Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches known as diverticula in your digestive system become infected or inflamed. Diverticula are most commonly found in your colon, but can also occur in the stomach, small intestine or esophagus. Your chances of experiencing diverticula, and diverticulitis, increase beyond the age of 40. Nausea, fever, abdominal cramps and changes in bowel movements are common symptoms of diverticulitis. You can treat milder diverticulitis attacks with dietary changes, rest or antibiotic medications. More severe cases may need surgical treatment.
Step 1
Avoid low-fiber foods, such as white bread and pasta, candies and cakes. Diverticulitis is less common in countries where people routinely eat a lot of fiber. In the United States, industrialized food production has reduced the overall fiber content of many foods, such as steel-rolled flour. As a result, diverticulitis rates are higher in the U.S. than in other countries. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eating 25 to 35 g of fiber daily to prevent diverticulitis attacks.
Step 2
Drink clear liquids during a diverticulitis attack. Your doctor will likely require you to follow this diet for two to three days during an attack, as well as prescribing other treatment. When you are recovering from a diverticulitis attack, low-fiber foods will likely be suggested by your doctor, to allow your digestive system time to rest and heal. Once the attack is over, eating high-fiber foods is recommended.
Step 3
Keep a diary of your diverticulitis attacks and your overall diet. This will help you pinpoint any specific foods which are making your attacks better, worse, longer or shorter. There are no specific foods known to trigger diverticulitis attacks for everyone, but certain people may be sensitive to individual foods. Identifying any trigger foods for your own diverticulitis helps you know which foods to avoid.
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