables, and some dietary supplement that they claim to have fiber packed. Some of the recommended supplements are Citrucel or Metamucil. Oily foods such as nuts, popcorn hulls, and sunflower must be avoided. People have difference appetites but decisions about diet should be based on what works best for each person general health.

Try to read food labels for bread and cereal products listing whole grain or whole wheat as the first ingredient. When in a hurry, look for cooked and ready to eat cereals that have at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. Eating fruits and green leafy vegetables has more fiber elements than cooked or canned foods, or processed juice. Dried fruits are also good sources of fiber.

Increase fiber in meat dishes by adding pinto beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, bran, or oatmeal. Try adding 2-3 tsp. of unprocessed wheat bran to foods such as meatloaf, casseroles, homemade breads, muffins and other baked goods. Dairy foods provide little fiber. Increase fiber by adding fresh fruit, whole grain or bran cereals to yogurt or cottage cheese.

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Ideal Diet for Diverticulitis

By Natalia Real, Contributing Columnist, updated by Susan 

Callahan, Associate Editor

Diet For Diverticulitis are tiny pouches or bulges in the lining of your 

intestines. These tiny diverticula become more numerous as we

age, so that by the time we are 40, about 10% of us have them

and by the time we are aged 60, over  50% of all people in the 

US and the Western world have  these pouches in our 

intestines. The mere presence of these Diet For Diverticulitis pouches is 

called "diverticulosis".  

Diverticulitis is a different matter altogether. It's a complication 

of diverticulosis.  Although the words sound similar, they 

describe very different conditions.  If you merely have the 

pouches, even if they're causing you no trouble, that's 

"diverticulosis". If the pouches become inflamed and infected, 

then you have "Diet For Diverticulitis", which is a serious disease.  About 

1 to 2% of the population develops the inflammatory condition

of diverticulitis.  What causes diverticulitis? Are there foods or 

other natural remedies for diverticulitis or diverticulosis?

The interesting thing about these diverticula pouches in your 

intestines is that they have only started to appear in any 

significant numbers in the last 70 to 100 years.  Prior to that 

time they did not even exist in the medical literature. According

to a 1971 article in the British Medical Journal by Dr. Neil 

Painter and Dr. Denis Burkitt, "This dramatic increase in 

incidence occurred in only 70 years and cannot be explained on

a genetic basis... We believe that there is another possibility 

and that the colon's environment has changed and that 

Diet For Diverticulitis are caused by the diet of so-called 'civilized' 

countries".

Typical symptoms include severe and sudden (or mild and 

gradually worsening) pain in the lower left side of the 

abdomen, abdominal tenderness, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills 

and constipation or diarrhea.   

Ever hear the saying “you are what you eat”? Well, it’s true! 

Diet For Diverticulitis is thought to be caused, simply, by a lousy diet. 

That means processed foods, meat, and little fiber—which 

explains why diverticular disease is so prevalent in countries 

like the US, England, and Australia, and rare among Asian and 

African nations.   

The reason is that low-fiber diets make stools hard and difficult

to pass. The intestines and colon must strain, causing increased

pressure in the colon, which, in turn, can cause diverticula. 

Pressure can also cause the Diet For Diverticulitis to become infected. 

Apart from an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise is a suspected 

cause.  Your mission is, therefore, to increase your fiber intake 

to prevent and treat diverticulitis (its mild form, as serious 

cases require surgery) and other like conditions.  

What is the ideal diet for diverticultis? What should you eat to 

prevent diverticulitis? And what should you eat if you already 

have diverticulitis?

The Perfect Diet for Diverticulitis

The perfect diet for diverticulitis is a balanced vegetarian diet 

with plenty of fiber from fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, cereals, 

grains, beans, and so on. (Read more about foods rich in fiber.)

Bear in mind that this applies if the case is mild enough. If the 

diverticula are so numerous or inflamed that fecal matter has 

not been able to pass, then you need immediate medical care 

and eating fiber is not recommended until after you have 

surgery. At that point, no diet will substitute for the surgery 

that you will need.

But, assuming that you don't have severe Diet For Diverticulitis, and no 

fever that would indicate a bad infection, adding fiber to your 

diet will help.  But do it slowly.

As your digestive system will need time to adapt, increase your

fiber intake gradually over the course of 6-8 weeks. If you 

experience gas or bloating, know that for most people, it 

passes after the first few weeks. 

And, make sure that as you add fiber, that you also drink plenty

of water and have some good oil ---extra virgin olive oil, canola 

--in your diet as well. Sufficient water and good oil will help 

you to avoid getting constipated and creating more diverticula 

by straining when you go to the bathroom. 

Whether you’re ready to make the transition or not, here are 

some hearty meal ideas:

Diverticulitis Breakfast

For breakfast, you can “cheat” by making a smoothie and 

consuming several excellent sources of fiber at once: try 

orange juice, a banana, strawberries, and a peach.

Or try soy milk, nut butter (peanut, sesame, almond, etc.), 

banana, raw honey, and tofu (try the silken variety)—this 

provides a fantastic amount of fiber, plus protein and many 

vitamins and minerals.

Adding tofu and nut butter makes a meal out of your 

smoothies, leaving you feeling satisfied. Ground seeds (flax, 

sesame, sunflower, etc.) are great too.

And if you eat cereals or bread, always stick to whole grain. My

favorite breakfast for a long time was whole grain toast with 

soy cheese slices, hummus or guacamole, and slices of tomato.  

But good old-fashioned oatmeal works just as well, with a 

sprinkle of walnuts and cinnamon, for blood sugar control.  

Add a teaspoon of honey or stevia cubes if you like it sweet.

Diet For Diverticulitis Lunch and Dinner

Basically, you want to include as many raw foods as you can—

salad is your friend! Feel free to sprinkle them with seeds, nuts, 

and dried fruits (e.g. raisins).

Love pizza? Substitute dairy cheese for soy or rice “cheese” 

(hello fiber!) and load it with vegetables like broccoli, snow 

peas, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. Buy veggie burgers, 

burritos, hot dogs, sausages, bacon, nuggets, and so on.

Try seitan and Boca’s grilled veggie burgers for a meaty texture.

Eat whole grain pastas and add different types of beans to the 

sauce.

Make an epic stew with fiber-loaded grains like quinoa or 

barley and add beans, seeds, and vegetables. 

Try couscous with falafel, hummus, and a cucumber-tomato-

lettuce salad.  

