Diverticulitis develops from diverticulosis, a disease in which small pouches, or diverticula, form in the large intestine. It is when these small pouches become inflamed that the condition is called diverticulitis. The symptoms of diverticulitis include pain in the lower-left side of the abdomen, vomiting, fever, constipation and diarrhea. A diet low in fiber is thought to be the main cause of diverticulitis, but during a flare-up of diverticulitis, HealthCastle.com recommends minimizing high fiber and solid foods, which are hard to digest, to allow the large intestine to heal. However, when the flare-up is over, resuming a diet high in fiber may prevent future attacks.
Nuts, Seeds and Corn
It was once thought that nuts, seeds and corn could trigger diverticulitis, according to the "Journal of the American Medical Association," but research has confirmed that this belief is not true. The belief was that these particles could lodge in the diverticula and cause diverticulitis. Nuts and seeds are a good source of fiber, healthy fats and protein, but avoid this category of food if you have determined that it is a trigger for you.
Sugar
Foods high in refined sugars, such as junk foods and soda pop, can aggravate diverticulitis, causing more inflammation as well as bloating. Opt for foods containing natural sugars, such as fruit, and instead of soda pop, drink six to eight glasses of filtered water daily to stay hydrated. Sugar also suppresses the immune system; with an active infection in your colon, consuming sugar may slow the colon's healing time.
Foods High in Saturated Fat
A diet high in saturated fat increases inflammation and is hard on the digestive tract. Avoid foods such as red meat, pork and dairy products, which are difficult to digest. Instead, consume foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and herring, which may help decrease the inflammation associated with diverticulitis.
Chili Peppers
Capsicum, the active component of chili peppers, may irritate the intestinal lining and should be avoided. Be careful when eating out at Indian, Mexican and Chinese restaurants, because the food served may contain chili peppers and similar spices that can aggravate diverticulitis and cause abdominal pain, cramping and diarrhea.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
- Mayo Clinic: Diverticulitis
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Nut, Corn and Popcorn Consumption and the Incidence of Diverticular Disease; L. Strate et al.; August 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diverticular Disease
- Health Castle: Diverticulitis Diet
- Immune System Etc.: Sugar-Sweet Poison
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