Diverticulitis occurs as a result of diverticula in the digestive tract becoming infected and inflamed or as a result of a small tear in a diverticulum. The goal of a diverticulitis diet is to allow bowel rest to promote healing. The physician may prescribe a clear liquids diet during times of inflammation to ensure maximum bowel rest. As recovery proceeds, the diet is then most often advanced to a low fiber diet, according to Gicare.com.
Nuts, Seeds and Skins
Foods containing nuts, seeds and tough skins can irritate the intestinal tract and should be avoided during a bought of diverticulitis. Foods such as nuts, sesame seeds, corn, popcorn and most raw fruits and vegetable skins and membranes should also be avoided. Baked potatoes are acceptable if the skin is removed. Seeds found in many fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, strawberries and raspberries should be avoided. Foods products made with these seeds such as yogurt should also be avoided. Certain legumes, such as lentils and dried beans should also be avoided due to the skins and high fiber content. Consumption of raw and dried fruits such as raisins should be avoided. Well-cooked vegetables without seeds or skins are acceptable as well as canned fruits and fruit juice without the pulp.
Gassy Vegetables
Some gassy vegetables should avoided with diverticulitis as they stimulate the digestive tract. Some of these vegetables tend to include beets, beans, carrots, broccoli, squash, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale and Swiss chard.
Whole Grains
Whole wheat grains are high in fiber content and sometimes contain nuts or seeds which should be avoided altogether with diverticulitis. Some of these foods include whole-grain breads, such as whole wheat, rye and bran as well as whole-grain cereals that include wheat, bran or oats, whole wheat pasta and brown and wild rices. Foods products made from these ingredients should also be avoided.
References
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Diverticulosis
- Diverticulitis Symptoms: Foods to Avoid with Diverticulitis
- MayoClinic.com: Diverticulitis diet
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
- University of California, San Francisco Medical Center: Diverticular Disease and Diet
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