When the large intestine, or colon, becomes weak because of advancing age, a low-fiber diet or abnormally high pressure in the colon, it may cause diverticula to form in the colon. Diverticula are small pouches that bulge outward and when inflamed can cause diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and changes in bowel habits. While severe cases may require surgery, mild cases of diverticulitis can be treated with changes in the diet.
What to Eat During an Episode
During a diverticulitis attack, a doctor may place a patient on a clear liquid diet to give the colon a rest, according to MayoClinic.com. On a clear liquid diet, you will be told to consume broth, fruit juice without pulp or bits of fruit, ice pops, clear soda, ice chips, water or tea without cream.
What to Eat Right After an Attack
As symptoms from a diverticulitis attack start to subside, Mayo Clinic.com says doctors likely will transition patients to a low-fiber diet. A low-fiber diet involves consuming well-cooked vegetables, dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, white bread, smooth peanut butter and tender meats. Such foods are easier for the colon to digest. They give the colon time to transition into digesting higher fiber foods again.
What to Eat Later On
According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, about one month after a diverticulitis attack, a patient should be ready to return to a high-fiber diet. A high-fiber diet can help prevent the development of diverticulitis, according to MedLine Plus, and it can also help individuals with diverticula, or diverticulosis, build up digestive strength in their colon, thus preventing future attacks. The American Dietetic Association suggests consuming 20 to 35 g of fiber each day. Consuming fiber-rich foods, such as whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, can help you meet these recommendations. A high-fiber diet also can keep stools soft and pressure low in the colon. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says some physicians may suggest you cut out nuts and seeds in your diet, due to fear these particles will become stuck in diverticula and cause inflammation. However, there is no conclusive evidence to support this recommendation.