Snacks and Desserts Diet For Diverticulitis

Grab some fruit, dip crunchy raw vegetables in hummus and 

guacamole or salsa, a handful of dried fruits and nuts, a 

smoothie, vegetable and fruit juices, cereal bars, top your 

sorbet and low-fat ice cream or yogurt with nuts and berries 

(even better if you sub the dairy for soy), and so on.

Cake? Sure. A moderate slice with a decent side of fresh fruit.  

Want more ideas? Check out fiber-rich recipes in vegetarian 

cookbooks and websites everywhere.  And before you scoff at 

me, try it. You’ll see how delicious healthy eating can be—and 

how much better you’ll feel!    

Add Almonds to Combat Diet For Diverticulitis

Think almonds. You may have heard that eating nuts is not 

recommended for diverticulitis sufferers.

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Treatment For Diverticulitis With Diet

Diet For Diverticulitis is a medical condition in which little bulging pouches, called diverticula, form in the digestive tract of the affected person. These can get infected and inflamed, causing abdominal pain. Other symptoms of diverticulitis include nausea, bloating, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, or constipation. Most of the times, Diet For Diverticulitis goes undetected for a long time as it does not cause many visible symptoms and the affected person doesn’t become aware of it until the symptoms

get worse.

Antibiotics are popularly used for its treatment, and sometimes surgery might be necessary. It is believed that a low-fiber diet can cause this condition and that is why people living in areas where diets are high in fiber tend to have lower incidences of it. Although, a Diet For Diverticulitis diet cannot totally cure this condition, it is very helpful in its prevention and recurrences. Given here is the recommended diet for diverticulitis that will help in its treatment, when taken along with medications.

Treatment For Diverticulitis With Diet

Increase Fluid Intake

While you are on treatment for Diet For Diverticulitis , it is best to give some rest to your digestive system by restricting your diet to fluids in the first few days.

Have only clear liquids like broth, fruit juices without pulp, and tea without cream. This will prepare your digestive system gradually for a proper diet by providing it good amount of rest.

Consume Whole Grains

Start initially with low fiber diet which can include fish, poultry, dairy products and eggs. After a while, you can start consuming whole grains as well which are high fiber foods. This is an important part of diverticulitis treatment.

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Diet for Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a disease which consists of diverticula inflammation (an abnormal growth which develops in your intestine walls).

Usually, diverticulitis also triggers diverticulosis, which is an elevated pressure in the colon.

Unfortunately, nobody knows yet what kind of problem leads to diverticulitis, but scientists have proved that eating a low-fiber diet, lack of exercise and straining during bowel movements can increase the risk of triggering this ailment.

This disease presents abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, fever, vomiting, a change in bowel habits and chills. Although the pain triggered by diverticulitis is powerful, when treated adequately, it will go away in no time.

If you’re tired of all the expensive traditional treatments, give alternative medicine a try and choose a diet for diverticulitis instead. However, before starting this diet, schedule an appointment with your doctor in order to make sure that you’re indeed suffering from diverticulitis and not colon cancer.

How a Diet for Diverticulitis Works

The main goal of this diet for diverticulitis is to restore your body’s capacity to fight infections and dissolve the abnormal growths in your intestine walls.

In order to be able to do that, this diet for diverticulitis must contain the right amount of active constituents, such as minerals (sodium, iron, magnesium, manganese), vitamins, acids, volatile oils, nutrients, natural enzymes, antioxidants and tannins. When in doubt, always ask your doctor in order to gather more information and be well-informed of the possible risks.

Efficient Diet for Diverticulitis

In order to be efficient, this diet must show results within days and be one hundred percent safe (avoid risky treatments at all costs).If you don’t know which ingredients this diet should contain, here’s a list to help you out:

- Eat more fibers – if you’re indeed suffering from diverticulitis, your doctor will recommend a nutrition that is rich in fibers, so eat rice, garbanzo beans, potato starch, ground oats or tapioca as much as you want.

- Eat as much fruits and vegetables as possible, from carrots, bananas, to papaya, broccoli and cooked black beans. However, try not to eat too much. A handful of fruits or vegetables should do.

- Chamomile Tea – well known thanks to its anti inflammatory and astringent properties, this particular decoction is also a great healer when it comes to many other disorders, such as nausea, stress, anxiety, menstrual and menopausal symptoms and even diabetes. It has a pleasant taste and a nice fragrance and it can easily become a daily habit since it’s one hundred percent safe.

- Wild Yam Tea – it is very effective in treating pre and postmenstrual syndromes and it is responsible for your body’s positive response. Its action is very effective and rapid, but you must not take more than two cups per day in order to avoid other health complications.

- Corn Silk Tea – can ameliorate any kind of localized pain, provide that you don’t forget this is a medical treatment and it could cause negative reactions. Since this tea is a powerful diuretic, make sure you do not exceed the number of cups recommended per day (this way, you will avoid diarrhea or uterine infections).

- Raspberry Leaf Tea – also used to treat menstrual and menopausal pains, this tea is well known for its ability to treat infertility and other conditions of the female reproductive system. Thanks to its vitamin C level, Raspberry Leaf Tea can also treat auto-immune deficiencies, such as anemia, colds, or flu.

Diet for Diverticulitis Warnings

When taken according to specifications, this diet for diverticulitis is one hundred percent safe. However, surpassing the recommended dosages may lead to nausea, headaches, vomiting and upset stomach.

Don’t start this diet if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners, anticoagulants, pain killers or preparing for a surgery. Before starting this diet, ask your doctor for advice and be well informed of the possible risks.

If he gives you the green light and there’s nothing that could possibly interfere with your treatment, start this diet today and enjoy nature’s great benefits!

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Clear Liquid Diet for Diverticulitis

By far, the most challenging and painful period in your Diverticulitis cycle is when you have flare-ups and in extreme pain.  During this period it is often advised that you refrain from solid foods and start a liquid only diet.  Although the liquid diet phase should not last more than a few days, many people simply don't know what they should eat.  The Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis Cookbook provides you with nutritional guidance along with a daily meal plan.

• Diverticulitis Diet Guidelines and Recipes
• Nutritional Guidelines
• Foods to Avoid
• Foods to Have on Hand
• Clear Liquid Diet (Diverticulitis)
• Low Residue (Diverticulitis)
• Recipe Collection (NEW!)

