Madeleine Hull
Diverticulitis, a common condition in older adults, occurs when small pouches in the colon become inflamed or infected, resulting in abdominal pain. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for managing diverticulitis, dietary interventions play a crucial role in controlling symptoms and preventing future attacks. During a flare-up, doctors often recommend a temporary pause in eating, followed by a clear liquid diet to give the digestive system a rest. As symptoms improve, low-fiber foods are gradually introduced, and high-fiber foods are encouraged once the condition is under control to prevent future flare-ups. While red meat, caffeine, and alcohol are linked to diverticulitis flares, recent studies debunk the myth that nuts, seeds, and popcorn should be avoided.
Characteristics and Values of a diet to follow for diverticulitis:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fiber Intake | During a flare-up, doctors may recommend a temporary hold on fiber intake. Once symptoms improve, a low-fiber diet is recommended. However, when diverticulitis is under control, a high-fiber diet is beneficial in preventing future flare-ups. |
| Food Choices | Popcorn, nuts, and seeds were previously thought to increase the risk of diverticulitis, but recent research has not supported this. High-fiber foods such as whole grains, beans, legumes, vegetables, and fruits are recommended. |
| Meal Plans | The BRAT diet, consisting of bland and easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, can help control a flare-up. However, it is very low in nutrients and should not be followed long-term. |
| Liquids | During a flare-up, doctors may initially recommend a clear liquid diet to rest the bowel. |
| Red Meat | Studies suggest that red meat can contribute to diverticulitis flares, with higher attacks observed in men consuming more red meat than poultry or fish. |
| FODMAP | A low FODMAP diet may reduce pressure in the colon and limit acute attacks. |
| Caffeine and Alcohol | Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided during a flare-up as they can stimulate the bowel and be hard on the stomach. |
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High-fibre foods to eat
While experiencing a diverticulitis flare-up, doctors usually recommend taking a break from eating and drinking, then adopting a diet of only clear liquids for a few days. As symptoms improve, you can gradually add low-fibre foods to your diet. However, when diverticulitis is under control, eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of high-fibre foods can help prevent future attacks.
Whole grains
- Quinoa
- Bulgur
- Teff
- Barley
- Popcorn
- Oats
- Shredded wheat or 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 (with the skin on)
- Kiwi
- Oranges
It is important to note that increasing your fibre intake can make you feel gassy and bloated, so it is recommended to start slowly and build up your fibre intake over time. Additionally, drinking plenty of water every day can help with the transition to a high-fibre diet.
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Foods to avoid
When experiencing a diverticulitis flare-up, it is recommended to give your digestive system a break by pausing eating and drinking for a short period, known as a bowel rest. Subsequently, you should switch to a diet of clear liquids for a few days, after which you can gradually reintroduce solid, low-fiber foods.
During a flare-up, it is generally advised to avoid high-fiber foods, as they can aggravate the symptoms. This includes foods like:
- Lettuce and other salad ingredients.
- Whole grains such as quinoa, bulgur, teff, barley, oats, shredded wheat, bran cereals, and whole-grain bread.
- Beans and legumes, including black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
- Vegetables such as greens (collard, kale, spinach), broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.
- Fruits, especially berries, but also avocado, blueberries, strawberries, apples, pears, kiwi, and oranges.
It is also recommended to avoid alcohol and caffeine during a flare-up, as they can stimulate the bowel and cause discomfort.
In the past, doctors advised against consuming nuts, seeds, and popcorn, believing they could get stuck in the pouches and trigger an attack. However, recent research has disproven this theory, and these foods are now considered safe for people with diverticulitis.
It is worth noting that everyone's experience with diverticulitis is unique, and the best diet during a flare-up may vary. Some people may find relief from specific diets like the BRAT diet, which includes bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. However, this diet is very low in nutrients, so it should not be followed for an extended period. Always consult with your doctor or a dietitian to determine the most suitable diet for your individual needs.
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The BRAT diet
The foods included in the BRAT diet are bland, low in fiber, protein, and fat, and easy to digest, which can help reduce symptoms of a stomach illness. These symptoms typically include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. The diet may also help in firming stools. The BRAT diet is not very nutrient-dense, so it is not recommended for long-term use as it can lead to malnutrition and low energy.
