Diverticulitis is a condition in which the diverticula, or small pouches on the colon, become infected, causing severe abdominal pain, often accompanied with nausea and vomiting. These pouches are areas in which foods can become trapped, which is what causes the initial infection. When diagnosed with diverticulitis, what you eat is very important. The Mayo Clinic explains that there are different foods recommended for different stages of your condition.
Clear Liquids
When you are experiencing the beginning of an attack of diverticulitis, you need to consume a clear liquid diet. According to the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center, this means no solid foods at all and juices should contain no pulp. Foods that are acceptable on a clear liquid diet are clear juices, broths, popsicles, water, ice chips, coffee and tea (with no milk or cream). When you select popsicles, make sure they are not made with whole fruit, otherwise you may be getting fruit solids. The purpose of consuming clear liquids is to give your digestive system a chance to repair itself and relax.
Soft Foods
You may begin eating soft foods after your symptoms of a diverticulitis attack begin to subside. Also known as "low fiber" foods, soft foods include puddings, yogurt, soft white breads, eggs, pastas, cooked and mashed vegetables (no skins or seeds), soft, canned fruits, yogurt, cheeses, tender meats and smooth peanut butter. The Mayo Clinic states that you can now also have milk in your coffee and tea and if you have juices they may contain some pulp. Soft foods are still advised when you have recently had an attack, as the digestive tract is still healing.
Fiber Foods
Once you are clear from the attack, it is recommended that you begin adding high fiber foods back into your diet. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a lack of fiber in the diet allows digested waste to build up in the digestive tract. This excess puts pressure on the colon, which causes diverticula to form. This buildup is a result of constipation, which also causes pressure on the colon as one has to apply pressure to relieve themselves. As pressure is put on the walls of the large intestine, the pouches develop, and this is where diverticulitis can begin. Eating foods high in fiber will prevent a buildup in the colon, as well as constipation. Recommended foods, as per the NDDIC, are whole wheat breads, cereals, beans, fruits with skin and vegetables with skin, if applicable. High fiber foods keep digestive waste moving smoothly and quickly through the digestive tract, which will help prevent future attacks of diverticulitis.
Member Comments