Diverticulitis Diet Guide: Foods to Eat and Avoid for Prevention and Treatment

Understanding Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease refers to small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the wall of your digestive tract. These pouches bulge outward through weak spots. Although these pouches can form throughout the digestive tract, they usually form in the large intestine (colon) on the left side in the sigmoid colon. Diverticular disease includes:

• Diverticulosis pouches in your colon wall
• Diverticulitis infection or inflammation of the pouches

Most people with diverticulosis don't have any discomfort or symptoms. However, if the pouches become inflamed, this condition is called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis causes pain and tenderness around the left side of your lower abdomen.

Diverticulosis Causes and Risk Factors

Doctors aren't certain what causes diverticulosis pouches to form in the colon wall. Contributing factors include:

• A low-fiber diet. Not consuming enough fiber can lead to constipation and hard stool, which increases pressure in your colon.
• Changes in bowel structure. Changes that come with aging or in muscle activity in the colon may also lead to elevated pressure.

You're more likely to develop diverticulosis and any complications if you:

• Are older than 50
• Have a family history of diverticulosis
• Lead a sedentary lifestyle

Diverticulitis Causes and Risk Factors

When diverticula in your colon become infected or inflamed, you develop diverticulitis. This complication leads to infection and possible rupture. Doctors think diverticulitis develops when waste gets trapped in the pouches. Causes include:

• Low-fiber diet
• Hard, dry stools coupled with straining during bowel movements
• Small particles of stool becoming trapped in diverticula
• Bacterial growth in the trapped materials
• Extreme colon pressure from constipation or straining

Best Foods for Diverticular Disease Prevention & Treatment

Eating a balanced diet focused on fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help prevent diverticular disease and diverticulitis. These foods make stool bulkier and softer so it can move through your colon more easily. Fiber also helps pull water into your colon to keep stools soft. Try including these high fiber foods:

1. Broccoli

Broccoli provides a hefty dose of vitamin C and antioxidants like beta carotene. Just one cup delivers over 65% of the fiber you need daily. The florets and stalk provide insoluble fiber to add bulk while the soluble fiber in the leaves ferments in your colon to feed the healthy bacteria. This anti-inflammatory vegetable packs anti-cancer benefits as well.

2. Black Beans

Black beans provide soluble and insoluble fiber, creating soft, bulky stools. Beans also act as resistant starch and prebiotics to feed healthy gut flora. This improves digestion and lends anti-inflammatory benefits. Beans contain iron, magnesium, folate, potassium and antioxidants too.

3. Brussels Sprouts

In addition to insoluble fiber, Brussels sprouts contain a special fiber called oligofructose, a prebiotic that feeds healthy bacteria. The bacteria break this fiber down to create short chain fatty acids that reduce colonic inflammation. The phytonutrient sulforaphane lends anti-cancer benefits as well.

4. Pears

The skin of pears contains most of their 6 grams of fiber per medium fruit. Pectin gives pears most of their fiber, which attracts water to keep stools soft. This soluble fiber becomes a prebiotic to feed healthy bacteria too. Pears also provide vitamins C, K and copper.

5. Strawberries

Over 90% of the fiber in strawberries comes from pectin. This soluble fiber thickens in water to give stools bulk. The ellagic acid and polyphenols act as antioxidants with anti-inflammatory benefits in your body. Just one cup of strawberries gives you 3 grams of fiber and 150% of your vitamin C.

6. Popcorn

Air-popped popcorn provides concentrated insoluble fiber per bite, giving substantial bulk to your stools. Just 3 cups delivers over 10 grams of fiber. Popcorn also contains polyphenols and carotenoids to reduce inflammation. Choose plain or minimally buttered popcorn over prepackaged versions high sugar and fat.

7. Chia Seeds

Despite their tiny size, chia seeds pack 10 grams of fiber per ounce. Their mucilage fiber forms a thick gel to move waste efficiently through your colon. The omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory too. Sprinkle chia seeds onto oatmeal, yogurt and salads.

8. Artichokes

Artichoke leaves give you insoluble fiber while the heart has inulin, a prebiotic soluble fiber. Bacteria ferment inulin into beneficial compounds that support colon health. Artichokes also provide vitamins C and K. Eat them steamed or sauted.

