Diverticulitis Diet

Diverticulitis or acute diverticulitis is the inflammation of the inner walls of the intestine. The increased pressure on the colon of the intestine, forces it to bulge out and form small pouches known as diverticula; the condition being diverticulosis. Diverticulitis follows diverticulosis in which the colon gets inflamed (burned). The reason behind the cause of this painful condition is not known but is mainly due to low fiber diet and constipation. The best way to cure diverticulitis is to plan a very appropriate diverticulitis diet by consulting a doctor. A good diet plan coupled with medications like antibiotics can help recover the disease. It is actually a symptom-free condition where the person might never realize that the condition is prevailing in his/her body, but minor symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, fever, bowel problems, vomiting and chills can help diagnose the condition.

Diverticulitis Diet Plan

As mentioned earlier, a high fiber diet helps lessening the inflammation of the colon. Almost, many fruits and vegetables have high fibers in them; and thus inculcating them is one of the diverticulitis diet recommendations. Fiber intake of 25-30 grams per day is best for diverticulitis. Fiber helps softening of the stool and thus reduces the pressure on the colon. Also, drinking lots of water (8 cups) is advisable. The diverticulitis diet menu depends mainly on the severity of the condition.

Liquid Diet
This diverticulitis diet plan requires patients to entirely cut down the food intake so as to give rest to the colon. Liquid diet including water, plain soda, fruit juices without pulp, plain gelatin, ice chips, tea or coffee, is advisable. Hospitalization might also be required if the patient is a bit weak and if early diagnosis hasn't occurred.

Low Fiber Diet
After continuing the above diverticulitis diet plan for 2-3 days, the person can start off with some low fiber intake, something like eggs, white rice, white bread, muffins, tender meat or poultry or fish, low fiber cereals, yogurt, cheese, plain pasta, noodles or macaroni. Consumption of well cooked vegetables and eating fruits without the seeds and the skins is recommended. Do not hog on a high fiber diet even if the pain has lowered.

High Fiber Diet
After a bit of relief, the patients can start off with their normal diet which should be high in fibers like the vegetables, fruits, brown rice, whole grain breads, whole grain cereals, bran cereals, wild rice, oatmeal, stone ground cornmeal. This food plan is the post diverticulitis diet plan which gives relief to the patients and helps the bowel habits get back to normal.

Diverticulitis Dietary Recommendations: High Fiber Foods

• Fruits: Apple, Raspberries, Prunes (stewed), Banana, Blueberries, Fig, Oranges, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Nectarine, Cherries.
• Vegetables: Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Onions, Winter squash, Sweet potato (skinned), Green peas, Potato (skinned), Mixed vegetables, Cauliflower, Spinach, Turnip greens.
• Other Foods: Navy beans, Kidney beans, Black beans, Packet of whole grain cereals, Yogurt, Cakes and cookies made from oatmeal and fruits, Baked tortilla corn chips.

Diverticulitis Diet Restrictions

• Do not feed on junk food stuffs at all. They are difficult to digest and definitely not healthy.
• Avoid eating nuts and seeds.
• Avoid eating spicy foods since they can get lodged in the diverticula.
• Do not consume alcohol since it can hamper the functioning of the inner lining of the intestine. Instead drink healthy beverages mentioned above.
• Don't consume fatty foods. The digestive tract needs rest during diverticulitis, so avoid eating heavy foods.
• Certain foods like cabbage can cause bloating or cramps though it is a high fiber food. Avoid it since you don't want to increase your problems.

Prepare some diet recipes for yourself, which will be tasty as well as healthy. Diverticulitis is not fatal though it could lead to many complications which might require a diverticulitis surgery. Thus, early diagnosis of this condition is recommended to avoid the complications. Follow the diet for diverticulitis if you have been diagnosed. You will be fit and fine in a days' span. The best way to avoid diverticulitis is to eat healthy and exercise regularly.