DIVERTICULITIS

FOODS THAT HEAL

Berries

Bananas

Figs

Bran

Brown rice

Black beans

Split peas

Artichokes

Water

Broth

WHO’S AFFECTED

10% of people over age 40 and in 50% of people over age 60

In the U
S
, 10 to 25% of people who have diverticulosis get diverticulitis

People who eat low-fiber diets
Diets lacking in dietary fiber, which are common in industrialized countries, can cause constipation, which may provoke unnatural contractions of the large intestine, which in turn leads to the formation of diverticula
This condition, called diverticulosis, can develop into diverticulitis when the diverticula become inflamed or infected
The specific cause remains unknown, but the disease mostly affects people who are over age 60 and overweight
It can be painful and may lead to complications such as abscesses, intestinal obstruction, or perforation of the intestinal wall
In addition to abdominal cramps and pain, other symptoms include gas, fever, and rectal bleeding
Constipation may alternate with diarrhea

Old School

People with diverticulitis must avoid nuts and seeds

New Wisdom

There is no scientific evidence to support the association between nuts and seeds diverticulitis
The type of care you receive depends on the severity of your symptoms
Talk to your doctor about what to expect and treatment options, which range from home care and liquid diets to different types of surgery

Nutrition Connection

These dietary guidelines can help prevent or delay diverticulosis and diverticulitis
Try the following: Eat more fiber, rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Diverticulitis is known to be less common among vegetarians than those who include meat in their diet, as vegetarian diets are typically higher in fiber-rich foods, such as berries, apples, pears, bananas, figs, bran, brown rice, barley, lentils, black beans, split peas, and artichokes
However, it is important to increase fiber intake gradually
If you have diverticular disease, do not start taking fiber supplements without first talking with your doctor

QUICK TIP:

Go “exotic” once a month
Once a month, add a new type of grain to your diet
This will help slowly introduce more fiber to your diet, which helps diverticulitis
Mix in some amaranth, bulgur, or wheatberries into steamed carrots and broccoli, toss with olive oil and a bit of Parmesan or feta cheese, maybe throw in a can of tuna or a couple of ounces of cut-up chicken, and you’ve got dinner
Drink fluids
Along with a high-fiber diet, at least eight glasses of clear liquids like water, tea, or broth every day produces bulky, soft stools that move easily through the intestinal tract
Not enough fluids can lead to constipation
Keep notes
Make note of foods that cause inflammation or pain and avoid them

Beyond the Diet

Diverticulosis sufferers should keep track of their symptoms and follow these recommendations: Go to the bathroom when you have to
If you have diverticular disease, constipation can increase your risk of a diverticulitis flare-up because it increases pressure within your colon
Exercise
Exercise reduces pressure inside your colon and encourages normal bowel movements