A diagnosis of a chronic condition can cause a great deal of anxiety and fear. But diverticulosis, characterized by small pouches that line your colon, does not cause problems for many people. In fact, you can lower your risk of complications by making changes to your diet and including more high-fiber foods like barley.
Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis is a chronic medical condition of the large intestines. It is a condition noted by multiple small pouches along the wall of your colon that protrude outward. It is a very common condition, affecting nearly 50 percent of people over the age of 60, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders. Most people with diverticulosis do not experience any symptoms. However, some common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating and constipation. Pain medication and a high-fiber diet is recommended to help treat people with diverticulosis.
High-Fiber Diet
Including more fiber in your diet may help improve symptoms if you have any, and reduce your risk of complications. Fiber in food softens your stool, making it easier for you to eliminate waste. This helps prevent constipation, which limits added pressure on your colon. You should include 25 to 35 g of fiber on your high-fiber diet plan. This means including more beans, whole-grains, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. In addition to increasing fiber in your diet, your doctor may also suggest a fiber supplement for you to help meet your needs.
Barley
As a whole grain, barley makes a good choice when trying to increase the fiber in your diet. A 1/2-cup serving of cooked pearled barley contains 96 calories, 2 g of protein, 0 g of fat, 22 g of carbohydrates and 3 g of fiber. One serving meets 12 percent of your daily value for fiber. The percent daily value is based on a 2,000-calorie diet for healthy adults. Most of the fiber in barley is soluble fiber. So while it helps improve bowel function, it also aids in heart-health by helping to lower blood cholesterol levels.
Considerations
While it is important to eat a high-fiber diet to help you manage your diverticulosis, if you are suffering from a flare-up, known as diverticulitis, you may need to limit your fiber intake. Diverticulitis is a condition in which the diverticula pockets are inflamed and infected, and bowel rest and antibiotics are the recommended course of treatment. As a whole-grain and a good source of fiber, barley is not a good choice when experiencing diverticulitis.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders; Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis; July 2008
- Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology; High Fiber Diet; Frank Jackson
- USDA; Nutrient Database; Barley, Pearled, Cooked
- U.S. Department of Agriculture; Agricultural Research Service; Study Investigates Health Benefits of Barley; Jim Core; May 2003
- MayoClinic.com; Percent Daily Value: What Does it Mean; Katherine Zeratsky; May 2010
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