High Fiber Diets For Diverticular Disease

Dietary fiber is an essential for the health of your digestive system. Fiber comes from plant-based foods; it is the part of plants that your body cannot break down. This is significant for creating stool bulk to keep your bowels regular and for maintaining healthy bacteria in your intestines. A diet with adequate daily fiber intake reduces your risk of digestive disorders like diverticular disease.

Diverticular Disease

Your large intestine, or colon, is responsible for completing the digestive process, but the development of a diverticular disease can prohibit this. Two forms of diverticular disease can occur: diverticulosis or diverticulitis. Diverticulosis is the formation of bulging pouches, or diverticula, near the lower end of your large intestine. The protrusion of these pouches causes your intestinal walls to weaken over time. Progression of the disease causes inflammation or infection of the diverticula, resulting in diverticulitis. Not all people with diverticulosis develop diverticulitis, but the risk increases if you do not get enough fiber intake. Symptoms of diverticular disease can range from mild, in the case of diverticulosis, to severe, which is more common in diverticulitis. Medical treatment depends on your severity of symptoms but may include pain medications, surgery to remove ulcerated pouches and a colon resection.

Role of Fiber

Although not conclusive, diverticular disease is thought to result from a diet low in fiber, which prevents your colon from voiding food regularly, notes the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Constipation is often the result of a low fiber diet; this places high amounts of pressure on your lower intestine. Fiber acts as a natural intestinal cleanser that pushes food remnants through your digestive system. Existing colon bacteria aids in fermenting the soluble forms of fiber so you can maintain adequate levels of good bacteria, which also keep your colon working properly. A diet with consistent fiber intake decreases the pressure placed on your colon and lowers your risk of inflammation and infection.

Daily Fiber Intake

To slow the progression of diverticular disease, consume the recommended daily fiber intake of 25 to 35 g, notes MayoClinic.com. If you do not already eat adequate amounts of fiber, gradually increase your daily intake to prevent abdominal discomfort. Incorporate plenty of water as you increase your fiber consumption because this helps to lower bloating and gas associated with high-fiber foods. Replace high fat foods with high fiber foods at least once a day until you are able to tolerate the daily recommended fiber intake. Add a whole grain or vegetable to each meal until you can consume fiber regularly. Your bowels will regulate with time but initially you may have mild discomfort until your body adjusts to the fiber.

High Fiber Foods

Vegetables, whole grains, fruits and beans are your fiber sources. Spinach, broccoli, potatoes and peas have 2.2 to 5.3 g of fiber per 1/2 cup serving. One-half cup of brown rice, one slice of whole wheat bread or 3/4 cup of bran cereal has 1.7 to 7.5 g of fiber per serving. A 1/2 cup serving of kidney beans, black beans and baked beans yield 4.5 to 7.5 g of fiber. Fruits like apples with the skin, one medium banana or an orange have 2.7 to 3.7 g of fiber. Before increasing your fiber intake, consult your physician to determine safety for your condition.