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Diet for Diverticulitis, Diverticulosis and other Colon Diseases

Do You Know What To Eat 

and What To Avoid?

Are you or someone you know currently on any kind of diet for Diet For Diverticulitis or diverticulosis? What about for Crohns disease, a spastic colon or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Are you or do you know someone who is currently suffering from some colon or digestive disorder? Are you on any kind of diet to prevent colon diseases or to treat colon disease symptoms? Do you know how to diet for divertulosis or Diet For Diverticulitis ? Do you know how to diet for a normally functioning digestive system?

Maybe you know what to eat and maybe you don't, but a diet for diverticulitis or diverticulosis takes will power to stay on it. Achieving and maintaining a healthy diet for people with properly functioning digestive systems is difficult enough, what do you think it is like for people who diet for diverticulitis, diverticulosis, Crohns disease, colon diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, barretts esophagus, spastic colon, twisted colon, leaky gut, indigestion, or whipples disease?

Whether you are a person looking for a diet for diverticulitis, a diet for another health concern, or a diet for a generally healthy person, people fall into 5 categories of eaters:

1. They know what to eat, they do it, and result is good health

2. They know what to eat, they do not do it, obtaining unhealthy results

3. They think they know what to eat, they do it, obtaining unhealthy results

4. They do not know what to eat, wander from diet tip to diet tip, yo-yo dieting, obtaining unhealthy results

5. They don't care, eat whatever they want, obtaining unhealthy results

The scary part is, most people fall under categories 2 through 5, achieving what? ...unhealthy results! What category best describes your eating habits? Are you satisfied with your category? 

Do you want to move to category 1? The answer is here!

It's not surprising that people are confused about what to do for dieting, due to the fact that there are so many "reputable" sources for what you should eat and what you should avoid. Is there a "perfect" diet, even Diet For Diverticulitis? Well, there are things you can do and things to avoid. But mostly, it can vary from person to person. One size does not fit all! Try the eating challenge to see what works best for you.

DIET FOR DIVERTICULITIS: Two-Week Eating Challenge

Are you up for a challenge? Think you eat plenty of fiber in your regular diet? Here is the challenge:

Don't change your diet. Don't plan anything different than what you normally do. Keep track of everything you eat every day for a week. At the end of each day, count how many grams of fiber you received. You will be surprised. Now for the easy part, right? During the second week, plan out your meals so that you can maximize the amount of fiber you get every day. You may find that it is easy to identify foods that are high in fiber. 

However, it can be difficult to eat that much fiber each and every day. Did you average 12-18 grams a day like most Americans? Congratulations! You are getting between 40 and 60 percent of the fiber you are supposed to get on a daily basis. Do you think that lack of fiber compounds over the weeks, months and years? Absolutely.

Because it is difficult to get the right amount of fiber each and every day, many people supplement their diet with a high fiber nutrient drink. You should too!

DIET FOR DIVERTICULITIS: Getting the Fiber YOU Need!

Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet may reduce symptoms of Diet For Diverticulitis and prevent complications such as diverticulitis. Fiber keeps stool soft and lowers pressure inside the colon so that bowel contents can move through easily. The American Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day. Some medical professionals think that number should be closer to 50 grams daily. How many grams of fiber do you get? Are you putting yourself at risk for the major diseases in America today? 

If you are looking for the best way to increase the fiber you get in your diet, use a high fiber nutrient drink that contains a matrix of fibers, not just a single type of fiber. Researchers at Stanford University made a discovery that resulted in a great high fiber nutrient drink that became the flagship product of Rexall. The drink is called BiosLife2. Taken twice a day, you are adding 9 grams of fiber into your diet. Most people drink it twice a day, but some drink it 3-4 times a day, depending on how much fiber they want and how much fiber they get from foods they eat daily. Include Bioslife2 in your Diet for Diverticulitis.

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High-fibre diet for diverticulitis

My husband suffers from the digestive disorder diverticulitis and although he’s aware he can control the symptoms with diet, he’s not sure how…

AS A RULE, patients with the digestive condition Diet For Diverticulitis need to eat a high-fibre diet to keep the stools soft and prevent more diverticula (bulges that stick out of the side of the large intestine) forming. High-fibre foods include wholegrain cereals, fruit, veg, wholewheat pasta, brown rice, beans and pulses.

If your husband’s current diet is low in fibre, he should gradually increase the amount of fibre he eats (introducing more too quickly may cause bloating). During a flare-up his appetite is likely to reduce. This is when he needs to reduce his fibre intake, opting instead for low-fibre foods, to prevent further irritation of the large intestine.

In extreme cases, doctors may advise sticking to a clear fluid diet of water, broth and clear soup, and herbal teas until the symptoms settle.

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Got Diverticulitis? It’s Time To Change Your Diet

Once you have been diagnosed with Diet For Diverticulitis, treatments focus on relieving discomfort and preventing the situation from becoming worse – since there is no cure other than a colon re-section, a surgery most want to avoid. Many health experts agree that the best treatment comes with dietary modifications.

A diagnosis of Diet For Diverticulitis does not mean that you have to suffer from digestive pain and discomfort for the rest of your life. With a few dietary modifications, you can live a very normal and comfortable lifestyle.

“I’ve suffered with Diverticulitis for several years. It’s painful and hard to live with. Then I tried Puristat’s Cleanse and dietary recommendations. After just a few weeks my discomfort subsided. ” – Jane in CA



Eating after a Diet For Diverticulitis Attack
If you suffer from diverticulitis, you know that an attack can come unexpectedly. Attacks can be very painful and even life threatening. A trip to the doctor or emergency room may be required.

Attacks occur when the diverticula pockets rupture. This can cause infection that starts in your bowels, and if not treated, can spread to other organs in your body.

The most common symptom of an attack is pain or tenderness in the lower left area of your abdomen, where the descending colon is located. An attack may include moderate to severe abdominal cramping, severe diarrhea or vomiting, bloody stools, fever and even constipation. If you feel pain or discomfort, call your doctor.

A likely recommendation from your doctor during and immediately after an acute attack is to let your digestive system “rest.” This means eating and drinking foods that are soothing to your digestive system and cause very little effort on your colon’s part. Resting your colon provides an environment conducive to quicker healing.

Some “soothing foods” include:

• 
  
• Broths
• Low-fiber breads
• Cooked vegetables
• Cooked fruits
• Apples

Foods that should be avoided are:

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheeses

These foods can worsen your condition, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea. Dairy is the hardest food to digest because it contains multiple proteins and amino acids. It is very difficult for your body to break it down, even under normal circumstances.

