Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are diverticular diseases of the colon. These conditions become more common as you age, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Your physician may recommend dietary changes, especially an increase in daily fiber intake, to alleviate some of the symptoms you experience but diet alone cannot treat this condition after onset.
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
The large intestine, or colon, is generally a strong and smooth muscular tube. Diverticulosis occurs when your colon walls weaken allowing the development of bulges or sacs that project onto the outside of the colon. The bulges are small, hollow protrusions that may occur at any location in the colon but are typically found just above your rectum in the sigmoid colon. This is where your colon is most narrow.The presence of multiple bulges, or diverticula, without inflammation or infection is diagnosed as diverticulosis. When the diverticula become inflamed the condition is diagnosed as diverticulitis. Infection or inflammation can occur when the diverticula rupture allowing bacteria inside the colon to seep out through the wall. Abdominal pain, irregular bowels and rectal bleeding can occur as a result of either diverticular disease.
Cause of Diverticular Disease
The exact cause of diverticular disease is not fully understood but a low-fiber diet is implicated as the primary factor, notes the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Evidence of fiber as the culprit was first recognized in America during the early 1900s, which was simultaneous with the introduction of low-fiber processed foods. Fiber is important for creating bulk in your stool, softening foods so they pass smoothly through your colon and preventing constipation, which can cause pressure in your colon. A diet low in fiber may increase your risk of chronic constipation, initially resulting in the development of diverticula bulges. This is further complicated when the bulges are placed under increased pressure from foods not passing resulting in irritation of the protrusions as food accumulates. Eventual rupture is likely once your colon is no longer able to withstand the pressure.
Diverticulosis Dietary Changes
You may be able to prevent diverticulosis from becoming diverticulitis with an increase of fiber in your diet, but choose foods carefully to prevent diverticula rupture. Consider avoiding foods with seeds like popcorn or pumpkin or sunflower seeds, which may irritate the diverticula. Gradually increase your daily fiber intake to 20 to 35 g, notes FamilyDoctor.org. Fiber-rich foods include bean varieties, whole grains like wheat bread, bran cereal and oatmeal or fruits and vegetables. Get the majority of your fiber from fresh produce and grains instead of processed or packaged foods, which may have ingredients that irritate the diverticula.
Diverticulitis Diet
Dietary changes once you have diverticulitis will not treat the condition but it does serve as an adjunct while your physician is treating the inflammation or infection, notes MayoClinic.com. A diverticulitis diet may include liquids only for two or three days including broth, plain water or fruit juice without pulp. As the pain from symptoms resolves, gradually introduce low-fiber foods like eggs, milk or yogurt, lean meats and well-cooked vegetables. Increase your fiber intake once your body adjusts to include brown rice, beans, whole grains and vegetables. Do not attempt this type of diet without physician supervision.
