Leena Watts
Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the colon, causing small pouches (diverticula) to become inflamed or infected. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for preventing diverticulitis, dietary and lifestyle changes can help manage the condition and reduce the risk of flare-ups. During a flare-up, it is recommended to give the digestive system a rest by temporarily abstaining from food and only consuming clear liquids for a few days. Once the symptoms improve, a low-fiber diet is often suggested until the symptoms disappear, gradually introducing high-fiber foods to prevent future flare-ups. A healthy diet full of fiber-rich foods, including whole grains, beans, legumes, and vegetables, is recommended to maintain colon health and reduce the risk of diverticulitis. Staying hydrated is also crucial, as fiber requires water to function optimally.
Diet to prevent diverticulitis
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fiber-rich foods | Whole grains (quinoa, bulgur, teff, barley, popcorn, oats, shredded wheat, bran cereals, whole grain bread), beans and legumes (black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils), vegetables (collard greens, kale, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots), fruits (blackberries, raspberries, avocado, blueberries, strawberries, apples, pears, kiwi, oranges) |
| Water intake | Half the person's body weight in ounces per day (e.g. 90 ounces for a 180-pound person) |
| Foods to avoid | Red meat, foods high in FODMAPs, sugar, and fat |
| Diet during flare-ups | Low-fiber foods (white rice, white bread, white pasta), clear liquids for a few days, BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), low-FODMAP diet |
| Diet after flare-ups | Slowly reintroduce solid foods, start with low-fiber options, then build up to a high-fiber diet |
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What You'll Learn
A high-fibre diet can help prevent diverticulitis
A high-fibre diet is an effective way to prevent diverticulitis flare-ups. Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the colon, causing small pouches (diverticula) to form in the colon walls. These pouches can become inflamed or infected, resulting in abdominal pain. Eating fibre-rich foods can help lower the risk of developing diverticulitis.
Dietitian Melinda Cater recommends a healthy diet full of fibre-rich foods to prevent diverticulitis. Fibre-rich foods include whole grains such as quinoa, bulgur, teff, barley, popcorn, oats, shredded wheat or bran cereals, and whole grain breads. Beans and legumes, including black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils, are also excellent sources of fibre.
Additionally, vegetables like greens (collard, kale, spinach), broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots are fibre-rich and beneficial for preventing diverticulitis. Fruits, especially blackberries and raspberries, but also avocados, blueberries, strawberries, apples, and pears (with the skin on), kiwis, and oranges, are good options. It is important to note that during an active diverticulitis flare-up, a low-fibre diet is recommended to ease digestion and give the digestive system a chance to rest.
When incorporating more fibre into your diet, it is normal to experience some gas and bloating. Staying well-hydrated is crucial when increasing fibre intake, as fibre needs water to work effectively in the body. Cater recommends drinking about half your body weight in ounces of water per day. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, aim for 90 ounces of water daily.
In summary, a high-fibre diet is a powerful tool in preventing diverticulitis flare-ups. By incorporating a variety of fibre-rich foods into your diet and staying adequately hydrated, you can effectively lower your risk of developing diverticulitis and promote overall digestive health.
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During a flare-up, a low-fibre diet is recommended
While a high-fibre diet is recommended to prevent diverticulitis flare-ups, the opposite is advised during an attack. During a flare-up, it is important to let your digestive system relax and heal, which means avoiding foods that are high in fibre. High-fibre foods are harder to digest, and avoiding these foods during a flare-up can help get your symptoms under control.
Doctors used to recommend a low-fibre, clear liquid diet during diverticulitis flare-ups. While some doctors have moved away from this advice, others still recommend it during mild flare-ups. Once symptoms improve, doctors may advise continuing with a low-fibre diet until symptoms disappear, and then gradually reintroducing high-fibre foods.
Low-fibre foods to eat during a flare-up include white rice, white bread, and low-fibre cereal. Doctors may also recommend a brief pause from eating and drinking altogether, also known as a bowel rest, before transitioning to a liquid diet. This liquid diet should only be followed for a few days before transitioning to solid foods. During this initial phase of a flare-up, it is recommended to ingest only clear liquids, such as water, tea, and fruit juices without the pulp.
It is important to note that everyone's body is different, and the diet that works for one person may not work for another. It is always a good idea to consult a medical professional before making large diet changes. Additionally, while dietary changes can help manage diverticulitis, they should be accompanied by other lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and avoiding smoking.
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A liquid diet is sometimes advised during a flare-up
A liquid diet can help to rest the digestive system and reduce inflammation. It is important to choose clear liquids, as advised by doctors, to ensure the digestive system is not irritated further. This includes water, broth, clear juices (like apple, cranberry, and grape), gelatin without fruit, and ice pops or ice chips without fruit or pulp. Black tea and coffee are also allowed but may irritate the digestive tract. It is essential to stay hydrated, and water is a key part of this.
