Diverticulosis is a condition of diverticular disease in which diverticula, or tiny pouches in the colon, are present but not inflamed. Inflammation indicates progression from diverticulosis into diverticulitis. The goals of nutrition therapy for diverticulosis are to increase stool volume, decrease pressure and prevent inflammation by following a high-fiber diet of 30 g daily according to the book "Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care."
Breads, Cereals and Beans
Breads, cereals and beans are high in soluble and insoluble fiber. These foods are encouraged for diverticulosis. Examples of breads, cereals and beans to include are navy beans, kidney beans, black beans, bran cereals, whole grain cereals, bran muffins, oatmeal and whole wheat English muffins. One serving of each of these foods provides at least 4 g of fiber.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruit and vegetable intake is critical to a high-fiber diet and they contain a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. Dried and raw vegetables, fruit juices with pulp, and fruits and vegetables with seeds are good to eat. Apples, pears, raspberries, prunes, squash, green peas, sweet potatoes with skin and spinach are recommended by the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. A serving of each of these fruits and vegetables provides a minimum of 2.5 g of fiber.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are appropriate to eat for diverticulosis in most cases. In rare cases, certain nuts and seeds may cause stomach distress and pain and need to be avoided. The type of nuts or seeds to avoid depends on the individual as there are not particular types that tend to cause more trouble than others. Typically, all nuts and seeds are okay and can be included. Examples of nuts and seeds to include are sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, soy nuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, popcorn and pecans.
References
- Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care; Escott-Stump, Sylvia, 2002.
- National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse: Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
