Approximately one-third of all Americans have a condition called diverticulosis, in which weak walls in the colon develop small pouches. When these small pouches, called diverticula, become inflamed, diverticulitis results. Constipation is a frequent problem. Seek the guidance of your physician in treating diverticulitis. Often antibiotics and a liquid diet are prescribed as the initial treatment options. Once healing begins, follow a low-fiber diet.
Background
Doctors are unsure exactly what causes diverticulitis -- or the inflammation of diverticula. It is thought that small amounts of fecal material can become trapped by the pouches as stool moves through the colon. For this reason, a low-fiber diet is often warranted.
Treatment Options
Treatment options are dependent upon the severity of your symptoms and the frequency with which they occur. The initial step for mild cases includes antibiotic therapy and a liquid diet for a couple of days until the infection clears and symptoms such as bleeding and diarrhea improve. Once healing occurs, you can gradually increase the consistency of foods, starting with soft, low-fiber foods and progressing to a regular diet.
Low-fiber Foods
Eat low-fiber foods initially to reduce the amount and frequency of your stools. This reduces gastrointestinal irritation and promotes healing. Examples of appropriate low-fiber food choices include milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, tofu, fish, eggs, smooth peanut or almond butter, white bread, rice, mashed potatoes, vegetable juice, oil, butter, mayonnaise and broth or strained soups.
Foods to Avoid
Foods to avoid when you have diverticulitis include crunchy peanut butter, tough and fatty meats, raw or dried fruits, raw vegetables, spinach and leafy greens, and any breads or cereals made with whole grains.
Sample Meal Plan
For breakfast, try two scrambled eggs with two slices of white toast and margarine and 1/2 cup of apple juice. Coffee or tea may be added. Choose a healthy lunch that could include a sandwich made with two slices of white bread and 2 tbsp. of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup of beef broth, 1/2 cup of white grape juice and coffee or tea. For dinner enjoy 4 oz. of steamed salmon, 1 cup of white rice, one slice of white bread with margarine and 1 cup of lemon sherbet for dessert. Water can be added throughout the day, as desired.
Consult Your Physician
If your symptoms are more severe and pain is problematic, your doctor may need to prescribe a pain medication. Serious cases in which bowel obstructions are likely may require hospitalization and possibly surgery. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your physician or medical provider for guidance on the treatment options right for you. Other gastrointestinal conditions can mimic diverticulitis, so schedule an examination with your physician if you suspect a problem.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Diverticular Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment; Holly Salzman, Dustin Lillie; October 2005
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis; July 2008
- American Dietetic Association; Nutrition Care Manual; Nutrition Therapy for Diverticulitis; 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Diverticulitis: Treatments and Drugs; May 2009