A liquid diet is usually recommended for a short period, typically one to three days. After this, a low-fiber diet is often suggested, including bland, easy-to-digest foods like saltines, oatmeal, and potatoes (the BRAT diet). This is because high-fiber foods can be harder to digest and may worsen symptoms during a flare-up. Once the flare-up has passed, a high-fiber diet is beneficial in preventing future attacks, but it should be introduced slowly to avoid discomfort.
It is always best to consult a healthcare professional about dietary choices during a diverticulitis flare-up, as they can advise on the best course of action. They may recommend a temporary hold on fiber intake, especially if the flare-up is severe, and in some cases, antibiotics may be required to address the infection.
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Avoid red meat, sugar, and foods high in FODMAPs
To manage diverticulitis, an unpleasant condition where tiny pouches in the large intestine become inflamed, it is recommended to avoid red meat, sugar, and foods high in FODMAPs.
Red meat has been linked to an increased risk of developing diverticulitis. A study published in the journal Gut found that men who consumed the most red meat per week were 58% more likely to develop the condition. The association was strongest with unprocessed red meats, such as steak. Substituting poultry or fish for red meat can help lower the risk of developing diverticulitis.
Sugar should also be avoided to prevent diverticulitis. Sugar can increase inflammation in the body and contribute to intestinal issues. Additionally, it is important to be cautious with foods that are high in FODMAPs. FODMAPs are fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These can include foods such as wheat, onions, garlic, legumes, dairy, and some fruits. A high-FODMAP diet can lead to substantial amounts of gas in the colon, which can contribute to diverticulitis.
Following a low-FODMAP diet may be beneficial for preventing diverticulitis. This involves reducing or eliminating foods that are high in FODMAPs. It is important to note that the effectiveness of a high-fiber diet for treating diverticulitis is uncertain, and it may even represent a logical contradiction for colon diverticulitis. The high-fiber hypothesis suggests that a high-fiber diet may contribute to gas and fluid-related force pressures in the large intestine, which can lead to diverticula.
It is worth noting that the cause of diverticulitis is still not fully understood, and individual experiences may vary. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a dietician before making significant dietary changes.
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Stay hydrated—water is essential for healthy bowels
Staying properly hydrated is essential for healthy bowels and can help prevent diverticulitis. Water is critical for keeping your bowels healthy and functioning correctly. Fibre, which is essential for preventing diverticulitis, requires water to work effectively. Consuming enough water ensures the easy passage of stools through the colon, preventing constipation, which is a significant cause of diverticulitis. Water also helps prevent inflammation of the intestinal wall.
Dr Melinda Cater, a dietitian at Sibley Memorial Hospital, recommends that individuals drink a number of ounces of water roughly equivalent to half their body weight in pounds. For example, a person weighing 180 pounds should aim for about 90 ounces of water per day. This equates to approximately six to eight glasses of water per day, or more if you are working in hot and humid conditions.
It is important to note that hydration alone may not be sufficient to prevent diverticulitis in all cases. However, it is an essential component of managing the condition. During a diverticulitis flare-up, doctors may recommend a temporary pause in eating and drinking, followed by a diet of clear liquids for a few days. This allows the digestive system to rest and recover. After this initial phase, it is crucial to gradually reintroduce solid foods, prioritising low-fibre options that are easier to digest.
Once the diverticulitis attack is under control, a high-fibre diet can be beneficial in preventing future flare-ups. Fibre-rich foods include whole grains such as quinoa, bulgur, teff, barley, popcorn, oats, shredded wheat, bran cereals, and whole grain breads. Beans and legumes, such as 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 recommended.
It is important to note that increasing your fibre intake should be done gradually to avoid discomfort. Starting with a few substitutions and slowly incorporating more high-fibre choices into your meals is advisable. This approach ensures that your digestive system has time to adjust to the changes.
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Frequently asked questions
A high-fibre diet is often recommended to prevent diverticulitis flare-ups. Fibre-rich foods include whole grains, beans and legumes, vegetables, and fruits. However, it's important to note that during a flare-up, a low-fibre diet is usually recommended to help ease symptoms.
During a diverticulitis flare-up, a clear liquid diet is often recommended to give the bowel time to rest. Once the symptoms improve, low-fibre solid foods can be slowly reintroduced. It is also recommended to avoid red meat and foods high in FODMAPs, sugar, and fat.
The BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is often suggested for diverticulitis flare-ups. It is easy to digest and helps to control symptoms. However, it is very low in nutrients, so it should not be followed for an extended period.
