Gentle Food Diet For Diverticulosis

Diverticular disease is a broad term for a condition that affects the digestive tract. Individuals with diverticular disease have diverticula, or pockets along their intestinal wall. Diverticulosis is the general presence of asymptomatic sacs, while diverticulitis occurs when these pockets bulge outward and become inflamed. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, more than 50 percent of adults over the age of 60 in the United States suffer from diverticular disease and the primary cause is a diet low in fiber. Diet therapy is the primary treatment for diverticulosis.

Treatment

If you suffer from diverticulosis, a high-fiber diet is recommended. Consuming a high-fiber diet is thought to reduce symptoms related to diverticulosis as well as prevent flare-ups of diverticulitis. Fiber lowers inter-colonic pressure, softens and adds bulk to stools and keeps the bowels moving regularly. An adequate fiber intake means consuming between 25 to 35 g of fiber each day. It is recommended to eat a low-fat diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. To avoid discomfort and cramping, it is important to gradually increase the amount of fiber in your diet.

Fruits

Fruits provide you with essential vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and dietary fiber. One medium apple with skin contains 3.3 g of fiber, 1/2 cup of raspberries 4 g of fiber and 1 medium pear with skin 4.3 g of fiber. Incorporate strawberries, cherries, bananas, oranges, melon, grapefruit, raisins, lemons, prunes, pineapple, limes, grapes, mango, apricots, blueberries and peaches into your diet to help ease your diverticulosis. Eat between 4 to 6 servings of fruit per day. A serving of fruit is equal to 1 medium fresh fruit, 1/2 cup cubed, canned or frozen fruit and 4 oz. 100 percent fruit juice.

Vegetables

Vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. If you have diverticulosis, you should consume 4 to 6 servings of vegetables per day. A serving of vegetables is equal to 1 cup raw vegetables, 1/2 cup cooked vegetables or 4 oz of vegetable juice. Choose from squash, zucchini, potatoes, turnip, carrots, broccoli, cucumber, cauliflower, brussell sprouts, eggplant and corn. For example, 1 cup of spinach contains 3.5 g of fiber, 1/2 cup peas 4.4 g of fiber and 1 medium sweet potato 4.8 g of fiber. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that a lower risk of diverticular disease is associated with the increased consumption of high-fiber vegetables.

Whole Grains

Whole grain breads, cereals and pasta are good sources of dietary fiber. Try to eat 6 or more servings from this group each day. On average, a serving is equal to 1 slice of bread, 1/2 sandwich, 4 to 6 crackers, 1/2 cup of cereal and 1/3 cup of rice or pasta. Good choices include oat, bran or shredded wheat cereal, cream of wheat, wheat or rye bread, whole wheat crackers, brown rice, wheat pasta and English muffins. Choose whole grains over refined grains whenever possible. Additionally, lentils, beans and dried peas are exceptionally high in fiber. A 1/2 cup serving of navy, kidney, black or pinto beans, chickpeas, soybeans or peas can provide up to 16 g of fiber.

Considerations

When you increase your consumption of dietary fiber with diverticulosis, you should also increase your liquid consumption. Aim to drink at least 8 to 10 cups of water per day. This will ease digestion and prevent constipation. If symptoms of diverticulitis become painful or you have questions concerning a diverticulosis diet, consult your physician or dietitian.