Brenda Khan
Diverticulitis is a digestive condition that can be managed through diet. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing diverticulitis, there are certain foods that are recommended to prevent and manage flare-ups. In this article, we will explore the dietary do's and don'ts for diverticulitis, including which foods to eat and which to avoid, to help you create an easy-to-follow plan that works for you.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| High-fibre foods | Whole grains, quinoa, bulgur, teff, barley, popcorn, oats, shredded wheat or bran cereals, whole grain breads, beans and legumes, black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, vegetables, greens (collard, kale, spinach), broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, fruit, blackberries, raspberries, avocado, blueberries, strawberries, apples, pears, kiwi, oranges |
| Low-fibre foods | White bread, white rice, potatoes without skin, saltines, oatmeal |
| Foods to avoid | Red meat, beef, pork, lamb, venison |
What You'll Learn
High-fibre foods
When it comes to managing diverticulitis, it's important to note that dietary recommendations may vary depending on whether you are experiencing symptoms or are symptom-free.
If you are currently experiencing a diverticulitis flare-up, it is generally recommended to follow a low-fibre diet for a few days. This is sometimes referred to as a "soft diet" and includes starchy foods like white bread, white rice, and peeled potatoes. It is also suggested to avoid high-fibre foods like beans, legumes, and raw vegetables during this time, as they can be difficult to digest.
On the other hand, when you are symptom-free, a high-fibre diet is beneficial for managing diverticulitis. Fibre-rich foods can help improve digestive health and reduce the risk of diverticulitis flare-ups. Here are some high-fibre food options to consider:
- Whole grains: Quinoa, bulgur, teff, barley, popcorn, oats, shredded wheat or bran cereals, and whole grain breads.
- Vegetables: Dark leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. Root and cruciferous vegetables are especially nutritious.
- Fruits: Blackberries, raspberries, avocado, blueberries, strawberries, apples, pears (with the skin on), kiwi, and oranges.
- Beans and legumes: Black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
It's important to note that transitioning to a high-fibre diet should be done gradually, especially if your current diet is low in fibre. This gives your digestive system time to adjust to the increased fibre intake. Additionally, remember that individual needs may vary, so it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to create a personalised diet plan that suits your specific needs and preferences.
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Low-fibre foods
When experiencing diverticulitis symptoms, it is recommended to follow a low-fibre diet for 2-3 days, or as long as your doctor suggests. This is also known as a soft diet, and it includes starchy foods such as white bread, white rice, and peeled potatoes. Other low-fibre foods that are part of the BRAT diet (an acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) include saltines, oatmeal, and potatoes. These foods are bland and easy to digest, which can help with diverticulitis flare-ups.
After recovering from a diverticulitis attack, it is important to note that some high-fibre foods, such as raw vegetables, especially root and cruciferous veggies, may be difficult to digest and should be avoided during flare-ups. For example, a baked sweet potato with the skin may be too hard to digest during a flare-up, while a peeled, mashed white potato may be a better option.
It is also worth mentioning that while a low-fibre diet is recommended during recovery from a diverticulitis attack, red meat should be avoided after recovery. Red meat, including beef, pork, lamb, and venison, is linked to an increased risk of diverticulitis. Studies have shown that red meat alters the balance of microorganisms in the cecum, a pouch in the digestive tract where the small and large intestines meet.
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Starchy foods
The BRAT diet, which includes starchy foods like saltines and oatmeal, may also help control a diverticulitis flare-up. This diet is made up of bland, easy-to-digest foods.
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Root vegetables
Some examples of root vegetables include carrots, parsnips, beetroot, sweet potatoes, and turnips. These vegetables can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as roasted, mashed, or steamed.
However, it is important to note that during a diverticulitis flare-up, a low-fibre diet is recommended. This means that root vegetables, which are high in fibre, should be avoided during this time. Instead, opt for peeled and mashed white potatoes, which are easier to digest.
Once you have recovered from a flare-up, you can gradually reintroduce root vegetables into your diet. Start with small portions and see how your body reacts. It may take some time for your digestive system to adjust to the increased fibre intake.
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Red meat
It is recommended that you follow a low-fibre or low-residue diet during recovery from a diverticulitis attack. This includes starchy foods such as white bread, white rice and peeled, mashed white potatoes.
After you have recovered from a diverticulitis attack, you can start to introduce high-fibre foods into your diet. These include whole grains, such as quinoa, bulgur, teff, barley, popcorn, oats, shredded wheat or bran cereals, and whole grain breads. You can also eat beans and legumes, including black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils.
It is important to note that everyone's digestive system is different, and you may need to experiment with different meal timings and quantities of food to find what works best for you.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you eat a high-fibre diet, including whole grains, beans and legumes, vegetables and fruit.
When you are experiencing symptoms, it is best to avoid a high-fibre diet. Instead, opt for a low-fibre or low-residue diet, including starchy foods such as white bread, white rice and potatoes without the skin. You should also avoid red meat, as it is linked to an increased risk of diverticulitis.
BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. This meal plan can ease symptoms during a diverticulitis flare-up, as the foods are bland and easy to digest.
