Diverticulosis Diet Guidelines

Diverticulosis is a condition marked by the formation of pouches, called diverticula, along the walls of your intestines. Although diverticulosis does not typically cause symptoms by itself, the pouches can become inflamed, causing a condition called diverticulitis. The inflammation of diverticula can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills and weight loss. Diet should not replace medical attention for diverticulosis; however, proper dietary choices may help reduce inflammation and risk of diverticular infection.

Choose Lean Proteins

Protein is an essential building block of muscles, and aids your body in repairing damaged cells. However, red meats, eggs and diary products, which are staple protein sources in the typical American diet, are high in saturated fats. These protein sources are difficult to digest, and may promote intestinal inflammation, according to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Opt for lean proteins, such as legumes, tofu, white-meat poultry and fish to help avoid inflammation that can promote the formation of diverticula.

Increase Fiber Intake

Increasing your intake of fiber from food sources may help prevent diverticular disease, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Fiber can help add bulk to stools, relieving constipation and speeding the elimination of wastes from your body. This may help reduce inflammation and irritation of intestinal walls, and may reduce the risk of diverticular infection. Whole-grain breads, brown rice, kale, spinach, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, artichokes and broccoli are rich sources of fiber.

Vitamin K--Rich Foods

Vitamin K is well known for its role in blood clotting. It may help reduce bleeding from diverticula, which may decrease bloody stools and infection risk. This vitamin may also improve the ability of your intestines to absorb vitamins and minerals, according to Balch. Nutrient malabsorption commonly accompanies gastrointestinal disorders, including diverticulosis and diverticulitis, which can increase your risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Increase your vitamin K intake by consuming alfalfa sprouts, kale, avocados, spinach and safflower oil.

Considerations

Traditionally, physicians have advised patients with a history of diverticulitis to avoid seeds and nuts; however, there is no medical evidence to support the connection between these foods and the development of diverticula, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Drinking water is necessary when increasing your fiber intake to address or prevent diverticulosis, notes Balch. Consume at least eight glasses of filtered water per day.