Diverticular disease, which affects the colon, is increasing in societies which have diets low in fiber, including the United States. Diverticular disease is a disorder characterized by diverticulitis or diverticulosis according to Medline Plus. Diverticulosis is the presence of small sacs in the colon called diverticula pockets. Diverticulitis occurs when these pockets become inflamed. With diverticular disease, the diet recommendations vary depending on the presence of diverticulitis or diverticulosis. Avoiding certain foods will help to prevent an episode of diverticulitis.
Low-Fiber Foods
Low-fiber foods should be avoided in diverticular disease as they provoke inflammation. Low-fiber foods tend to stay in the colon for long periods of time. Small particles of food which stay in the colon longer may end up getting caught in small pouches in the colon causing pain and spasms. Low-fiber foods include white, refined-flour breads, white rice, pasta, bagels, plain cereals, cookies and crackers.
High-Fat Foods
High-fat foods contribute to increased pressure in the colon and bloating which can aggravate digestion and symptoms of diverticulitis. High-fat foods to avoid are red meat, fried foods of any kind, cream sauces, whole-fat dairy products and butter. A study in the 1994 "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" indicated that men with a diet higher in total fat and saturated fat are at high risk for diverticular disease than those who consume a low-fat diet.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are two foods traditionally discouraged for diverticular disease. This is due to the possibility of the hulls and nuts and seeds themselves becoming stuck in the diverticula pockets, causing inflammation and infection. Apparently, this only affects some people and others do well with nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds make a good source of fiber, but if not well tolerated need to be avoided.
References
- National Digestive Disease and Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Diverticular Disease
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; A Prospective Study of Diet and the Risk of Symptomatic Diverticular Disease in Men; Aldoori WH; 1994.
- Medline Plus: Medical Dictionary: Diverticular Disease
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