What Is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the colon called diverticula become inflamed or infected. If you’ve been diagnosed with diverticulitis, your doctor has likely advised you to follow a special diet to avoid flare-ups and allow your colon to heal. The diverticulitis diet focuses on soft, low-fiber foods that won’t irritate the colon.
When you have diverticulitis, it’s best to avoid foods with small seeds, nuts, and kernels that could get trapped in the diverticula and cause inflammation. Stay away from popcorn, strawberries, blackberries, and tomato skins. Raw vegetables, beans, bran, and whole grains are also off the table, as they’re hard to digest.
Instead, choose low-fiber foods like white rice, mashed potatoes, eggs, fish, poultry, bananas, and cooked carrots. Broths, soups, and stews are good options since they’re easy on the digestive system. Yogurt or probiotics can also help by restoring good bacteria to your gut.
As your symptoms improve, slowly start adding high-fiber foods back into your diet. But go slowly, and be on the lookout for discomfort. Getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and limiting stress will aid your recovery. In some cases, medication or even surgery may be recommended to treat complications from diverticulitis.
Foods to Avoid With Diverticulitis
If you’ve been diagnosed with diverticulitis, your doctor has likely advised you to avoid certain foods that can irritate your colon. The good news is, that with some simple diet changes, you can find relief from discomfort and reduce flare-ups.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods with small seeds, nuts, and kernels that can get trapped in diverticula pouches and cause inflammation. These include:
- Berries like strawberries, raspberries
- Fig and tomato seeds
- Popcorn, sunflower and pumpkin seeds
- Nuts of all kinds
Also steer clear of foods that are hard to digest like raw vegetables, beans, and corn. Cooked, softened versions of carrots, broccoli, spinach and other veggies are better options during a flare-up.
Red meat, fatty or fried foods, and sugary or highly processed choices can also be problematic. Limit or avoid:
- Red meat like beef, pork, and lamb
- Full-fat dairy products, greasy takeout, and fried foods
- Sugary beverages, candy, cookies, and chips
Instead, choose anti-inflammatory foods like fish, poultry, eggs, and olive oil which provide protein and good fats without irritation. Broth-based soups, herbal tea, and aloe vera juice can also help soothe your colon.
When you have diverticulitis, what you don’t eat is just as important as what you do eat. By avoiding foods that inflame and eliminating digestive distress, you’ll feel relief from pain and discomfort. With time and the right diet, you can avoid future flare-ups and keep your diverticulitis in remission.
Diverticulitis-Friendly Foods to Focus On
Now that you know which foods to avoid, focus on nutritious foods that won’t irritate your diverticula.
Some of the best options include:
1. Fiber-rich fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies with edible seeds like tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, carrots, and berries provide fiber and various nutrients. Aim for 2-3 cups per day. Also eat leafy greens, which are high in magnesium to help relax your colon.
2. Whole Grains
Choose whole wheat or sprouted bread, oats, brown rice, and quinoa. Whole grains are high in fiber but less irritating than nuts and seeds. Eat 2-3 servings per day.
3. Lean Protein
Have fish, eggs, or skinless poultry 3 times a week. Plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and soy are also good options if tolerated. Limit red meat, as it’s harder to digest.
4. Healthy Fats
Use olive oil, coconut oil or avocado oil for cooking and salads. Eat avocados, which provide fat and fiber. Both help reduce inflammation in the gut. Have 2-3 tablespoons of healthy fats per day.
5. Fermented Foods
Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso contain good bacteria that improve gut health and digestion. Aim for 1 serving daily.
6. Staying Hydrated
Drink plenty of water and herbal tea to help soften stools and keep your colon moving. Have 6-8 glasses per day. Warm beverages can be especially soothing.
7. Probiotics
Take a probiotic supplement with multiple strains and at least 10 to 15 billion CFUs per day. Probiotics introduce good bacteria to improve gut health and digestion.
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Conclusion
Making these nutritious foods the focus of your diet will help relieve diverticulitis symptoms and promote healing. Be sure to start slowly, allowing your gut to adjust to changes in fiber intake. Paying close attention to how different foods affect your digestion will help determine the best diet for your unique needs. With time and patience, you can get relief from discomfort and reduce flare-ups.
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