Milly Gaines
If you have diverticulitis, you may be wondering if you need to follow a specific diet to manage your condition. The short answer is yes. Diet and lifestyle changes can help control diverticulitis symptoms and prevent complications. During flare-ups, it is recommended to follow a liquid diet to give your digestive system a rest and allow it to heal. When symptoms improve, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods, starting with low-fibre options to avoid discomfort. However, when your colon is healthy, a high-fibre diet is recommended to reduce the risk of developing diverticulitis and other diseases. This includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans, along with adequate fluid intake and regular exercise. Consulting a dietitian can help you develop a sustainable and personalised plan to manage your diverticular disease effectively.
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What You'll Learn
High-fibre foods
A high-fibre diet is important for the health of the digestive system and lowering cholesterol. It can help prevent and manage symptoms of diverticular disease. The condition, also known as diverticulosis, involves the formation of small, bulging pouches (diverticula) in the lower part of the intestine, usually in the colon. Constipation and straining during bowel movements can worsen diverticulosis, and a high-fibre diet can help keep stools soft and prevent inflammation.
If you don't currently eat a lot of fibre, it's important to introduce it to your diet gradually to avoid bloating and abdominal discomfort. The target is to eat 25 to 30 grams of fibre daily, along with at least 8 cups of fluid to help soften stools. Exercise is also important, as it promotes bowel movement and helps prevent constipation.
During a flare-up of diverticulitis, it is recommended to follow a low-fibre diet. This is because foods high in FODMAPs can cause cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation. However, once symptoms have improved, you can slowly add more high-fibre foods back into your diet.
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Exercise
Additionally, exercise can help to reduce stress levels, which may also contribute to improving your digestive health. Stress can often negatively impact the digestive system, so finding ways to manage and reduce stress through exercise or other means can be beneficial.
It is important to listen to your body and not overexert yourself, especially if you are experiencing a diverticulitis flare-up. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you feel more comfortable.
If you are currently experiencing a diverticulitis flare-up, you may need to temporarily reduce your physical activity to allow your body to rest and recover. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate level of exercise for your condition. They can advise you on the types and amounts of exercise that are safe for you, especially during a flare-up.
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Weight management
A high-fibre diet is recommended for those with diverticulosis, which is a condition where small, bulging pouches (diverticuli) form inside the lower part of the intestine, usually in the colon. Fibre helps to keep stools soft and prevents constipation, which can worsen the condition. The target is to eat 25 to 30 grams of fibre daily, and it is recommended to increase fibre intake gradually to avoid bloating and abdominal discomfort.
During flare-ups of diverticulitis, which occur when the pouches in the colon become infected or inflamed, a clear liquid diet should be followed. Once you have recovered from a flare-up, it is important to gradually resume a high-fibre diet, as this will help to prevent future flare-ups.
In addition to dietary changes, exercise can also promote bowel movement and help prevent constipation. Staying well-hydrated is also important, with a recommendation to drink at least 8 cups of fluid daily.
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Liquid diets
A liquid diet is often recommended for those experiencing diverticulitis flare-ups. This is because a liquid diet helps to calm inflamed diverticulitis and gives the digestive system a chance to rest and recover.
During a flare-up, doctors usually recommend first taking a short break from eating and drinking and then adopting a clear liquid diet for a few days. This means no solid foods and only consuming liquids such as water and juice without pulp. The goal is to reduce inflammation and severity of symptoms during a flare-up.
As symptoms improve, you can gradually reintroduce low-fiber foods to your diet. It is important to do this slowly, as adding too much fiber too quickly can cause bloating and abdominal discomfort. The target is to eventually reach 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day, which can be achieved by eating a variety of food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans.
In addition to diet, exercise is important for those with diverticulitis. It helps to promote bowel movement and prevent constipation, which can worsen the condition. It is also recommended to meet with a dietitian to learn practical and sustainable ways to get more fiber into your diet.
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Trigger foods
People with diverticular disease should eat a healthy diet rich in fibre, drink lots of water, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and not smoke.
Foods that trigger flare-ups vary from person to person. It is recommended to keep a food journal to identify which foods cause problems. During flare-ups, it is important to give your digestive system time to relax and heal. This means abstaining from food for a brief period and then slowly reintroducing solid foods, choosing low-fibre options. The BRAT diet may be worth trying to help control a diverticulitis flare-up. This includes saltines, oatmeal, and potatoes. However, keep in mind that this meal plan is very low in nutrients, so you should not consume it for an extended period.
A high-fibre diet is generally recommended to reduce the risk of developing diverticulitis. However, during flare-ups, it is important to avoid high-fibre foods as they can irritate the digestive system. Aim for 25 to 30 grams of fibre per day, and if you are not used to a high-fibre diet, introduce fibre gradually to avoid bloating and abdominal discomfort.
Foods high in FODMAPs can cause cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation and should be avoided. Examples of high-FODMAP foods include:
- Wheat products, such as bread and pasta
- Onions
- Legumes, such as beans and lentils
- Dairy products
- Some fruits, such as apples and pears
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Frequently asked questions
Diverticulitis occurs when pouches in the intestines, called diverticula, become infected or inflamed.
During flare-ups, it is recommended to follow a liquid diet. When you are no longer experiencing symptoms, you can resume a high-fiber diet. A high-fiber diet can include five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, three of whole grains, and a serving of nuts or beans each day.
Yes, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight are important for managing diverticulitis.