It is important to consult with your doctor about the diet that makes the most sense for you. During a diverticulitis flare-up, your doctor may recommend a temporary hold on fiber intake while the irritation resolves. They may suggest 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.
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Lifestyle choices
Dietary Modifications
While dietary recommendations may vary for each individual, certain general principles apply. Firstly, it is advisable to gradually increase your intake of high-fiber foods, such as whole grains (quinoa, bulgur, barley, etc.), beans and legumes, leafy greens, and fruits. This approach is particularly beneficial when diverticulitis is not in an active flare-up, as it can help prevent future attacks. However, during a flare-up, your doctor may recommend a temporary reduction in fiber intake to alleviate symptoms.
Fluids
Staying adequately hydrated is essential. Drinking plenty of water is recommended, especially when increasing your fiber intake, as it aids the transition to a high-fiber diet.
Foods to Avoid
During a diverticulitis flare-up, it is generally recommended to avoid solid foods and opt for clear liquids for a few days. This gives your digestive system a chance to rest and recover. Once your symptoms improve, you can gradually reintroduce low-fiber foods. It is also advisable to limit or avoid red meat, alcohol, and caffeine, as these can contribute to diverticulitis flares.
Physical Activity
Although rest is important during a flare-up, maintaining a moderate level of physical activity can aid in digestion and overall health. Consult with your healthcare provider about suitable exercises during remission periods.
Medical Guidance
It is essential to consult with your doctor or a dietitian to plan meals and ensure you receive the right combination of nutrients. They may recommend specific diets, such as the BRAT diet, which includes bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, to control flare-ups. Additionally, they can prescribe appropriate medications, such as antibiotics, to address infections and provide guidance on any necessary lifestyle changes.
Remember, the best lifestyle choices for managing diverticulitis may vary from person to person, so it is always advisable to seek personalized advice from a healthcare professional.
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Liquid diets
A liquid diet is often recommended by healthcare providers to help ease the symptoms of diverticulitis. This is a temporary strategy to rest the digestive system and reduce inflammation in the intestine. A liquid diet is usually followed for a maximum of one to three days, as the body needs more nutrition than clear liquids can provide.
A clear liquid diet includes water, broth, fruit juice, gelatin, ice chips, tea, and coffee. It is important to stay hydrated, so drinking plenty of water is recommended. Warm broth can be soothing, but it is important to avoid soups that contain solid foods. Fruit juices are also acceptable, but it is best to avoid orange juice and opt for apple, cranberry, or grape juices instead. Black tea and coffee are allowed but may irritate the digestive tract. It is best to avoid any liquids that are not completely clear, such as dairy milk, nut milk, and vegetable juice.
Popsicles and gelatin are also suitable, but only if they do not contain any fruit, solid foods, or pulp. Chewing on ice chips can also help, but it is important to be cautious as consuming only clear liquids can lead to weakness. It is always best to talk to a healthcare provider about how long to follow a liquid diet and to follow their instructions closely.
After a liquid diet, it is common to transition to a low-fiber diet to allow the intestines to continue healing and resting. Once diverticulitis symptoms are under control, a high-fiber diet is recommended to reduce the risk of future flare-ups. This diet includes whole grains, beans, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. It is important to increase fiber intake slowly to avoid abdominal discomfort.
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Frequently asked questions
Eating high-fibre foods can help lower the risk of diverticulitis flare-ups. These include whole grains, beans and legumes, vegetables, and fruits. It is also recommended to reduce your consumption of red meat.
Doctors recommend taking a break from eating and drinking during a flare-up. This is followed by a diet of clear liquids and low-fibre foods for a few days. It is also recommended to avoid caffeine and alcohol during a flare-up.
BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It is a bland and easy-to-digest meal plan that can help control a diverticulitis flare-up. However, it lacks nutrients, so it should not be followed for an extended period.
While it is best to consult your doctor, some recommended foods include saltines, oatmeal, potatoes, gelatin, and ice pops.
