Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula, small pouches in the large intestine, become inflamed or infected. Symptoms of this condition include a disruption of bowel movements, vomiting, nausea, fever, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal tenderness and a sudden, intense pain in the lower left abdomen. If you have this condition, it is important that you consume specific foods as part of a healthy diet to help relieve, treat and control symptoms.
Initial Diet When Symptoms Are Mild
If you are able to treat your condition from home, then your doctor may advise you to rest and consume a liquid diet for a few days until your infection heals. Your symptoms may improve within three days, and then you can gradually start to increase the amount of high-fiber foods you eat, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If your condition is more serious, you may have to stay in the hospital under a physician's care.
Fruits and Vegetables
Consuming foods rich in fiber can prevent or slow the progression of diverticulitis, according to MayoClinic.com, while a low-fiber diet can increase your risk of developing diverticulitis. High-fiber foods help add bulk to your stool; this can help prevent constipation and allow a smoother movement of stool through your intestine. This may help prevent fecal matter from getting trapped, a risk factor for infection that can lead to diverticulitis. Fruits are good sources of fiber; choices include avocado, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, pears and grapes. Vegetables are also good sources of fiber. Try broccoli, bell peppers, cauliflower, kale, spinach and squash.
Fluids
Consuming fluids is important when you have diverticulitis, because you need to replace the water that high-fiber foods absorb in your body. If you are dehydrated, you may experience cramping, abdominal pain and constipation. Consuming fluids can help ease the movement of stool through your colon and keep your body hydrated. Good fluid choices include water, unsweetened fruit drinks and watery fruits, such as watermelon.
Whole Grains Rich in Fiber
Whole grains are good sources of fiber also. These foods include whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa and barley. You should increase your fiber intake gradually because sudden increases in fiber can increase bloating and cramping. In addition, you must accompany these foods with increased water intake.
