If you're one of the 10 percent of Americans over the age of 40 with diverticular disease, you understand the need to adjust your meals and snacks to control the disorder. Diverticulosis is a chronic condition that causes small bulging pouches on the inner lining of your colon, while diverticulitis refers to an acute inflammation of those pouches. Your health care provider will recommend limiting your intake of certain grains, fruits and vegetables during diverticulitis attacks.
Symptoms
Many people with diverticulosis are symptom-free, but others complain of abdominal cramping, pain, bloating, gas or constipation. Diverticulitis, on the other hand, often causes sudden and severe pain in your lower left abdomen, a change in your bowel habits, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills.
Effects
High-fiber foods are an integral part of diverticulosis management and help prevent flare-ups of diverticulitis, states the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, or NIDDK. However, the added fiber residue from these same foods irritates the already-inflamed colon once you develop diverticulitis. This irritation makes your symptoms worse and keeps your colon from healing properly.
Features
Fiber comes from portions of grains, vegetables and fruits that your body can't digest. Vegetables such as eggplant that have tough skin and plentiful seeds are considered high-fiber foods, according to Drugs.com. Two thick slices of eggplant baked with tomatoes contains 4 grams of fiber, says Continuum Health Partners.
Prevention/Solution
When you begin experiencing the abdominal pain and tenderness of diverticulitis, it's time to stop eating high-fiber foods, says MayoClinic.com. Drink only clear liquids for two to three days to give your colon a rest, and then limit your fiber intake until you feel better. Once your diverticulitis has cleared up completely, you can safely eat eggplant and other high-fiber foods once again.
Tips
When you re-introduce fiber into your diet, don't over-do it, advises MayoClinic.com. Canned or well-cooked vegetables without seeds or skins are a good starting point. If you're able to eat those without any problem, you can slowly build up to higher-fiber vegetables such as eggplant. Drink plenty of fluids to make sure the added fiber doesn't cause hard stools.
