Over half of Americans over age 60 have small pouches in the lining of their colon known as diverticula, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Center. Up to 25 percent of all cases lead to diverticulitis, a condition characterized by inflamed diverticula that causes abdominal pain and, potentially, cramping, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting or irregular bowel habits. Pain medications and dietary changes can help manage your symptoms.
Legumes
Fiber-rich foods softens stool, preventing strain in your digestive tract and making it easier to have bowel movements. They may also increase bowel regularity and prevent diarrhea. Legumes, such as beans, lentil and split-peas, are naturally protein-, nutrient- and fiber-rich. A half-cup serving of navy beans provides 9.5 g of fiber. A similar portion of kidney beans provides over 8 g. To increase the fiber content of your meals, add beans or lentils to soups, stews and casseroles and prepare chili with beans instead of ground beef. Steamed soybeans, hummus, black bean patties and chilled bean salads also provide ample fiber.
Grains
Because whole grains contain all nutritious parts of the grain, they contain more protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber than refined grains, such as white flour. Whole grain breakfast cereals provide between 5 and 10 g of fiber per serving. A packet of whole grain hot cereal, such as oatmeal, provides 3 grams. Choosing whole grains, such as barley, brown rice and quinoa, instead of enriched breads, pasta and snack foods provides a useful way of increasing your overall fiber intake. When purchasing breads and cereals, check nutrition labels to ensure that whole grains are listed as main ingredients. If you are in the midst of a diarrhea flareup, your doctor may recommend eating low-fiber foods, such as white bread, rice and enriched pasta, until your symptoms abate.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are prime sources of antioxidants, such as vitamins A and C, which support your body's ability to resist and heal from infections and disease. Spinach, cucumbers and lettuce are linked with a reduced risk for diverticular disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Particularly high-fiber varieties include raspberries, stewed prunes, spinach and peas that provide 7 to 8 g per cup. Each pear, apple, sweet potato and baked potato provides between 3 and 5 grams. If your doctor suggested a low-fiber diet, fruit juices provide nutritious, low-fiber options that also replenish fluids lost through diarrhea. Canned and peeled fruits, such as pears, and vegetables, such as potatoes, are lower in fiber than fresh, whole varieties.
Yogurt and Kefir
Yogurt and kefir are cultured dairy products that provide significant amounts of protein, calcium and beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. Probiotics may help promote remission from diverticulitis symptoms, according to UMMC. Choose yogurt and kefir containing "live active" cultures, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Lactobacillus plantarum, and eat it between meals for best results.
