Leena Watts
If you have diverticulitis, it's important to know that your dietary choices can help manage the condition. During a flare-up, it's recommended to avoid high-fiber foods, as fiber is harder to digest and can irritate the colon. Instead, opt for a clear liquid diet or low-fiber foods such as those included in the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast). Once symptoms improve, you can slowly reintroduce solid foods and work your way back to a high-fiber diet, which can help prevent future flare-ups and improve digestive health. It's always best to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the most suitable diet for your individual needs and sensitivities.
Characteristics of a diet for people with diverticulosis
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet type | High-fiber diet |
| Recommended foods | Whole grains, beans and legumes, vegetables, fruits |
| Water intake | Half of body weight in pounds |
| Foods to avoid | Red meat |
| Transitioning to a high-fiber diet | Start slowly, increase fiber intake gradually |
| Foods previously thought to be harmful | Popcorn, nuts, seeds |
| During diverticulitis flare-ups | Low-fiber or liquid diet, bowel rest |
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What You'll Learn
- High-fibre foods can help prevent diverticulitis flare-ups
- During flare-ups, switch to low-fibre, easily digestible foods
- The BRAT diet is a recommended meal plan during flare-ups
- A clear liquid diet is recommended for mild flare-ups
- Probiotics and fermented foods can help repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria
High-fibre foods can help prevent diverticulitis flare-ups
While experiencing a diverticulitis flare-up, it is advisable to avoid high-fibre foods, as they are harder to digest and can worsen your symptoms. Instead, opt for a low-fibre diet, which can help get your symptoms under control. Your doctor may initially recommend a brief pause from eating, also known as a bowel rest, to allow your digestive system to rest and recover. After this, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods, but it's important to choose low-fibre options.
However, in the long term, a high-fibre diet is recommended to help prevent diverticulitis flare-ups. Studies have shown that a diet rich in fibre can help prevent diverticulosis, which is a condition characterised by the formation of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon that can lead to diverticulitis. By increasing your fibre intake, you can lower the risk of developing diverticulosis and subsequently reduce the chances of a diverticulitis flare-up.
It is important to note that transitioning to a high-fibre diet may cause some initial gas and bloating, but these are normal and typically mild side effects. To minimise discomfort, it is recommended to increase your fibre intake gradually and ensure you stay well-hydrated. Fibre requires water to work effectively, so staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining healthy bowel function. Aim to drink enough water throughout the day to support the increased fibre intake.
There are various high-fibre foods that you can incorporate into your diet to help prevent diverticulitis flare-ups. Whole grains, such as quinoa, bulgur, teff, barley, popcorn, oats, shredded wheat, bran cereals, and whole-grain breads, are excellent sources of fibre. Additionally, beans and legumes, including black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils, are fibre-rich options. Vegetables like collard greens, kale, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots are also packed with fibre.
By making conscious food choices and gradually increasing your fibre intake, you can help prevent diverticulitis flare-ups and improve your overall gut health. Remember to stay well-hydrated and consult with your doctor or a dietitian to determine the best high-fibre diet plan for your specific needs.
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During flare-ups, switch to low-fibre, easily digestible foods
During a diverticulitis flare-up, it is important to give your digestive system a break and let it relax and heal. Your doctor may advise you to stop eating and drinking for a short period, which is known as a "bowel rest". This will allow your digestive system to rest and recover.
After this brief pause, your doctor may recommend a liquid diet for 2-3 days. It is important to choose clear liquids, such as ice chips, gelatin without fruit, or ice pops without fruit or pulp.
Once your symptoms start to improve, you can gradually introduce solid foods again, but it is important to stick to low-fibre options. This is because high-fibre foods are harder to digest and can irritate the colon, making symptoms worse. Low-fibre foods are easier to digest and will help the healing process. This low-fibre diet should be continued for 2-3 days, or as long as your doctor suggests.
Some low-fibre foods that may be recommended include those from the BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, plain white rice, applesauce, and toast made with refined white bread. These foods are bland and easily digestible, which can help with symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea. Other foods that can be included in the BRAT diet are saltines, oatmeal, and potatoes. It is important to note that this diet is very low in nutrients, so it should not be followed for an extended period.