Return to eating a high-fiber diet when your symptoms have resolved or your doctor gives you the go ahead. As recommended below, you’ll need plenty of fiber to keep your stools soft and constipation at bay.



Basic Tips for Day to Day Living
There are no quick-fixes to Diet For Diverticulitis, but following certain guidelines will make your condition manageable. Here’s what you need to know:

• Avoid popcorn hulls, nuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and caraway seeds. The shells of these seeds are very hard to digest and can aggravate your colon.
• Read labels in bread and cereal products and look for whole wheat as the first ingredient. Whole wheat has higher fiber content.
• Cooked cereals generally have at least 3 grams of fiber per serving, a good start to your day.
• Eat your fruits and vegetables dried or raw. Cooking decreases the amount of fiber in them.
• Add kidney beans, pinto beans, bran, black-eyed peas or oatmeal to meat dishes to increase fiber content.
• Don’t peel, puree, chop or process food; it reduces fiber content.
• Add 2-3 tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran to casseroles and baked goods to increase fiber content.
• Dairy has very little fiber and is hard to digest. Consider adding fruit or bran cereals to yogurt or cottage cheese to increase fiber.
• Substitute wheat flour or oat bran for one-third of the flour in baked goods.
• Eat a variety of high-fiber foods. Fiber Chart
• Use a fiber supplement as an addition to your dietary fiber intake; do not use it as your sole source.
• Increase fiber very slowly; rapid increases can cause painful gas and bloating.
• Increase your clear fluid intake; high-fiber diets require more fluids.
• Listen to your body and do what works best for you. The same meal plan, pill or exercise plan will not work for everyone.

Eating a High-Fiber Diet
The number one cause of Diet For Diverticulitis is an increase of pressure in your colon. The increased pressure is a direct result of low-fiber diets and constipation. Therefore a high-fiber diet is beneficial in preventing diverticular flare-ups, and it is the number one treatment recommended by doctors.

High-fiber diets help stools become softer and bulkier and make them easier to pass. This results in decreased pressure in your colon. The American Dietary Association recommends 25-35 grams of fiber daily. Unfortunately, the average adult in the US only consumes 10-15 grams of fiber daily.

There are two ways to increase your dietary fiber intake, and both should be implemented if you suffer from Diet For Diverticulitis.

The first method is through greater consumption of high-fiber foods.

The second method to increase your daily fiber intake is with a fiber supplement. This should not be your sole source of fiber, but is good to have on your daily supplement list. With hectic schedules, we don’t always consume what we should with the foods we eat. A supplement will help balance out your low consumption days.

Some over-the-counter fiber supplements include Metamucil, Citrucel, and Puristat’s Preserve, which is available at discounted prices on this site.

When increasing the fiber in your diet, do it very gradually. A sudden and large increase in fiber can cause painful gas and bloating. Also increase your intake of water or clear fluids when increasing your daily fiber intake. Shoot for ½ your body weight in ounces on a daily basis.

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Diverticulitis Diet: A Low Residue Diet

(HealthCastle.com) As we age, little bulging pockets may develop in large intestine's lining.  This condition is called diverticulosis.  When these pockets, medically known as diverticula, become inflamed and infected, the condition is called diet for diverticulitis. Fortunately, sufferers can find relief by eating the right foods.

A low-residue diet, aka low-fiber diet, is usually recommended during the flare-up periods of diverticulitis to decrease bowel volume so that the infection can heal. An intake of less than 10 grams of fiber per day is generally considered a low-residue diverticulitis diet. If you have been on a low-residue diet for an extended period of time, your doctor may recommend a daily multivitamin supplement.

Diverticulitis Diet

You may be asked to start with a clear fluid diet at the onset of diet for diverticulitis. After a few days, you may incorporate the following low fiber foods (less than 10 g per serving) that are mild enough to be eaten during a diet for diverticulitis flare-up.

Grain Products:

• enriched refined white bread, buns, bagels, English muffins
• plain cereals e.g. Cheerios, Cornflakes, Cream of Wheat, Rice Krispies, Special K
• arrowroot cookies, tea biscuits, soda crackers, plain melba toast
• white rice, refined pasta and noodles
• avoid whole grains

Fruits:

• fruit juices except prune juice
• applesauce, apricots, banana (1/2), cantaloupe, canned fruit cocktail, grapes, honeydew melon, peaches, watermelon
• avoid raw and dried fruits, and berries.

Vegetables:

• vegetable juices
• potatoes (no skin)
• alfalfa sprouts, beets, green/yellow beans, carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, green/red peppers, potatoes (peeled), squash, zucchini
• avoid vegetables from the cruciferous family such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard, onion, etc

Meat and Protein Choice:

• well-cooked, tender meat, fish and eggs
• avoid beans
• avoid all nuts and seeds, as well as foods that may contain seeds (such as yogurt)

Dairy:

• as directed by your healthcare providers

Drinks:

• juices
• tea and coffee (check with doctor about cream)
• avoid alcohol

Diverticulitis: After a Flare-Up

When symptoms of diet for diverticulitis improve, you may ease off of the low-residue diet and gradually add more fiber back into your diet. A high-fiber diet is very important in preventing future diet for diverticulitis attacks. As you increase your fiber intake, don't forget to increase your fluid intake as well. If you have challenges eating a diet with higher fiber content, your doctor may suggest a fiber supplement like Metamucil. In addition, you may also heard from others that nuts should be permanently avoided.  In the past, the medical community indeed recommended patients to avoid hard foods like nuts and seeds, fearing that these foods get stuck in between the pockets and become inflamed.  However, modern studies really didn't find such recommendation to be clinically valid.

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Diverticular Disease and Diet

Diverticular Disease and Diet

diet for diverticulitis is a condition in which small, bulging pouches (diverticuli) form inside the lower part of the intestine, usually in the colon. Constipation and straining during bowel movements can worsen the condition. A diet rich in fiber can help keep stools soft and prevent inflammation.

diet for diverticulitis occurs when the pouches in the colon become infected or inflamed. Dietary changes can help the colon heal.

Fiber is an important part of the diet for patients with diverticulosis. A high-fiber diet softens and gives bulk to the stool, allowing it to pass quickly and easily.

