Brenda Khan
Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the large intestine, causing abdominal pain and other symptoms. It is caused by small bulges or pouches in the walls of the intestine, known as diverticula. While a poor diet cannot be said to be the cause of diverticulitis, dietary choices can help manage the condition. During a flare-up, doctors recommend a temporary hold on fiber intake, as fiber is harder to digest, and avoiding these foods can help alleviate symptoms. However, when diverticulitis is under control, a well-balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is recommended to prevent future flare-ups. A high-fiber diet is generally recommended to prevent diverticulosis, which can lead to diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis and its relation to diet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is diverticulitis caused by poor diet? | No, but a poor diet can increase the risk of developing diverticulitis. |
| What is diverticulitis? | A condition that affects the large intestine (bowel) and causes abdominal pain and other symptoms. |
| What causes diverticulitis? | Small bulges or pouches in the walls of the intestine called diverticula. |
| What are the symptoms of diverticulitis? | Abdominal pain, especially in the lower left side, that worsens after eating and improves after passing stool or gas. |
| How is diverticulitis treated? | During a flare-up, doctors recommend modifications to the diet, including a temporary hold on fiber intake, and antibiotics to address the infection. |
| How can diet help prevent diverticulitis? | A healthy diet full of fiber-rich foods can help lower the risk of developing diverticulitis. |
| What foods are high in fiber? | Whole grains, beans, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. |
| What are the side effects of increasing fiber intake? | Gas, bloating, and upset stomach. |
| How much water should be consumed with a high-fiber diet? | The recommended amount of water is about half the person's body weight in ounces. |
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What You'll Learn
High-fibre foods can help prevent diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the colon, causing small pouches (diverticula) to form and sometimes tear, leading to inflammation or infection, resulting in abdominal pain. While a poor diet may not be the direct cause of diverticulitis, a high-fibre diet can help prevent diverticulitis flare-ups and has other health advantages.
During a diverticulitis flare-up, doctors may recommend a temporary hold on fibre intake to allow the digestive system to rest and recover. This is because high-fibre foods are harder to digest, and a low-fibre diet is easier for the digestive system to process. However, once the flare-up is under control, a gradual transition to a high-fibre diet is recommended to help prevent future episodes.
A high-fibre diet can include whole grains such as quinoa, bulgur, teff, barley, popcorn, oats, shredded wheat, bran cereals, and whole-grain bread. Beans and legumes, including black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils, are also excellent sources of fibre.
Additionally, green leafy vegetables like collard greens, kale, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots are fibre-rich and beneficial. Fruits such as blackberries, raspberries, avocados, blueberries, strawberries, apples, and pears (with the skin on) are also good options.
It is important to note that increasing fibre intake can cause some gas and bloating, so it is recommended to increase fibre intake gradually and stay well-hydrated. Drinking enough water is crucial as fibre needs water to work effectively in the body.
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Low-fibre foods are recommended during diverticulitis flare-ups
A low-fibre diet is often recommended during a diverticulitis flare-up to help ease symptoms and allow the digestive system to rest and recover. This is because high-fibre foods can be harder to digest, and avoiding them during a flare-up may help to control symptoms.
During an acute attack of diverticulitis, doctors may suggest a low-fibre diet or a clear liquid diet. Once symptoms improve, a gradual transition to a high-fibre diet is recommended to prevent future flares. This is because dietary fibre can improve colon health by aiding gut movement and stool bulk, thereby reducing symptoms of diverticular disease and improving bowel function.
Low-fibre foods that may be consumed during a diverticulitis flare-up include white rice, white bread, and white pasta (while avoiding gluten-containing foods if intolerant). The BRAT diet, which includes bland, easy-to-digest foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, may also help control a flare-up. However, it is important to note that this diet is very low in nutrients, so it should not be followed for an extended period.
While low-fibre foods are recommended during flare-ups, a high-fibre diet is generally advised to reduce the risk of developing diverticulitis. A 2018 study found that dietary fibre can reduce symptoms of diverticular disease and improve bowel function. Additionally, a 2016 study suggested that gut bacteria play a role in diverticular disease, and a high-fibre diet promotes a healthy digestive system.
It is always best to consult with a doctor about the most suitable diet, as the management of diverticulitis can vary from person to person.
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The BRAT diet can help control diverticulitis flare-ups
Diverticulitis is a common condition in developed countries, especially in adults aged 40 and older. It occurs when pouches in the intestines, called diverticula, become infected or inflamed. During a flare-up, it is important to let your digestive system relax and heal. This means avoiding foods that are high in fibre, as they are harder to digest and can make symptoms worse.
