According to a study in 2002, diverticulosis, a precursor to diverticulitis, affects up to one in four people, and is more common in those over the age of fifty. Diet seems to trigger this disease, since it’s more common in developed countries - where people eat more processed foods.
In some Asian and African countries, where processed foods are rarely eaten, diverticular disease is rare. People often wonder what they can and cannot eat after diverticulitis. What can people eat with diverticular disease eat – and what foods should they avoid?
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis is an intestinal condition where small pockets, known as diverticula, form on the walls of the intestines. Diverticulosis, by itself, is usually asymptomatic. When diverticula become infected with bacteria and inflamed, it leads to a more serious condition known as diverticulitis.
When diverticulitis occurs, the symptoms include abdominal pain, usually in the left, lower portion of the abdomen; nausea; fever; and constipation. Diagnosis is made through CT scan imaging of the abdomen. Treatment consists of intravenous fluids with nothing by mouth, as well as antibiotics to kill the bacteria that have infected the diverticula. Most cases respond to this treatment, but in some cases, surgery may be needed for complications of the disease.
What to Eat with Diverticuitis: Do Certain Foods Trigger Diverticulitis?
People who have diverticulosis are, understandably, interested in what foods they can eat - and what they should avoid eating to prevent another bout of diverticulitis. Are there certain foods that trigger the condition?
Doctors once thought that people with diverticulosis should avoid eating nuts or seeds, since they could lodge in the diverticula, or pockets on the intestines, and cause them to become inflamed. This has since been disproved – and nuts and seeds are now considered okay for people with this condition to eat.
What to Eat with Diverticulitis: Fiber is Key
The one dietary change that’s most effective for preventing a future attack of diverticulitis is a fiber-rich one. Foods that are high in fiber such as whole grains, fruit, and vegetables move through the colon more quickly, reducing pressure on the intestinal wall – which could cause the diverticula to become inflamed.
It’s also important to drink lots of water to reduce the risk of constipation, which also puts additional pressure on the intestinal wall.
During an acute episode of diverticulitis, an affected person should eat no solid foods – only clear liquids – and advance their diet based on their doctor’s recommendations.
The Bottom Line?
Anyone who has the symptoms of diverticulitis should see their doctor immediately for treatment, since complications such as a tear or blockage of the intestines can occur – or an abscess can form. These are medical emergencies that usually require surgery. Don’t delay treatment of this potentially serious disease.
References:
Lancet (8115): 511-4.
J. Am Diet Assoc 102 (7): 993-1000.
Merck Manual. Eighteenth Edition. 2006.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice
Kristie Leong - I'm a family physician interested in all aspects of traditional and alternative medicine, especially the use of nutrition to prevent ...