Diet for Diverticulosis

Eat a high-fiber diet when you have diverticulosis. Fiber softens the stool and helps prevent constipation. It also can help decrease pressure in the colon and help prevent flare-ups of diet for diverticulitis.

High-fiber foods include:

• Beans and legumes
• Bran, whole wheat bread and whole grain cereals such as oatmeal
• Brown and wild rice
• Fruits such as apples, bananas and pears
• Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, corn and squash
• Whole wheat pasta

If you currently don't have a diet high in fiber, you should add fiber gradually. This helps avoid bloating and abdominal discomfort. The target is to eat 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily. Drink at least 8 cups of fluid daily. Fluid will help soften your stool. Exercise also promotes bowel movement and helps prevent constipation.

When the colon is not inflamed, eat popcorn, nuts and seeds as tolerated.

Diet for Diverticulitis

During flare ups of diverticulitis, follow a clear liquid diet. Your doctor will let you know when to progress from clear liquids to low fiber solids and then back to your normal diet.

A clear liquid diet means no solid foods. Juices should have no pulp. During the clear liquid diet, you may consume:

• Broth
• Clear juices such as apple, cranberry and grape. (Avoid orange juice)
• Jell-O
• Popsicles

When you're able to eat solid food, choose low fiber foods while healing. Low fiber foods include:

• Canned or cooked fruit without seeds or skin, such as applesauce and melon
• Canned or well cooked vegetables without seeds and skin
• Dairy products such as cheese, milk and yogurt
• Eggs
• Low-fiber cereal
• Meat that is ground or tender and well cooked
• Pasta
• White bread and white rice

After symptoms improve, usually within two to four days, you may add 5 to 15 grams of fiber a day back into your diet. Resume your high fiber diet when you no longer have symptoms.

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Preventing diverticular disease and Diet For Diverticulitis

Preventing diverticular disease and Diet For Diverticulitis

Eating a high-fibre diet may help prevent diverticular disease, and should improve your symptoms.

Your diet should be balanced and include at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, plus whole grains. Adults should aim to eat 18g (0.6oz) to 30g (1.05oz) of fibre a day, depending on their height and weight. Your GP can provide a more specific target, based on your individual height and weight.

It's recommended that you gradually increase your fibre intake over the course of a few weeks. This will help prevent side effects associated with a high-fibre diet, such as bloating and flatulence (wind). Drinking plenty of fluids will also help prevent side effects.

If you have established diverticular disease, it may be suggested that you avoid eating nuts, corn and seeds due to the possibility that they could block the diverticular openings and cause diverticulitis. People usually find out themselves if these foods cause symptoms. Probiotics have also been recommended, but evidence is lacking. Overall, there is a lack of good quality scientific evidence on how to prevent diverticular disease.

Sources of fibre

Good sources of fibre include

• fruit
• vegetables
• nuts
• breakfast cereals – but check fibre content as some are very low
• starchy foods – such as brown bread, rice and pasta

Once you have reached your fibre target, stick to it for the rest of your life, if possible.

More detailed information on sources of fibre is provided below.

Fresh fruit

Good sources of fibre in fresh fruit (plus the amount of fibre that is found in typical portions) include:

• avocado pear – a medium-sized avocado pear contains 4.9g of fibre
  
• pear (with skin) – a medium-sized pear contains 3.7g of fibre
• orange – a medium-sized orange contains 2.7g of fibre
• apple (with skin) – a medium-sized apple contains 2g of fibre
• raspberries – two handfuls of raspberries (80g) contain 2g of fibre
• banana – a medium-sized banana contains 1.7g of fibre
• tomato juice – one small glass of tomato juice (200ml) contains 1.2g of fibre

Dried fruit

Good sources of fibre in dried fruit (plus the amount of fibre found in typical portions) include:

• apricots – three whole apricots contain 5g of fibre
• prunes – three whole prunes contain 4.6g of fibre

Vegetables

Good sources of fibre in vegetables (plus the amount of fibre found in typical portions) include:

• baked beans (in tomato sauce) – a half can of baked beans (200g) contains 7.4g of fibre
• red kidney beans (boiled) – three tablespoons of red kidney beans contain 5.4g of fibre
• peas (boiled) – three heaped tablespoons of peas contain 3.6g of fibre
• French beans (boiled) – four heaped tablespoons of French beans contain 3.3g of fibre
• Brussel sprouts (boiled) – eight Brussel sprouts contain 2.5g of fibre
• potatoes (old, boiled) – one medium-sized potato contains 2.4g of fibre
• spring greens (boiled) – four heaped tablespoons of Spring greens contain 2.1g of fibre
• carrots (boiled, sliced) – three heaped tablespoons of carrots contain 2g of fibre

Nuts

Good sources of fibre in nuts (plus the amount of fibre found in typical portions) include:

• almonds – 20 almonds contain 2.4g of fibre
• peanuts (plain) – a tablespoon of peanuts contains 1.6g of fibre
• mixed nuts – a tablespoon of mixed nuts contains 1.5g of fibre
• Brazil nuts – 10 Brazil nuts contain 1.4g of fibre

Breakfast cereals

Good sources of fibre in breakfast cereals (plus the amount of fibre found in typical portions) include:

• All-Bran – a medium-sized bowl of All-Bran contains 9.8g of fibre
• Shredded Wheat – two pieces of Shredded wheat contain 4.3g of fibre
• Bran Flakes – one medium-sized bowl of Bran flakes contains 3.9g of fibre
• Weetabix – two Weetabix contain 3.6g of fibre
• muesli (no added sugar) – one medium-sized bowl of muesli contains 3.4g of fibre
• porridge (milk or water) – one medium-sized bowl of porridge contains 2.3g of fibre

Note – the "own-brand" equivalents of the cereals mentioned above should contain similar levels of fibre. 

Starchy foods

Good sources of fibre in starchy food (plus the amount found in typical portions) include:

• crispbread – four crispbreads contain 4.2g of fibre
• pitta bread (wholemeal) – one piece (75g) contains 3.9g of fibre
• pasta (plain, fresh-cooked) – one medium portion of pasta (200g) contains 3.8g of fibre
• wholemeal bread – two slices of wholemeal bread contain 3.5g of fibre
• naan bread – one piece of naan bread contains 3.2g of fibre
• brown bread – two slices of brown bread contain 2.5g of fibre
• brown rice (boiled) – one medium portion of brown rice (200g) contains 1.6g of fibre

Fibre supplements – usually in the form of sachets of powder you mix with water – are also available from pharmacists and health food shops. Some contain sweetener. A tablespoon of fibre supplement contains around 2.5g of fibre. If you require long-term fibre supplements, your GP can prescribe them.

