Can Diet Affect Diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is a condition characterized by the formation of small pouches, or diverticulae, in your large intestine. Pouches occur in the areas of intestinal weakness and bulge outward. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC, states that approximately one out of every 10 people in the United States over the age of 40 has diverticulosis. Before using diet to help treat your diverticular disease, review all diet-related topics with your primary care provider.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis may not cause any symptoms, and many people with this health problem may be unaware of their condition. Possible symptoms associated with diverticulosis, notes the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, include cramps, bloating and constipation. Many people with diverticulosis -- 10 to 25 percent, according to the NDDIC -- will develop diverticulitis, a condition involving infection or inflammation of your diverticulae. Diverticulitis may cause focal abdominal pain, abdominal tenderness, fever, nausea, vomiting, shaking or chills.

Proper Dietary Practices

Proper dietary practices can have a significant effect on your diverticular disease, including diverticulosis and diverticulitis. MayoClinic.com reports that the initial phase of a diet designed to treat inflammation of your diverticulae should involve consumption of the following liquids: broth, fruit juices without pulp, plain gelatin, plain water and tea or coffee minus cream. Beneficial foods to incorporate into your diet later on include cooked fruit without skin, eggs, fish, poultry, low-fiber cereals, cheese and milk.

A Helpful Food

Kale, a dark leafy green vegetable, may be one of the most beneficial foods in treating your diverticular disease. Kale, reports certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," is an excellent source of vitamin K, and obtaining vitamin K through your diet is particularly important if you have an intestinal disorder. Kale is also rich in vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2 and B3 and dietary fiber. Fiber-rich diets may help reduce the frequency and severity of your diverticular disease recurrences. More scientific research studies may be needed to evaluate the effect of kale in treating diverticular disease.

Warning

Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are health problems that are best managed by a licensed health care practitioner. Diet, though often helpful in treating your diverticular disease, may not be sufficient by itself to fully resolve your health complaints. In most cases, dietary changes should be used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of your diverticular disease. Certain foods may not be appropriate for you or your condition. Ask your doctor if dietary changes are right for you.