Diverticulosis is a condition in which small pouches form throughout your large intestine, bulging outward. The Mediterranean diet is based around the eating habits of those who live in the Mediterranean region. This diet emphasizes high-fiber foods and low-fat protein options. According to Mayo Clinic, these are two elements that are beneficial for those with diverticulosis. The Mediterranean diet may be beneficial if you have diverticular disease, because of the high fiber content of the diet.
Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis is the name given for diverticular disease when only outwardly bulging pouches form in the colon, and there are no other complications. If there is infection or inflammation in the pouches, the disease is then called diverticulitis. The possibility of developing both diseases becomes more likely as you age; according to MedlinePlus, more than half the population over the age of 60 suffers from this condition. The primary cause is a low-fiber diet.
Symptoms
The majority of people who suffer from diverticulosis do not exhibit any symptoms. In some cases, they may have mild cramping, bloating or constipation. Taking a gentle pain reliever and starting a high-fiber diet often help alleviate these symptoms.
If you have diverticulitis, then the symptoms may become more severe. The most common symptom of inflammation or infection is severe or intense abdominal pain. Other symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, cramping and constipation. In severe cases of diverticulitis, bleeding tears or blockages may occur. Treatment requires using antibiotics, resting the colon and changing your dietary habits to prevent recurrences or complications.
Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is one that is high in fiber, including more plant-based foods and fewer meats and carbohydrates. The diet also includes more monounsaturated fats than the typical American diet. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes plant-based meals with only small servings of meat and chicken, more whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. It substitutes fish and seafood for red meat. The food is often simply prepared, and olive oil is the main source of fat used for cooking.
Other Considerations
In general, red meats, sweets and desserts, eggs and butter are rarely eaten in the Mediterranean diet. Concerns include weight gain from increased oil and nut consumption, reduced iron levels due to a lower consumption of red meat, and calcium loss from the lack of dairy products. Wine with meals is common, but not essential. Consult your doctor to make sure that any changes in your diet will not adversely affect your health.
Fiber Benefits
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, eating a diet high in fiber may help reduce the symptoms of diverticulosis. Fiber helps to keep stools soft and to move them through the large intestine more easily, leading to less irritation of the colon. The American Dietetic Association reports that eating 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day can help reduce the symptoms of diverticulosis.
Seeds and Nuts
Sometimes high-fiber foods such as nuts and seeds -- common in the Mediterranean diet -- are not recommended for consumption by those who suffer from diverticulosis. The small seeds could potentially lodge inside the pouches or diverticula of the colon, causing inflammation. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting this claim. Consuming a high-fiber diet is the primary treatment that has received the most scientific and medical support. However, if you feel that consuming seeds and nuts may trigger inflammation or symptoms, cut them out of your diet, so long as you consume adequate amounts of fiber.
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