Dante Carrillo
Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the digestive tract, specifically the colon. It occurs when small pouches called diverticula develop in the intestinal lining and become inflamed or infected. To manage diverticulitis, it is important to make dietary changes that can help control symptoms and prevent future flare-ups. During a diverticulitis flare-up, doctors often recommend a temporary pause in eating, also known as a bowel rest, followed by a clear liquid diet for a few days. As symptoms improve, low-fiber foods can be gradually introduced. However, when diverticulitis is under control, a high-fiber diet is recommended to reduce the risk of flares and promote gut health. This diet includes foods like popcorn, nuts, and seeds, which were previously thought to trigger diverticulitis but are now considered safe. Staying well-hydrated is also crucial, as fiber needs water to function effectively. While dietary adjustments are key, other factors such as physical activity and smoking can also influence diverticulitis risk.
Diet to help with Diverticulitis
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fiber Intake | A high-fiber diet is recommended to prevent diverticulitis and promote gut health. However, during flare-ups, a low-fiber diet is suggested to ease symptoms and allow the digestive system to rest. |
| Water Consumption | Staying well-hydrated is crucial, especially when consuming fiber. Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water per day. |
| BRAT Diet | BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This bland, easy-to-digest diet may help control flare-ups but lacks nutrients, so it shouldn't be followed long-term. |
| Clear Liquid Diet | During mild flare-ups, doctors recommend a clear liquid diet, including clear juices like apple, cranberry, and grape, but not orange juice. |
| Foods to Avoid | Red meat, high-FODMAP foods, sugar, and fat. Popcorn, nuts, and seeds were previously thought to be triggers but are now considered safe. |
| Bowel Rest | During acute diverticulitis, your doctor may advise temporarily stopping food and drink intake to allow the digestive system to recover. |
| Antibiotics | Acute diverticulitis may require antibiotics, and your nutrition will be supervised by a medical team during this time. |
| Exercise | Physical activity promotes bowel movement and helps prevent constipation. |
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What You'll Learn
A high-fibre diet can help prevent diverticulitis flares
Diverticulitis occurs when pouches in the intestines, called diverticula, become inflamed or infected. A flare-up of diverticulitis can be controlled by giving your digestive system a rest, briefly abstaining from food, and making certain diet changes. Once a diverticulitis attack is under control, eating high-fibre foods can help prevent future flare-ups.
A high-fibre diet is great for helping to prevent diverticular flare-ups and has other health advantages. However, during a flare-up, it is recommended to follow a low-fibre diet as high-fibre foods are harder to digest. When symptoms improve, you can slowly increase your fibre intake.
To prevent diverticulitis flares, it is important to gradually increase your fibre intake. This will help reduce symptoms such as gas and bloating. Staying well hydrated is also important as fibre needs water to work. The recommended daily fluid 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.
It is recommended to get about 14 grams of fibre for every 1,000 calories consumed. This equates to around 28 to 34 grams per day for adult males and 22 to 28 grams per day for adult females.
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During a flare-up, a clear liquid diet is recommended
Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the digestive tract. It occurs when small pockets, called diverticula, develop in the lining of the intestine and become inflamed or infected. During a flare-up, it is important to give your digestive system a break and let it rest and recover. This is often done by temporarily abstaining from food and drink, also known as a bowel rest.
Once the flare-up is under control, doctors usually recommend adopting a clear liquid diet for a few days. This is because a clear liquid diet is easier to digest and helps to reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Clear liquids such as broths (not soup), gelatin, and ice pops are recommended. It is important to avoid liquids that contain fruit or pulp.
After a few days on an all-liquid diet, if your symptoms are improving, you can slowly begin to introduce solid foods again. However, it is important to choose low-fiber foods during this time. This is because high-fiber foods are harder to digest and can irritate the inflamed diverticula. Low-fiber foods to consider include white rice, white bread, and white pasta. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as fiber needs water to work effectively.
As your symptoms continue to improve, you can gradually build up your fiber intake until you are back to a high-fiber diet. A high-fiber diet is important for preventing future flare-ups and keeping the gut healthy. It is recommended to work with a dietitian to develop a long-term plan that includes a high-fiber diet and plenty of water to support digestive health.
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A low-fibre diet may help control flare-ups
While a high-fibre diet is often recommended to prevent diverticulitis flare-ups, it may not be the best approach during an active flare-up. Here are some reasons why a low-fibre diet may be beneficial during a diverticulitis flare-up:
Improved Digestibility
High-fibre foods can be harder for the body to digest, especially during a flare-up when the digestive system is already compromised. Low-fibre foods, on the other hand, are generally easier to digest, giving your gut a much-needed break. This can help ease symptoms and promote healing.
Reduced Symptoms
A low-fibre diet can help reduce the symptoms associated with diverticulitis flare-ups. By avoiding high-fibre foods that may irritate the digestive system, you can minimise abdominal pain, bloating, and other discomforts. This temporary dietary adjustment allows your gut to rest and recover.