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Diverticulitis diet

By Mayo Clinic Staff
Definition

A diverticulitis diet is something your doctor might recommend as part of a treatment plan for a mild case of acute diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) in your digestive tract become infected and inflamed. Mild cases are usually treated with antibiotics and a diverticulitis diet, which includes clear liquids and low-fiber foods. More severe cases typically require hospitalization.

Purpose

A diverticulitis diet can't treat or prevent diverticulitis. Rather, it's intended to give your digestive system a chance to rest. A diverticulitis diet is typically recommended along with antibiotics for mild or uncomplicated cases of diverticulitis.

Diet details

A diverticulitis diet starts with only clear liquids for a few days. Examples of beverages allowed on a clear liquid diet include:

• Broth
• Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple juice
• Ice chips
• Ice pops without bits of fruit or fruit pulp
• Gelatin
• Water
• Tea or coffee without cream

As you start feeling better, your doctor will recommend that you slowly add low-fiber foods. Examples of low-fiber foods include:

• Canned or cooked fruits without skin or seeds
• Canned or cooked vegetables such as green beans, peas and potatoes (without the skin)
• Eggs, fish and poultry
• Refined white bread
• Fruit juice with little or no pulp
• Low-fiber cereals
• Milk, yogurt and cheese
• White rice, pasta and noodles

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Diverticulosis and diverticulitis facts

Most people with diverticulosis (diverticular disease) have few or no symptoms; however, symptoms that can occur with diverticulosis, which then may be called "diverticular disease" include

• abdominal pain,
• constipation, and
• diarrhea.

When diverticulosis is associated with inflammation and infection it is called "diverticulitis."

Diverticulitis as well as diverticular disease can be diagnosed with barium X-rays, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or CT scan.

Treatment of diverticulitis and diverticular disease can include high fiber diet, and anti-spasmodic drugs.

Foods to eat that may prevent diverticulitis flares include fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

It has been suggested that people with diverticulitis avoid eating seeds, nuts, and corn; however, there is little evidence to support this recommendation.

When diverticulosis is associated with inflammation and infection the condition is called diverticulitis.

Complications of diverticulosis and diverticulitis include rectal bleeding, abdominal infections, and colon obstruction. 

Related Resources

• Related Diseases
• Images & Quizzes
• Diverticulosis Index
• Find a Local Doctor

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Diverticulitis diet

Diet For Diverticulitis

Sometimes, as people get older, they can develop small bulging pouches in the lining of the large intestine. These are called diverticula and the condition is known as diverticulosis or diverticular disease.

When the pouches become inflamed or infected it leads to an often very painful condition called diverticulitis. In addition to having abdominal pain, people with Diet For Diverticulitis may experience nausea, vomiting, bloating, fever, constipation or diarrhoea.

Many experts believe that a low- fibre diet can lead to diverticular disease and diverticulitis. This may be why people in Asia and Africa have a very low incidence of the condition because their diet tends to be higher in fibre.

Diverticular disease often has no or few symptoms, leaving many people unaware that they even have diverticula present.

Diet For Diverticulitis may need to be treated with antibiotics or with an operation in severe cases.

Diet for diverticulitis

If you're experiencing severe symptoms from diverticulitis, in addition to antibiotics and paracetamol for pain relief, your GP may recommend a liquid diverticulitis diet as part of your treatment, which can include:

• Water
• Fruit juices
• Soups
• Ice lollies

Gradually you can ease back into a regular diet. Your GP may advise you to start with low-fibre foods (white bread, meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products) before introducing high-fibre foods.

Fibre softens and adds bulk to stools, helping them pass through the colon more easily. It also reduces pressure on the digestive tract.

Many studies show that eating fibre-rich foods can help control diverticular symptoms. Try to balance your diet with at least five daily portions of fruit and vegetables, plus wholegrains. Ideally, adults should aim to eat between 18g (0.6oz) to 30g (1.05oz) of fibre a day. Your GP may suggest a more targeted plan for your individual height and weight.

Here are a few fibre-rich foods to include in meals:

• Fresh fruits (apples, pears oranges)
• Dried fruits (apricots, prunes)
• Vegetables (Brussels sprouts, peas, spinach)
• Beans and pulses (baked beans, red kidney beans and lentils)
• Starchy foods (wholegrain breads, crispbreads, wholewheat pasta, brown rice)
• High fibre breakfast cereals (bran flakes, shredded wheat, porridge, muesli)
• Nuts (almonds, plain peanuts, Brazil nuts)

If you're having difficulty structuring a diet on your own, consult your GP or a registered dietitian. They can set up a meal plan that works for you.

Your GP may also recommend a fibre supplement. Supplements often come in sachets of powder to mix with water, available from local pharmacies and health food shops. Drinking enough water and other fluids throughout the day will also help prevent constipation.

Foods to avoid with Diet For Diverticulitis

In the past, doctors had recommended that people with diverticular disease (diverticulosis or diverticulitis) avoid hard-to-digest foods such as nuts, corn, popcorn or seeds, because of the risk that these foods may get stuck in the diverticula and lead to inflammation. However, recent research suggests there is no real scientific evidence to back up this recommendation.

In fact, nuts and seeds are components of many high-fibre foods, which are recommended for people with Diet For Diverticulitis disease.

If in doubt, contact your GP or a dietician for advice. You can find a registered dietitian by contacting your local hospital or GP surgery, or through several organisations including the British Dietetic Association or the Health and Care Professions Council.

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Diverticulitis Diet: A List of Foods to Avoid

What Is diet for diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a serious medical condition that is characterized by inflamed pouches in the lining of your large intestine. These pouches are called diverticula. They develop when weak spots in the intestinal wall give way under pressure. This causes the intestine to protrude through the colonic wall structure. In most cases, the pouches are located in the lower intestine, or the colon.

diet for diverticulitis»

Diverticula often exist within the body without causing any additional problems, and become more common as you age. In fact, the pouches or bulges are rather common after age 40.

