Managing and Preventing Diverticulitis Flare-Ups Through Diet
Diverticulitis is a common digestive condition affecting over half of all adults by age 60. Small pouches or sacs called diverticula can form in the wall of the colon. When these sacs become inflamed, it results in the painful symptoms of diverticulitis which include abdominal pain, bloating, fever, and changes in bowel habits.
Diet plays a crucial role in managing diverticulitis flares as well as preventing recurrence. Certain foods can help control symptoms and promote healing of inflamed diverticula, while others may further irritate the colon. Understanding which foods to emphasize and limit is key.
Best Foods to Eat During a Diverticulitis Flare-Up
When youre experiencing an active bout of diverticulitis, the diet should focus on providing rest and healing for the colon. Recommended foods include:
Clear Liquids
Hydration is very important during diverticulitis flares. Clear liquids like water, broth, and electrolyte drinks provide fluid without irritating the gastrointestinal tract. Avoid sugary drinks and juice, which can cause diarrhea.
Low Fiber Foods
Fiber from fruits, vegetables, and grains can be abrasive when diverticula are already inflamed and irritated. Stick to low fiber foods like white bread, pasta, eggs, tender meats, and cooked vegetables without skins.
Lean Proteins
Good protein sources include eggs, skinless poultry, fish, seafood, and legumes. These foods supply nutrients for healing without excessive fat that could further irritate the colon.
Yogurt
The probiotics in yogurt can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria to support gut health and the digestive system. Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt.
Prebiotic Foods
Foods rich in inulin, like Jerusalem artichoke, garlic, onion, banana, and asparagus, may help stimulate growth of good bacteria when unfiltered and fermented foods are not tolerated.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory compound curcumin that may help reduce swelling and irritation associated with a diverticulitis flare. Add to cooking or take as a supplement.
Foods to Avoid During a Flare-Up
Certain foods commonly irritate diverticula and should be avoided during active inflammation. Restrict:
Nuts and Seeds
Small, hard foods like nuts, seeds, popcorn, and sesame seeds can become trapped and lodge in diverticula, causing pain and possible infection.
Red Meat
Red meats are difficult to digest and can exacerbate inflammation in the colon. Stick to leaner proteins until symptoms resolve.
Added Sugars
Foods with high added sugars like cookies, cakes, and candy can increase inflammation. Sugary drinks should also be avoided.
Fried Foods
Greasy, fatty foods like fries, chips, and fast food can further irritate the gut and prolong healing time.
Dairy Products
For some people, dairy products like milk, ice cream, and butter worsen diverticulitis symptoms due to lactose sensitivity. Limit dairy if needed.
Alcohol
All alcoholic beverages can promote inflammation and should not be consumed during an active diverticulitis flare.
Caffeine
Caffeinated coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks are GI irritants and dehydrating. Avoid until diverticulitis symptoms resolve.
Transitioning Back to a Regular Diet
After symptoms have subsided and your doctor gives the okay, you can gradually add more variety back into your diet. Some tips:
- Reintroduce high fiber foods slowly over a couple weeks. See how symptoms respond.
- Chew foods very thoroughly to ease digestion.
- Continue avoiding trigger foods like seeds, nuts and known problem foods unique to your digestive system.
- Stay hydrated and maintain adequate fiber intake through diet and supplements like psyllium.
Best Foods for Preventing Diverticulitis
Diet also plays a central role in preventing future diverticulitis recurrences. Focusing on foods that keep the colon healthy can reduce inflammation and complications. Beneficial options include:
High Fiber Fruits and Vegetables
Soluble fiber from oats, beans, apples, carrots, squash and other fruits and veggies help keep waste moving through the colon to prevent diverticula from getting blocked and irritated.
Fermented Foods
Sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and kombucha contain probiotics that support digestive health and gut flora to minimize inflammation.
Nuts and Seeds
Although these foods should be avoided during flares, their fiber, healthy fats and nutrients may help prevent inflammation when diverticula arent irritated.
Cold Water Fish
Fish like salmon and tuna that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation to help maintain a healthy colon.
Olive Oil
Monounsaturated fats in olive oil are easier to digest than saturated fat and have anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit colon health.
Spices like Ginger and Turmeric
Anti-inflammatory compounds in these spices can help prevent excessive inflammation in the lining of the colon when used regularly.
Green Tea
Rich in antioxidants, green tea may help reduce inflammation and risk factors associated with recurrent diverticulitis.
Foods to Limit to Help Prevent Diverticulitis
Limiting or avoiding certain foods that commonly aggravate diverticula can help prevent flares:
Added Sugars
Cut back on sugary foods, soda, juice and desserts to avoid spikes in inflammation-triggering blood sugar levels.
Refined Carbohydrates
Minimize intake of refined breads, crackers, cereals, and pastas which can be constipating.
Alcohol
Chronic alcohol use is linked to diverticulitis recurrence. Limit to 1 drink per day for men, 1 drink every other day for women.
Red Meat
Eat lean cuts of beef, pork and lamb no more than a few times a week due to their association with colon cancer risk.
Processed Meats
Avoid processed, high-fat meats like sausage, bacon, ham, and hot dogs as much as possible.
Making healthy diet and lifestyle changes focused on managing diverticulitis can make all the difference in controlling symptoms and preventing recurrent flare-ups.
Key Tips for an Anti-Diverticulitis Diet
- Drink plenty of fluids like water, broths, and diluted juices during flares.
- Follow a low fiber diet when actively inflamed then slowly increase fiber as symptoms resolve.
- Include probiotic foods or supplements to support healthy gut flora.
- Eliminate trigger foods like nuts, seeds, popcorn, red meat, fried foods, caffeine, and alcohol during flares.
- Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like olive oil, fatty fish, spices, tea, and deeply colored fruits and veggies for prevention.
- Avoid added sugars and refined carbs. Opt for complex, high fiber carbs instead.
- Practice proper food safety and handling to prevent possible infection when colon walls are compromised.
- Quit smoking and lose excess weight, as obesity raises risk of recurrent diverticulitis.
Sample Menu for a Diverticulitis Flare
Breakfast
- Eggs scrambled with spinach, mushrooms, and turkey bacon
- Banana sliced over plain Greek yogurt
- Decaf tea
Lunch
- Chicken noodle soup
- Side salad with lettuce, cucumbers, carrots
- White rice
- Chamomile tea
Dinner
- Broiled salmon
- Well-cooked green beans
- Mashed potatoes
- Warm broth
- Ginger tea
Snacks
- Low-sugar yogurt
- Applesauce
- Jello
- Popsicles
- White toast
Focus on simple, low fiber and low fat foods that won't aggravate sensitive diverticula. Hydration is also key. As symptoms improve, gradually increase fiber.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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