The BRAT diet is a meal plan that can help control diverticulitis flare-ups. BRAT stands for bananas, plain white rice, applesauce, and toast made with refined white bread. These foods are bland, soft, and easy to digest, which can help mitigate symptoms like nausea and diarrhoea while giving your body time to heal. It is important to note that the BRAT diet is very low in nutrients, so it should not be consumed for an extended period.
In addition to the BRAT diet, other low-fibre foods can be included during a flare-up. Clear liquids are recommended during the initial phase of a flare-up, and ice chips, gelatin without fruit, or ice pops without fruit or pulp can also be consumed. After a few days of an all-liquid diet, low-fibre solid foods can be slowly reintroduced. Examples of low-fibre solid foods include white bread, low-fibre cereal, saltines, oatmeal, and potatoes.
Once a diverticulitis flare-up is under control, eating high-fibre foods can help prevent future flare-ups. Fibre softens stool and helps prevent constipation, which can decrease pressure in the colon and reduce the risk of diverticulitis flare-ups. It is important to increase fibre intake gradually and stay well-hydrated, as fibre requires water to work properly. Recommended high-fibre foods include whole grains, beans and legumes, and vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and dark leafy greens.
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Drinking plenty of water helps when increasing fibre intake
Diverticulosis is a common condition in developed countries, especially in adults aged 40 and older. By age 60, up to half of American adults have developed diverticula in the walls of their colon, and up to 30% of people with diverticulosis will experience a diverticular flare-up. While there is no specific diverticulosis diet, a healthy diet full of fibre-rich foods can help lower the risk. Fibre-rich foods include whole grains, beans and legumes, and vegetables.
However, when diverticulitis flares up, it is recommended to give your digestive system a rest by consuming low-fibre foods and clear liquids. This is because high-fibre foods are harder to digest, and avoiding these foods during a flare-up can help get your symptoms under control.
Increasing your fibre intake can make you feel gassy and bloated, so it is important to increase your water intake as well. Fibre binds with water and is necessary for fibre to produce its benefits. Drinking enough water is essential for keeping your bowels healthy and functioning. The recommended daily water intake is about half of a person's body weight in ounces. For example, a person who weighs 180 pounds should aim for about 90 ounces of water each day.
Therefore, when increasing your fibre intake, drinking plenty of water can help ease the transition to a high-fibre diet and prevent symptoms like gas and bloating.
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Diverticulitis symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating
Diverticulitis is a complication that can affect people with diverticulosis, which are small pockets that develop on the inside of the colon. It is characterised by inflammation and possible infection. People with diverticulitis experience abdominal pain and bloating, among other symptoms.
Abdominal pain is a common symptom of diverticulitis. The pain is typically felt in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen, but it can also spread to the pelvis or radiate to the back. In some cases, such as in people of Asian descent, diverticulitis may cause upper abdominal pain. The pain associated with diverticulitis can be severe and may worsen after eating, improving after passing stool or gas.
Bloating is another symptom of diverticulitis, especially when transitioning to a high-fiber diet. A high-fiber diet is often recommended to help prevent diverticulitis and its associated symptoms. However, increasing fiber intake can lead to increased intestinal gas and bloating. It is important to increase fiber intake gradually and stay well-hydrated to minimise these side effects.
During a diverticulitis flare-up, it is recommended to give the digestive system a rest by consuming liquids and easy-to-digest, low-fiber foods. A temporary hold on fiber intake can help reduce irritation and ease symptoms. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a brief period of not eating or drinking anything, known as a bowel rest. After this, a clear liquid diet may be advised for 2-3 days before gradually reintroducing solid foods.
While a high-fiber diet is beneficial for preventing diverticulitis, it is important to avoid high-fiber foods during a flare-up as they can be harder to digest. Fresh fruit, vegetables, beans, and whole-grain bread are examples of high-fiber foods that should be avoided during an active flare-up. Instead, opting for a bland, low-fiber diet, such as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast), can help control symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the large intestine (bowel) and causes abdominal pain. It occurs when small bulges or pouches (diverticula) develop in the intestine walls and become inflamed or infected.
Poor diet choices can contribute to diverticulitis, but they are not the sole cause. A high-fiber diet is recommended to prevent diverticulitis, but during a flare-up, it is advised to switch to low-fiber foods to ease symptoms.
During a diverticulitis flare-up, it is important to give your digestive system rest. Your doctor may recommend temporarily avoiding solid foods and switching to a liquid diet for a few days. Once your symptoms improve, gradually introduce solid, low-fiber foods such as those included in the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It is also crucial to stay well-hydrated during this time.