However, on occasion, diverticula can become inflamed or infected, or they may tear. The inflammation can lead to a more chronic and serious condition known as diverticulitis. Once diet for diverticulitis begins, it may cause serious health problems, including:

• nausea
• fever
• severe abdominal pain
• bloody bowel movements

Part 2 of 6: Diverticulitis Diet

What Foods Should I Eat if I Have Diverticulitis?

Some people with diverticulitis will benefit greatly from prescription medication use, particularly antibiotics. More serious cases, however, may require surgery. In almost all cases, your doctor will suggest you adopt certain lifestyle changes to make the condition easier to tolerate and less likely to worsen over time.

High-Fiber Diet

A high-fiber diet is one of the first things a doctor will recommend. That’s because fiber, which is found naturally in healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can soften your body’s waste material. Softer stool passes through your intestines and colon more quickly and easily. This, in turn, reduces the pressure in your digestive system.

Fiber-rich foods include:

• beans, such as navy beans and kidney beans
• whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and bulgur
• fruits
• vegetables and vegetable juices
• potatoes
• hot cereals, such as oatmeal and amaranth

Part 3 of 6: Food to Avoid

What Foods Should I Avoid?

For decades, doctors recommended that people with diverticulitis avoid eating nuts, seeds, and popcorn. That’s because they believed the tiny particles from these foods might get lodged in the pouches and lead to an infection.

While some doctors still recommend this, most physicians have abandoned that advice because modern research has demonstrated no evidence linking those foods with increased problems.

Part 4 of 6: Considerations

Are All Food Recommendations the Same?

While a diet high in fiber is a good general guideline, it’s not always the right choice. During a diet for diverticulitis attack, your doctor might a clear liquid diet until your condition improves.

Clear Liquid Diet

A clear liquid diet usually consists of:

• water
• ice chips
• ice pops with frozen fruit puree or pieces of finely chopped fruit
• broth or stock
• gelatin
• tea of coffee without any creams, flavors, or sweeteners

After your condition improves, your doctor may recommend slowly adding low-fiber foods back into your diet. Once you no longer have symptoms you can resume your high-fiber diet.

Part 5 of 6: High-Fiber Diet and Risk

Does a High-Fiber Diet Reduce Risk?

Eating a diet that is rich in natural sources of fiber is beneficial for a normal digestive system, but it’s unclear if a high-fiber diet will reduce your risk of diet for diverticulitis.

Part 6 of 6: Talk with Your Doctor

Talk with Your Doctor

If you’ve been diagnosed with diverticulitis, make sure you and your doctor discuss your food needs and restrictions. If you have not yet had that discussion, make a list of food-related questions before your next appointment. It’s important you talk about the role food plays in both helping heal and possibly aggravating the condition.

If you need additional guidance, ask your doctor to refer you to a nutrition specialist. Specifically, seek out a healthcare professional that has experience working with people who have diet for diverticulitis. They will be able to make specific recommendations, provide recipes, and help you find ways to enjoy the high-fiber foods your diet needs.

Lastly, stay in communication with your doctor about your condition. While diverticulitis may remain dormant for long periods of time, it’s a chronic condition, and you will be caring for it for your entire life. If you start to notice your symptoms increasing, make sure you have a plan of action from your doctor that can help reduce pain and discomfort and maximize your ability to lead a normal day.

Read More

Diverticulitis Diet

Sometimes, especially as they get older, people can develop little bulging pouches in the lining of the large intestine. These are called diverticula, and the condition is known as diet for diverticulitis.

When the pouches become inflamed or infected, it leads to a sometimes very painful condition called diverticulitis. In addition to having abdominal pain, people with diverticulitis may experience nausea, vomiting, bloating, fever, constipation, or diarrhea.

Many experts believe that a low-fiber diet can lead to diverticulosis and diet for diverticulitis. This may be why people in Asia and Africa, where the diet tends to be higher in fiber, have a very low incidence of the condition.

Diverticulosis usually causes no or few symptoms; leaving many people unaware that they even have diverticula present.

Diverticulitis may need to be treated with antibiotics or, in severe cases, surgery.

Diet for Diverticulitis

If you're experiencing severe symptoms from diverticulitis, your doctor may recommend a liquid diverticulitis diet as part of your treatment, which can include:

• Water
• Fruit juices
• Broth
• Ice pops

Gradually you can ease back into a regular diet. Your doctor may advise you to start with low-fiber foods (white bread, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products) before introducing high-fiber foods.

Fiber softens and adds bulk to stools, helping them pass more easily through the colon. It also reduces pressure in the digestive tract.

Many studies show that eating fiber-rich foods can help control diverticular symptoms. Try to eat at least 25-35 grams of fiber a day.

Here are a few fiber-rich foods to include in meals:

• Whole-grain breads, pastas, and cereals
• Beans (kidney beans and black beans, for example)
• Fresh fruits (apples, pears, prunes)
• Vegetables (squash, potatoes, peas, spinach)

If you're having difficulty structuring a diet on your own, consult your doctor or a dietitian. They can set up a meal plan that works for you.

Your doctor may also recommend a fiber supplement, such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) one to three times a day. Drinking enough water and other fluids throughout the day will also help prevent constipation.

Foods to Avoid With diet for diverticulitis

In the past, doctors had recommended that people with diverticular disease (diverticulosis or diverticulitis) avoid hard-to-digest foods such as nuts, corn, popcorn, and seeds, for fear that these foods would get stuck in the diverticula and lead to inflammation. However, recent research has noted that there is no real scientific evidence to back up this recommendation.

In fact, nuts and seeds are components of many high-fiber foods, which are recommended for people with diverticular disease.

Read More

Preventing diverticular disease and diverticulitis

Eating a high-fibre diet may help prevent diverticular disease, and should improve your symptoms.

Your diet should be balanced and include at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, plus whole grains. Adults should aim to eat 18g (0.6oz) to 30g (1.05oz) of fibre a day, depending on their height and weight. Your GP can provide a more specific target, based on your individual height and weight.

It's recommended that you gradually increase your fibre intake over the course of a few weeks. This will help prevent side effects associated with a high-fibre diet, such as bloating and flatulence (wind). Drinking plenty of fluids will also help prevent side effects.

If you have established diverticular disease, it may be suggested that you avoid eating nuts, corn and seeds due to the possibility that they could block the diverticular openings and cause diverticulitis. People usually find out themselves if these foods cause symptoms. Probiotics have also been recommended, but evidence is lacking. Overall, there is a lack of good quality scientific evidence on how to prevent diverticular disease.

