Diverticula are tiny pouches that develop in your colon. Diverticulosis refers to an abundance of these pouches. Diverticulosis is common, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, affecting roughly 10 percent of adults 40 and older in America. Many people have diverticulosis and experience no adverse symptoms. If the pouches become inflamed, however, a condition known as diverticulitis, you may experience pain, rectal bleeding, fever, nausea or digestive problems. A healthy diet may help prevent these complications.
Red Meat
Red meat, such as lamb, ground beef, steak, ham, bacon, sausage and veal, are prime sources of saturated fats. A diet rich in saturated fat increases your risk for high cholesterol, hypertension, type II diabetes and heart disease. Saturated fat may also increase bodily inflammation and exacerbate symptoms of diverticular disease. For this reason, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends avoiding red meat as a useful way to prevent inflamed diverticula. Common foods composed of red meat include hamburgers, beef tacos, meat-based lasagna, sausage and pepperoni pizza, fast food, hot dogs, ham and cheese omelets, breakfast sandwiches and traditional chili.
Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates, such as enriched flour and added sugars, provide calories but few dietary benefits. According to the NDDIC, a low-fiber diet may cause diverticular problems, although more research is necessary to prove this connection. The theory derives, in part, from the fact that diverticular disease was first acknowledged in America in the early 20th century, when processed foods became available. To prevent inflammation and other health problems associated with diverticular disease, replace refined carbohydrates, such as enriched breads, pasta, cereals and snack foods, with whole grains, fruits and vegetables. When purchasing prepared foods, check nutrition labels to ensure that whole grains, rather than enriched grains, are listed as primary ingredients. In addition, limit or avoid foods and beverages high in added sugars, such as soft drinks, sweetened tea and coffee drinks and fruit punch.
Seeds and Nuts
Despite being valuable sources of healthy fats and nutrients, seeds and nuts may become lodged in diverticula. For this reason, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends avoiding such foods if you have diverticulosis. Replace these fat sources with nutritious alternatives: peanut and almond butters, avocados and plant-based oils, such as olive, canola, safflower or sunflower oils. Cutting back on nuts and seeds may also leave more room in your diet for fiber- and antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
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