Small pouches in the intestine are known as diverticuli. Diverticulosis is a condition of multiple diverticuli. When diverticuli get inflamed and infected, it is referred to as diverticulitis. Dietary interventions through inclusion and exclusion of certain foods can minimize symptoms of diverticular disease and support recovery during acute diverticulitis episodes.
Causes and Symptoms
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a low-fiber or high-fat diet, age, obesity, gender and physical inactivity increase the risk for diverticular disease. The presence of diverticuli alone may not produce any symptoms aside from minor irregularities in bowel movements. However, an acute diverticulitis episode can involve sudden pain, abdominal tenderness, fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, bloody stools and bloating.
Preventing Diverticulitis
Populations that eat low-fiber diets have a high rate of diverticulitis. Women and men should aim for 25g and 38g of fiber and day, respectively, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fiber softens stool and adds bulk to it, which helps it move quickly through the intestines to minimize irritation of diverticuli. High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes. Fiber supplements like psyllium, flaxseed and oat bran may benefit individuals who are unable to consume enough dietary fiber. The Mayo Clinic recommends adding fiber to the diet gradually and drinking plenty of water to minimize bloating and gas associated with fiber. According to the UMMC, avoiding red meat and eating a low-fat diet can also help prevent diverticulitis.
Diet for Acute Diverticulitis
A clear liquid diet allows the intestines to rest and heal after an acute diverticulitis episode by reducing irritants and stool. Transparent liquids such as broth, clear soda, strained fruit juice, water, gelatin, popsicles and plain coffee or tea are the only foods allowed on a clear liquid diet.
When a clear liquid diet is tolerated without any negative side effects, it can be advanced to a low-residue diet. According to the Mayo Clinic low-residue diets minimize the number and size of stools, reduce abdominal pain and diarrhea and prevent recurrent diverticulitis. Low-residue diets restrict whole grains, whole fruits and vegetables, coarse or tough meats, peanut butter, nuts, seeds, coconut and marmalade.
The Mayo Clinic warns that clear-liquid and low-residue diets are nutritionally deficient due to the amount of restricted foods and are not appropriate for prolonged use. Individuals who are unable to resume a normal diet should consult a physician.
Long-term Diet
A high-fiber, regular diet that is balanced with physical activity is the long-term goal for diverticular disease. The Mayo Clinic recommends 30 minutes of physical activity a day to benefit diverticular disease.
Alternative Treatments
Supplements and herbs have been used to treat diverticular disease, but many do not have scientific proof to support their effectiveness. The UMMC recommends consulting a physician before using alternative treatments for diverticular disease due to the risk of side effects and medication interactions. Supplements that may prevent and help treat intestinal diseases include glutamine, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics. Herbs that have been used to treat intestinal diseases include slippery elm, wild yam, cat's claw, marshmallow, licorice and chamomile.
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