Diverticulitis Diet - Foods to Eat and Avoid

Introduction

As people age, small bulges or sacs found in the intestines are called diverticula. This condition is called diverticulosis. When these sacs become infected, they get inflamed, called diverticulitis. This condition is commonly seen in the West and other developed countries due to their diet and lifestyle. Studies show that the condition affects about 30 percent of Americans between 50 and 60 years of age and around 70 percent over 80 years of age.

How Is Diverticulitis Caused?

A study done in 2018 shows that diverticulitis is associated with age, constipation issues, a sedentary lifestyle, and a diet lacking fiber. Another study shows that about 50 percent of the population of Finland suffers from the condition. In contrast, countries like Asia and Africa, which usually follow a fiber-rich diet, rarely suffer from this condition.

The fiber makes the bulk of food and enables smooth passage through the digestive tract. The lack of bulk often causes the bolus passage to be hard, resulting in constipation. Frequent episodes of constipation can cause more strain on the walls of the colon, causing it to form diverticula. If strained after the formation of the diverticula, it can become inflamed, causing diverticulitis.

What Are the Complications of Diverticulitis?

Complications resulting from diverticula can include;

• Nausea.

• Fever.

• Abdominal pain.

• Blood in bowel movements.

• Abscess in the colon.

• Perforation of the diverticula.

• Peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdominal wall).

• Fistula (an abnormal connection between two or one organs and an external surface).

• Obstruction in the passage of food or stool in the digestive tract.

What Are the Foods That Can Be Included in a Diverticular Diet?

A recent study shows that a fiber-rich diet, including more fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk of diverticulitis. The study showed that the fiber in fruits had a protective effect. It also concluded that the consumption of red meat showed a higher risk of developing diverticulitis. The food that can be included in a diverticulitis diet can consist of;

Fiber-Rich Food: Fiber is considered a good friend for easing digestion, providing bulk, promoting good bacteria, keeping the digestive tract clean, and making passage through the digestive system easier. Examples of fiber-rich foods include;

• Bran cereal.

• Beans, pulses, and lentils.

• Fruits like pears, apples, and prunes.

• Vegetables like broccoli, potatoes, green peas, etc.

• Grains like quinoa, barley, whole wheat, etc.

• Dry fruits and nuts like almonds, dates, etc.

• Berries like raspberry, blueberry, etc.

Some of the liquid diets that can be taken during diverticulitis are

• Broth.

• Fruit juices without pulp, like apple juice.

• Ice chips.

• Gelatin.

• Water.

• Tea and coffee with no cream.

• Ice pops without fruit pulp.

For some years, there was confusion about whether intake of nuts and dry fruits would trigger or worsen diverticulitis. However, recent studies have shown no relation between consuming this and diverticulitis. Now, the association is no longer considered.

• Probiotics: Probiotics are food that contains gut-friendly bacteria. A study in 2018 shows that including probiotics in the diet can improve the condition of diverticulitis. Probiotics can be taken as a supplement but can be included naturally in food eaten regularly. The natural ways to include them in the diet include yogurt and fermented food. Those under antibiotic therapy for some infections can also consider including probiotics to prevent the gut flora from being destroyed.

• Water: The body requires water to flush toxins and function correctly. Consuming sufficient amounts of water daily helps to ease digestion and the smooth passage of the bulk through the digestive system.

• Regular Exercise: Physical inactivity can be a cause of constipation. Regular exercise and sufficient amounts of physical activity can help improve digestion and prevent constipation.

What Are the Foods That Should Be Avoided in a Diverticular Diet?

• Limit Preserved Food and Red Meat: Preserved food can contain chemicals that can affect digestion, leading to constipation. Hence, its consumption should be avoided or limited.

• High FodMap Food: Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols are abbreviated as FodMaps. Having a low FodMap diet can ease diverticulitis. Research shows that following a low FodMap diet can help alleviate diverticulitis by reducing the pressure on the colon.

• High Fat and Sugary Food: The Western diet is usually rich in fat and low in fiber. This can increase the risk of diverticulitis. Red meat, refined grains, full-fat dairy, fried food, etc, can trigger diverticulitis. Hence, they should be avoided or their use minimized.

What Are the Other Factors to Be Considered In Diverticulitis?

Diet and physical activity are closely associated with diverticulitis. However, some other factors require attention. Recent research shows an association between smoking and diverticulitis. Smoking puts a person at increased risk of developing the condition. The study also reviewed an association between specific medications and an increased risk of developing diverticulitis. Regular use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), corticosteroids, or opioid analgesics can increase the risk of developing diverticulitis. Low levels of vitamin D can also increase the risk of diverticulitis. About 50 percent of the genetic makeup is accountable for the risk of diverticulitis. A person with a family history of diverticulitis stands a higher risk of developing diverticulitis.

Can Too Much Fiber Be Harmful to the Body?

The recommended amount of fiber ranges from 20 to 40g daily. Consuming more than the required amount (more than 50g) can be harmful and can lead to constipation, which is a causative factor for diverticulitis. Fiber provides bulk to the stool, but it should equal water intake. Fiber is of two types: fibers that dissolve in water and fibers that do not dissolve in water. Soluble fibers that dissolve in water make the stools soft and provide bulk, making the passage through the digestive system easier. Insoluble fiber helps remove the waste from the digestive system and increases the bulk.

Conclusion

Research continues to confirm the food that can trigger or relieve the condition. An active lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quitting habits like smoking and alcohol can help people live healthy lives and reduce the risk of diverticulitis.