9. Raspberries

One cup of raspberries delivers 8 grams of dietary fiber, mostly from pectin. Ellagic acid offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The many polyphenols and phytochemicals support your overall health. Enjoy raspberries fresh or frozen.

Foods to Avoid with Diverticulitis

Some foods tend to make diverticular disease and diverticulitis worse. Steer clear of these items during symptom flare-ups:

1. Deli Meats

Avoid processed meats like salami, bologna and ham if you have diverticulitis. These fatty meats are difficult to digest, take longer to move through your colon and may get caught in pouches. Salt and preservatives exacerbate inflammation too.

2. Red Meat

Go easy on beef and pork since these meats increase infection risk and inflammation. Some theories point to blood vessel changes, antibodies or bacteria that metabolize the protein into toxic substances. Avoid red meat until symptoms resolve.

3. Full-Fat Dairy

While yogurt and kefir offer probiotics, whole milk and full-fat cheese are difficult to break down, especially when diverticula are inflamed. These fatty foods require more time and effort to digest. Stick to low fat versions until you improve.

4. White Bread

Refined grains like white pasta, rice and bread break down quickly into sugar. This leads to bacterial overgrowth and more inflammation. Whole grains provide fiber and nutrients to nourish colon cells and improve your microbiome.

5. Alcohol

All types of alcohol can aggravate diverticular inflammation and may hinder healing. Alcohol impacts hydration, gut motility and stomach acid too. Avoid drinking until your condition clears then only partake in moderation.

6. Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains caffeine and histamines that stimulate gut contractions and diarrhea. Cocoa butter and cocoa powder may elevate irritation as well so avoid chocolate. Once symptoms resolve, small amounts may be tolerated.

7. Corn and Popcorn

Whole corn travels undigested through your colon, but when diverticula are aggravated, kernels get trapped and worsen pouches. Even popcorn hulls and skins bother sensitive tissues. Stick to a liquid or low fiber diet without corn.

8. Nuts and Seeds

Crunchy nuts, nut butters and chia seeds normally offer benefits, but large pieces could get trapped during flare-ups. Stick to smooth nut butters and ground seeds until your condition improves. Then nuts help prevent repeat issues.

Diverticulitis Diet Guidelines

Tailor your diet to the diverticulitis symptoms you experience. As a general guide:

During Acute Attacks

Stick to clear liquids like broth until symptoms resolve: water, ice chips, juice without pulp, sports drinks, ginger ale, weak tea. Increase fiber slowly with bananas, white rice, white toast, eggs, mashed potatoes, chicken, fish and cottage cheese.

To Prevent Future Attacks

Consume 25-40 grams of fiber daily from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts once your condition improves. Properly hydrate, exercise regularly, maintain proper weight and don't strain during bowel movements.

Diverticular Disease Diet Recipes

Use these sample recipes to craft diverticulitis-friendly and gut-healthy meals:

Breakfast

• Oatmeal made with almond milk, mashed banana and ground flax
• Poached eggs with white toast and sliced tomato
• Yogurt parfait with vanilla yogurt, blueberries and chopped pecans
• Tofu veggie scramble with onions, spinach and mushrooms

Lunch

• Turkey wraps with whole grain flatbread, roast turkey, lettuce, carrot and avocado
• Minestrone soup loaded with white beans, cabbage, zucchini and rice noodles
• Tuna salad stuffed in tomatoes and served with melon slices
• Chicken quinoa salad made with shredded chicken, bell peppers and lemon vinaigrette

Dinner

• Vegetable stir fry with tofu over brown rice
• Baked cod with roasted potato wedges and spinach salad
• Vegetable fajitas with bell peppers and mushrooms wrapped in corn tortillas
• Chicken and vegetable soup with carrots, peas and brown rice

Snacks

• Energy bites made with bananas, oats, peanut butter and dark chocolate chips
• Edamame pods sprinkled with sea salt
• Apple slices dipped in peanut butter
• Strawberries drizzled with dark chocolate
• Banana soft serve made from frozen bananas blended smooth

Healthy Living Tips

Support diverticulitis healing and prevent recurrent attacks with these healthy habits:

• Exercise for 30 minutes daily to reduce inflammation
• Drink 64+ ounces of fluids, especially to ease constipation
• Take a probiotic to replenish healthy gut flora
• Manage stress levels with yoga, meditation and rest
• Quit smoking which worsens inflammation and immune function
• Reach or maintain healthy body weight

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.