People with diverticulosis have pouches in the walls of their colons due to continual problems with hard stools. The colon works hard to push the stools through, which causes weak points to develop that eventually become pouches. To avoid worsening the condition, people with diverticulosis must eat a high-fiber diet that promotes soft stools. In the past, dietary recommendations also included avoiding small, hard foods such as peanuts.
Risks
If the pouches rupture, the danger elevates and the condition becomes known as diverticulitis. Without preventative dietary measures, infection might result, which can be fatal. For example, an abscess, or localized collection of pus, can develop in the wall of the colon. In extreme cases, the pus leaks into the abdominal cavity and forms a larger abscess. At this point, the condition becomes peritonitis. Without immediate surgery to remove the abscess, death can result.
History
Before research provided contradictory evidence, doctors advised patients with diverticulosis or diverticulitis to avoid eating foods that could enter or inflame the pouches. The fear was that the inflammation could lead to infection, increasing the risk of peritonitis and other complications. Foods to avoid once included nuts and seeds, as well as tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries and other fruits and vegetables that contain tiny seeds.
Expert Insight
Eating nuts now is considered safe for people with diverticulosis or diverticulitis. For example, a large-scale study that appeared in the August 2008 issue of "The Journal of the American Medical Association" found that nuts, corn and popcorn do not increase the risk of complications. In fact, eating these foods might lower the risk of developing the disease. The study's authors concluded that "the recommendation to avoid these foods to prevent diverticular complications should be reconsidered."
Significance
Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Michael Picco points out that "eating a high-fiber diet -- which may include nuts and seeds -- may reduce the risk of diverticular disease." However, the safest approach is to consult your doctor before adding foods to your diet, especially if you tend to experience any negative side effects from eating nuts, including abdominal pain, nausea or bloating.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
- MayoClinic.com; Can People with Diverticulitis Eat Nuts and Seeds? I've Heard Conflicting Advice; Michael Picco; January 2010
- "The New York Times"; Nutrition: Nuts May, in Fact, Help Avert Diverticulitis; Anahad O'Connor; September 2008
- "The Journal of the American Medical Association"; Nut, Corn, and Popcorn Consumption and the Incidence of Diverticular Disease; Lisa Strate, et al.; August 2008
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