Diverticulitis: Foods to Avoid

Diverticulitis is the inflammation or the irritation of the diverticula in the colon. In simpler words, it can be defined as the inflammation of the sac or the pouch in the intestinal tract. The symptoms of diverticulitis are similar to that of irritable bowel syndrome. The person experiences nausea, constipation, vomiting, and sharp abdominal pain. However, the symptoms of diverticulosis are slightly different. A person does not feel much discomfort when suffering from diverticulitis. Bloating, constipation and mild cramps are the symptoms of diverticulosis.

Although the exact cause is unknown, increased pressure in the colon is considered universally as the main cause of diverticulitis. The increase in the pressure can be due to constipation or consumption of low fiber diet. Diverticulitis also occurs in people suffering from diverticulosis. Read more on diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis Diet

It has been observed that diet plays a major role in causing diverticulitis. Once a person observes any signs of diverticulitis, he must keep a check on the foods that he eats for the proper functioning of his digestive system. There are certain diverticulitis foods to stay away from that will help in improving health. Diverticulosis diet foods to avoid are the similar foods to avoid with diverticulitis. Let us have a look at it. Read more on diet for person with diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis: Foods to Avoid

• Nuts and Seeds: Any kinds of nuts and dried fruits are difficult to digest and hence, should be avoided. Along with nuts, seeds of sesame, pumpkin, caraway and sunflower should also be avoided for the same reason.
• Corn: Corn and other corn products like popcorn should be avoided as they can worsen the symptoms of diverticulitis. Any product containing corn is included among diverticulitis foods not to eat.
• Spicy Food: Foods containing chili peppers or other spicy foods should also be avoided as they are considered problematic foods for the stomach. One should also go easy on junk or try to avoid it as much as possible when faced with diverticulitis.
• Whole grains: Apart from these, whole grains, beans and lentils are the basic diverticulitis foods to avoid. You can rather have a white bread, rice or a refined pasta.
• Cruciferous Vegetables: It is also advised to avoid cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, kale and broccoli. You can have other vegetables but without their skins.

Diverticulitis High Fiber Diet

As aforementioned, low amount of fiber in diet can result in diverticulitis disease. Therefore, a high-fiber diet is advised to people to relieve the diverticulitis symptoms. You can have banana, carrots, tomatoes, skinless potatoes, vegetable juices, husks, peaches, watermelons, etc. In case of dairy products, you need to consult your doctor as dairy products may or may not suit some people. For the infection to heal fast, diverticulitis low residue diet is often recommended by doctors. Fiber helps in softening the consistency of stools and also helps in its easy movement. Constipation can be cured with a high-fiber diet. But one must remember to have the foods with high-fiber in adequate amounts. Read more on high fiber diet.

Fluids, especially water, tea or coffee without cream can also be taken. If a person experiences bloating, he must completely avoid sugar and soda based drinks, apples, plums and other dried fruits. Once the symptoms heal, you can slowly start having your regular diet again. Apart from diet, an active lifestyle and exercise greatly helps in preventing diverticulitis.

One must remember that diverticulitis can be treated by medications and by following a strict diverticulitis diet. Foods to avoid for preventing diverticulitis and the list of diverticulitis foods to avoid should be excluded from the diet till the symptoms of diverticulitis subside.