Diverticulitis is a disease that is characterized by numerous pouches throughout parts of the intestine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. These pouches may become inflamed and cause various irregularities in the bowel and other adverse effects. A health care provider may recommend a specialized diet for patients diagnosed with diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis Symptoms
The pouches that line the intestines are also known as diverticula, according to the UMMC. When diverticula begin to flare up or become infected or inflamed, it can cause painful and uncomfortable complications for the patient. The UMMC reports that diverticulitis may be associated with various symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, gas and constipation due to inflammation.
Diet Significance
A low inflammation diet recommended by a health care provider may be beneficial for individuals diagnosed with diverticulitis. The MayoClinic.com reports that a specialized diet for diverticulitis may control symptoms associated with the disease and prevent them from worsening. In addition to reducing symptoms of inflammation, a diverticulitis diet will also promote a healthy digestive system. A low inflammation diet is not a treatment for diverticulitis, but it will certainly aid in the process of rehabilitation and healing, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Diet Progression
A typical low inflammation diet recommended for diverticulitis patients consists of limiting certain foods, and slowly expanding food options depending on symptoms. The University of California San Francisco Medical Center reports that a health care provider may recommend a clear liquid diet to patients when flareups first begin. After symptoms of inflammation improve, the patient is able to progress from a clear liquid diet to a solid diet consisting of low-fiber food options. Eventually, the patient is able to increase daily dietary fiber after two to four days after symptoms diminish, according to UCSF Medical Center.
Food Types
A clear liquid diet consists of no solid food options and juices that have no solids or pulp, according to the USCF Medical Center. Some examples of liquids allowed in a clear liquid diet include water, broth, plain gelatin, Popsicles and clear fruit juices such as apple and grape. MayoClinic.com recommends a variety of low-fiber solid food options such as canned fruits, eggs, milk, enriched white bread, white rice or pasta and cooked vegetables without seeds, nuts or skins. The foods with the highest dietary fiber content to be aware of include whole grain breads and cereals, oats, legumes and fruits and vegetables.
Considerations
Clear liquid diets recommended by health care providers must only be done for a few days. The MayoClinic.com notes that clear liquid diets may result in weakness and other complications due to the lack of necessary nutrients. Therefore, you should progress from a clear liquid to a solid diet after two or three days to prevent future complications. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests consuming 25 to 35 g of dietary fiber daily to help prevent diverticulitis. Other healthy lifestyle recommendations include a low-fat diet that consists of fruits and vegetables and regular exercise daily to promote overall health.