In addition to the BRAT diet, other easily digestible, low-fibre foods that can be included in your diet during a flare-up are starchy foods like white bread, white rice, and potatoes without the skin. It is also beneficial to include foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as ginger, turmeric, and garlic, which can help soothe stomach upsets.
It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals during recovery and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids.
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The BRAT diet is a recommended meal plan during flare-ups
The BRAT diet is a recommended meal plan to ease symptoms during a diverticulitis flare-up. BRAT is an acronym for bananas, rice, apples or applesauce, and toast. These foods are bland and easy to digest, which can help mitigate symptoms like nausea and diarrhea, giving your digestive system time to rest and recover.
The BRAT diet is part of a two-phase diet used to treat diverticulitis. The first phase permits only clear liquids, and once symptoms start improving, you can move on to the BRAT diet. The BRAT diet is relatively restrictive, and due to its lack of nutrient density, it should not be consumed for long.
The BRAT diet has been liberalized since its conception and now includes a broader range of foods. Soft fruits like bananas, applesauce, pumpkin, canned fruit packed in water, and melons can be included. Steamed, boiled, or canned vegetables such as carrots, green beans, potatoes, and squash are allowed. Low-fiber starches like white bread, white rice, saltine crackers, and boiled noodles are also part of the diet. Unseasoned skinless lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and kefir can be consumed. Bone broth, apple juice, coconut water, Pedialyte, tea, and water are some of the recommended drinks.
It's important to note that the BRAT diet is very low in nutrients, so it should only be followed for a short period during a flare-up. Consult your doctor about the appropriate diet for your specific needs, and remember that individual dietary requirements may vary.
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A clear liquid diet is recommended for mild flare-ups
Clear liquids that are suitable include water, broth (without solids like noodles or meat), and fruit juices like apple, cranberry, and grape. It is important to avoid orange juice and any juices with pulp. Other options include gelatin (without added fruit), tea, and coffee, although these may irritate the digestive tract. Popsicles without added fruit or solids are also an option.
This diet should be followed under the guidance of a healthcare professional, who can advise on the appropriate duration and any adjustments needed. Once the flare-up has subsided, it is important to gradually reintroduce solid foods, starting with a low-fiber diet. This means avoiding high-fiber foods like fruits, beans, and whole-grain bread, at least initially.
Over time, as the intestines continue to heal, a high-fiber diet can be reintroduced, as it has been shown to reduce the risk of future diverticulitis flare-ups. This should be done slowly, aiming for about 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day, to avoid abdominal discomfort or increased symptoms. It is always best to consult with a doctor to determine the most suitable diet and to ensure a well-balanced approach to managing diverticulitis.
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Probiotics and fermented foods can help repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria
Probiotics are considered "good bacteria" that occur naturally in some foods and reside in the human gut, mouth, and vagina. They can help the gut absorb nutrients, break down food, and defend the body against disease-causing organisms. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt, some cheeses, kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, and raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. They are also present in supplements and natural yogurt.
Fermented foods are those that have been through a process of lactofermentation, which involves the natural fermentation of sugars in the food by bacteria. This process produces lactic acid, which not only preserves the food but also has health benefits. Fermented foods are a good source of probiotics, which can help to support a healthy digestive system.
A 2016 review of 11 studies involving 764 participants with diverticulitis found that certain probiotic strains may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. However, the review was inconclusive due to the poor quality of the studies. Additionally, a 2019 review suggested that the potential probiotic effects of fermented foods can support a healthy digestive system and may help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. However, there is insufficient evidence to determine their impact on diverticulitis specifically.
While the specific probiotic strains and dosages most effective for diverticulitis are not yet clear, incorporating probiotics and fermented foods into your diet can still offer potential benefits for your gut health. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes or taking supplements, especially if you have a specific health condition. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your individual needs and circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to consult your doctor about what diet makes sense for you. During a diverticulitis flare-up, your doctor may recommend modifications to your diet, including a temporary hold on fiber intake while the irritation resolves. Once symptoms improve, they may recommend moving on to a low-fiber diet until symptoms disappear, and then building up to a high-fiber diet.
During a flare-up, you will likely experience abdominal cramping and pain or tenderness in the area. You may also experience constipation or diarrhea.
Foods that are high in fiber include fruits, beans, and whole-grain bread.