Sources of fibre

Good sources of fibre include

• fruit
• vegetables
• nuts
• breakfast cereals – but check fibre content as some are very low
• starchy foods – such as brown bread, rice and pasta

Once you have reached your fibre target, stick to it for the rest of your life, if possible.

More detailed information on sources of fibre is provided below.

Fresh fruit

Good sources of fibre in fresh fruit (plus the amount of fibre that is found in typical portions) include:

• avocado pear – a medium-sized avocado pear contains 4.9g of fibre
• pear (with skin) – a medium-sized pear contains 3.7g of fibre
• orange – a medium-sized orange contains 2.7g of fibre
• apple (with skin) – a medium-sized apple contains 2g of fibre
• raspberries – two handfuls of raspberries (80g) contain 2g of fibre
• banana – a medium-sized banana contains 1.7g of fibre
• tomato juice – one small glass of tomato juice (200ml) contains 1.2g of fibre

Dried fruit

Good sources of fibre in dried fruit (plus the amount of fibre found in typical portions) include:

• apricots – three whole apricots contain 5g of fibre
• prunes – three whole prunes contain 4.6g of fibre

Vegetables

Good sources of fibre in vegetables (plus the amount of fibre found in typical portions) include:

• baked beans (in tomato sauce) – a half can of baked beans (200g) contains 7.4g of fibre
• red kidney beans (boiled) – three tablespoons of red kidney beans contain 5.4g of fibre
• peas (boiled) – three heaped tablespoons of peas contain 3.6g of fibre
• French beans (boiled) – four heaped tablespoons of French beans contain 3.3g of fibre
• Brussel sprouts (boiled) – eight Brussel sprouts contain 2.5g of fibre
• potatoes (old, boiled) – one medium-sized potato contains 2.4g of fibre
• spring greens (boiled) – four heaped tablespoons of Spring greens contain 2.1g of fibre
• carrots (boiled, sliced) – three heaped tablespoons of carrots contain 2g of fibre

Nuts

Good sources of fibre in nuts (plus the amount of fibre found in typical portions) include:

• almonds – 20 almonds contain 2.4g of fibre
• peanuts (plain) – a tablespoon of peanuts contains 1.6g of fibre
• mixed nuts – a tablespoon of mixed nuts contains 1.5g of fibre
• Brazil nuts – 10 Brazil nuts contain 1.4g of fibre

Breakfast cereals

Good sources of fibre in breakfast cereals (plus the amount of fibre found in typical portions) include:

• All-Bran – a medium-sized bowl of All-Bran contains 9.8g of fibre
• Shredded Wheat – two pieces of Shredded wheat contain 4.3g of fibre
• Bran Flakes – one medium-sized bowl of Bran flakes contains 3.9g of fibre
• Weetabix – two Weetabix contain 3.6g of fibre
• muesli (no added sugar) – one medium-sized bowl of muesli contains 3.4g of fibre
• porridge (milk or water) – one medium-sized bowl of porridge contains 2.3g of fibre

Note – the "own-brand" equivalents of the cereals mentioned above should contain similar levels of fibre. 

Starchy foods

Good sources of fibre in starchy food (plus the amount found in typical portions) include:

• crispbread – four crispbreads contain 4.2g of fibre
• pitta bread (wholemeal) – one piece (75g) contains 3.9g of fibre
• pasta (plain, fresh-cooked) – one medium portion of pasta (200g) contains 3.8g of fibre
• wholemeal bread – two slices of wholemeal bread contain 3.5g of fibre
• naan bread – one piece of naan bread contains 3.2g of fibre
• brown bread – two slices of brown bread contain 2.5g of fibre
• brown rice (boiled) – one medium portion of brown rice (200g) contains 1.6g of fibre

Fibre supplements – usually in the form of sachets of powder you mix with water – are also available from pharmacists and health food shops. Some contain sweetener. A tablespoon of fibre supplement contains around 2.5g of fibre. If you require long-term fibre supplements, your GP can prescribe them.

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Diverticulitis and diverticulosis - discharge

You were in the hospital because you have diverticulitis. This is an infection of an abnormal pouch (called a diverticulum) in your intestinal wall.

You may have had a CT scan or other tests that helped your doctor check your colon. You may have received fluids and drugs that fight infections through an intravenous (IV) tube in your vein. You were probably on a special diet to help your colon rest and heal.

If your diverticulitis was very bad, or a repeat of past swelling, you may need surgery.

Your health care provider may also recommend that you have further tests to look at your colon (large intestine) such as colonoscopy. It is important to follow up with these tests.

What to Expect at Home
Your pain and other symptoms should go away after a few days of treatment. If they do not get better, or if they get worse, you will need to call the provider.

Once these pouches have formed, you have them for life. If you make a few simple changes in your lifestyle, you may not have diverticulitis again.

Self-care
Your provider may have given you antibiotics to treat any infection. Take them as you were told you to. Make sure you finish the whole prescription. Call your provider if you have any side effects.

DO NOT put off having a bowel movement. This can lead to a firmer stool, which will make you use more force to pass it.

Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Exercise regularly.

Diet
When you first go home or after an attack, your provider may ask you to drink liquids only at first, then slowly increase your diet. In the beginning, you may need to avoid whole-grain foods, fruits, and vegetables. This will help your colon rest.

After you are better, your provider will suggest that you add more fiber to your diet and avoid certain foods. Eating more fiber may help prevent future attacks. If you have bloating or gas, cut down the amount of fiber you eat for a few days.

High fiber foods include:

• Fruits, such as tangerines, prunes, apples, bananas, peaches, and pears
• Tender cooked vegetables, such as asparagus, beets, mushrooms, turnips, pumpkin, broccoli, artichokes, lima beans, squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes
• Lettuce and peeled potatoes
• Vegetable juices
• High-fiber cereals (such as shredded wheat) and muffins
• Hot cereals, such as oatmeal, farina, and cream of wheat
• Whole-grain breads (whole wheat or whole rye)

When to Call the Doctor
Call your health care provider if you have:

Blood in your stools
Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) that does not go away
Nausea, vomiting, or chills
Sudden belly or back pain, or pain that gets worse or is very severe
Alternate Names
Diverticular disease - discharge

References
Fox JM, Stollman NH. Diverticular disease of the colon. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2010:chap 117.

Prather C. Inflammatory and anatomic diseases of the intestine, peritoneum, mesentery, and omentum. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 144.

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