Gradual Reintroduction
After a diverticulitis flare-up, it's important to gradually reintroduce fibre into your diet. Start with clear liquids for a few days, as recommended by doctors, and then slowly introduce low-fibre solid foods. This gradual approach helps your digestive system adjust and recover at a comfortable pace.
Bowel Rest
During a diverticulitis flare-up, your doctor may advise a period of bowel rest, which involves temporarily refraining from eating and drinking. This gives your digestive system a chance to reset and recover. After this brief pause, a low-fibre diet is typically recommended to ease your transition back to solid foods.
Individual Variations
It's important to remember that everyone's digestive system is unique, and trigger foods can vary from person to person. While a low-fibre diet may help control flare-ups for some, others may find that certain low-fibre foods still aggravate their condition. It's essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the specific dietary adjustments that are best suited to your individual needs.
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Avoid red meat, FODMAPs, sugar, and fat
Avoid red meat
Red meat consumption has been linked to an increased risk of developing diverticulitis. A study of 46,500 men found that participants who consumed higher quantities of red meat were more likely to develop diverticulitis. Compared to those who ate the least red meat, those who ate the most had a 58% increased risk of developing the condition. Each daily serving was associated with an 18% increased risk, with the risk peaking at six portions per week. The study also found that swapping just one daily portion of red meat with poultry or fish was associated with a 20% reduction in risk.
The reasons for this link are not yet fully understood, but there are several theories. One theory suggests that red meat consumption is linked to increased levels of inflammatory chemicals such as C-reactive protein and ferritin. Another theory proposes that red meat consumption may influence the types of bacteria present in the gut microbiome, potentially affecting the integrity of the gut lining and immune responses. Additionally, the higher temperatures required to cook unprocessed meats could also impact microbiome factors and inflammation levels.
Avoid FODMAPs
A low-FODMAP diet has been hypothesized to help prevent diverticulitis. FODMAPs are a group of carbohydrates found in some foods, including lactose, which is a sugar found in dairy products. Consuming lactose can lead to increased gas and fluid in the colon, which can affect the mucous membrane and contribute to the development of diverticulitis. A low-FODMAP diet may help reduce the volume of gas and liquid in the colon, thereby reducing the risk of diverticulitis.
Avoid sugar
While there is no direct evidence linking sugar consumption to diverticulitis, maintaining a healthy diet generally involves limiting added sugars. Some people with diverticulitis may also be sensitive to sugar alcohols, which naturally occur in some fruits and vegetables and are used as sweeteners in many no-sugar-added foods. It is important to note that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is generally recommended for overall health and may help reduce the risk of developing diverticulosis, which can lead to diverticulitis.
Avoid fat
Limited information is available regarding the direct relationship between fat consumption and diverticulitis. However, it is generally recommended to maintain a healthy diet that includes a variety of nutritious foods while avoiding excessive amounts of unhealthy fats. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a dietitian specializing in gastrointestinal nutrition for personalized dietary advice and recommendations specific to your condition.
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Stay hydrated to aid a high-fibre diet
While a high-fibre diet is recommended to prevent diverticulitis flare-ups, it's important to remember that increasing your fibre intake can lead to increased gas and bloating. To counter these side effects, it's crucial to stay well-hydrated.
Dietitian Melinda Cater recommends a simple formula to calculate your ideal water intake: “The number of ounces I recommend is about half the person's body weight in pounds." For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, you should aim for about 90 ounces of water each day.
Water plays a vital role in keeping your bowels healthy and functioning. Fibre needs water to work effectively in your digestive system. By increasing your water intake, you can aid the transition to a high-fibre diet, reducing potential discomfort.
It's important to note that during a diverticulitis flare-up, you should consult your doctor for dietary advice. They may recommend a temporary pause in fibre intake to allow the irritation to resolve. Once the flare-up is under control, you can gradually resume your high-fibre diet, ensuring you stay well-hydrated to support your digestive health.
To increase your fibre intake, consider incorporating a variety of fibre sources into your meals. The American Heart Association recommends a total fibre intake of 25 to 30 grams per day, which is significantly higher than the average intake of 15 grams among US adults. Include whole grains, such as whole-wheat flour, bread, and crackers, as well as brown rice. Sprinkle oat bran or wheat germ on your yogurt, soup, or salad. Enjoy fruits like raspberries, apples, oranges, and grapefruit, as well as vegetables, legumes, and barley. By diversifying your fibre sources, you can make it easier to reach your daily fibre goals while staying hydrated to support your digestive health.
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Frequently asked questions
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the colon, called diverticula, become inflamed or infected.
During a flare-up, it's important to let your digestive system rest and heal. Doctors recommend a brief pause from eating and drinking, followed by a diet of clear liquids for a few days. As your symptoms improve, you can gradually add low-fiber foods to your diet.
When you're not experiencing a flare-up, a high-fiber diet can reduce the risk of future flare-ups and promote gut health. It's important to increase your fiber intake gradually and stay well-hydrated.
During a flare-up, doctors recommend avoiding high-fiber foods, as they are harder to digest. Some doctors also recommend avoiding red meat, foods high in FODMAPs (types of carbohydrates), sugar, and fat to prevent flare-ups.
