Diverticulitis results from inflammation of small pouches, known as diverticula, which form in the colon wall and lining due to chronic constipation, according to the textbook "Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care." Diverticulitis causes pain, spasms, distention, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea and fever. Certain foods should be avoided while having a diverticulitis flare, as they may prolong and irritate symptoms. A low-fiber diet of less than 10 to 15 g per day is recommended until symptoms subside, according to MedlinePlus. Then fiber can be added back into your diet slowly.
High-fiber Foods
Foods that are high in fiber need to be avoided during diverticulitis flares. Fiber passing through the colon may irritate the already inflamed diverticula pouches. High-fiber foods include oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, high-fiber cereals and beans.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds should definitely be avoided during bouts of diverticulitis. Tiny seeds may get stuck in the diverticula and cause pain and inflammation. The seeds to avoid include tomato seeds, seeds in strawberries and other fruits, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. Nuts of all kinds may irritate diverticulitis, such as cashews, peanuts, almonds, pecans and pistachios. Popcorn should be avoided as well.
High-fat Foods
High-fat foods are more difficult to break down and do not allow for the colon to rest and heal as needed for diverticulitis to resolve. Since high-fat foods take longer to digest, they tend to stay in the colon longer, creating the potential for bits of food to aggregate in the diverticula. High-fat foods include fried foods, whole milk, dairy products, cream sauces and red meat.
References
- "Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care"; Sylvia Escott-Stump; 2002
- MedlinePlus: Low-residue fiber diet
Member Comments