Diverticula, or a small pouch formed inside the lining of the colon, are most commonly diagnosed in patients over age 60, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Diverticulosis, the presence of numerous diverticula, generally has no symptoms although patients may experience abdominal pain or tenderness and cramping. Modifying your diet may help to lessen these symptoms and may prevent the development of additional diverticula.
Significance
The most common problem with diverticula, and the condition of diverticulosis, is an inflammation of the diverticula called diverticulitis. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, diverticulitis strikes 10 to 25 percent of people with diverticulosis. The most common symptoms of diverticulitis are abdominal pain of varying intensity, fever and diarrhea alternated with constipation. You may be able to avoid diverticulitis by modifying in your diet.
Causes
The most common cause of diverticular disease is a high consumption of processed foods and a low intake of fiber. The lack of fiber can lead to constipation and difficulty passing stool, which can put strain on the colon and increase the chances weak spots will form in the colon leading to diverticula. The inflammation can result when bacteria, stool or pieces of food get stuck in the diverticula.
Features
To treat for diverticulosis, increase the amount of fiber in your diet. The American Dietetic Association recommends consuming 25 to 38 grams of fiber each day. To ensure you meet your fiber needs, your doctor may also recommend adding a fiber supplement to your diet. Consume 8 ounces of water with fiber supplements for best results. Some doctors have recommended avoiding nuts, popcorn and small seeds, but others disagree on the benefits of this, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Follow your doctor's recommendations and keep a journal of the foods that bother you most.
Types
Common types of fiber include whole grain products, such as cereals, breads and cereals. One-half cup of beans contains 7 to 9 grams of fiber per serving. Fruits, such as apples and pears with the skin, and prunes offer generous amounts of fiber in each serving. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also recommends high fiber vegetables, such as cauliflower, spinach and potatoes with the skin to meet fiber needs.
Considerations
Dietary changes will not effectively treat diverticulitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, for mild cases, a low fiber, clear liquid diet will allow your digestive system to rest while the diverticulitis is treated. You should initially consume only clear liquids, such as broth, gelatin, clear juices and tea. You can slowly introduce low fiber foods such as canned fruits, eggs, white bread and yogurt--on doctor's recommendations. You can gradually resume your high fiber diet when the attack has ended.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
- Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
- University of California, San Francisco: Diverticular Disease and Diet
- The Diet Channel: Diverticulosis: Which Foods to Avoid?
- The Ohio State Medical Center: Diet for Diverticulosis
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