Yes, you can generally eat tomatoes with diverticulosis; modern research shows that the old advice to avoid seeds in tomatoes, nuts, and popcorn is outdated, as these high-fiber foods are actually beneficial for managing the condition, though during an acute diverticulitis flare-up, a low-fiber diet (without tomato skins/seeds) might be recommended temporarily.
Some people feel that certain high fibre foods such as multigrain breads, nuts, seeds and foods containing pips e.g. tomatoes, increase the risk of developing diverticulitis and therefore choose to avoid them. However, there is little evidence to support this.
Diverticulosis: What to Eat
Tomato puree or tomato sauce is fine, as long as it does not have any added meat, mushrooms or chunks that may disrupt digestion. Watch for pips, the small, hard pieces of the tomato, and stick to smooth sauces.
During episodes of diverticulitis, it is helpful to eat a relatively bland diet avoiding irritant foods. These are high fibre foods such as onions, fruit and vegetable skins, seeds and nuts. Therefore, a low fibre diet should be followed temporarily until symptoms subside.
Here are 7 foods to avoid during a diverticulitis flare.
Mild, uncomplicated diverticulitis typically resolves on its own at home. "Going from a solid, heavy diet to a softer, more liquid diet for a few days usually helps ease symptoms as the body naturally clears a mild infection," Dr Warner says. More intense pain may warrant antibiotics.
To provide bland and easily digestible foods during diverticulitis flare-ups, the BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is often recommended.
Diverticulosis occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) develop in your digestive tract. When one or more of these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis.
Many dairy products are safe for your digestive system while you get well. You can try drinking fat-free, low-fat or reduced-fat milk. Yogurt also is OK, but don't add fiber-filled toppings such as nuts or granola. Mild cheeses, cottage cheese, sherbert and low-fat ice cream are some other dairy options.
Experts are not sure what causes diverticular disease. Research suggests that some possible causes may be related to genetic factors, a low-fiber diet, a diet high in red meat, lack of physical activity, obesity, some medicines, immune problems, or connective tissue problems in the colon.
Treatment may consist of measures including: Taking painkillers to reduce discomfort. These may be over-the-counter pain medicines such as paracetamol or stronger medicines that require a prescription. Taking Buscopan may help with cramping abdominal pain.
Foods such as nuts, popcorn hulls, and sunflower, pumpkin, caraway, and sesame seeds should be avoided. The seeds in tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, strawberries, and raspberries, as well as poppy seeds, are generally considered harmless.
Diverticulitis flare-ups happen when small pouches (diverticula) in the colon get inflamed or infected, often due to trapped stool, bacteria, or food particles, triggered by a diet low in fiber, high in red meat/fat, and lack of exercise, plus risks like obesity, smoking, certain meds (NSAIDs), and stress. A high-fiber diet helps prevent them, while foods like nuts/seeds are now considered beneficial, not harmful, for most.
A Return to High-Fiber Foods
Avoid High FODMAP Foods in a Diverticulitis Diet
While your diverticulitis is effectively treated, it's not technically cured because the sacs remain. As long as you still have diverticula, they can get infected again.
Is tomato soup okay for diverticulitis? Only if it's smooth and strained with no seeds or skins.
Diverticulitis Recovery Timeline
Recovering from a flare-up of diverticulitis could take as long as two weeks. 1 The first few days of recovering from uncomplicated diverticulitis at home will include following a liquid diet, resting, and using recommended medications for pain relief.
Starches with low fiber – You can eat potatoes as long as the skin is peeled away. The potatoes can be mashed, roasted, or baked. Low-fiber cereals – Corn flakes and puffed rice cereal are great low-fiber cereal options. Protein – You can eat eggs and egg whites, tofu, and meat or seafood.
RECOMMENDED FOODS FOR DIVERTICULOSIS
Broccoli, brussels sprouts, peas, cabbage, carrots, celery, green beans, potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes (without seeds), onions and baked beans Avoid Popcorn!
During your trip to the emergency room, your doctor will administer a blood test to identify any infections. They may also conduct other tests to help diagnose diverticulitis — including CT scans, ultrasounds of the abdomen, and x-rays of the abdomen.
Life Expectancy After Diverticulitis Surgery
Studies show that: After diverticulitis with an abscess or perforation, the survival rate is 91% at 5 years, 85% at 10 years, and 69% at 15 years. After perforated diverticulitis, 5-year survival drops to 53%, highlighting the severity of this complication.
Lactobacilli have demonstrated to reduce Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease, with a reduction of bloating and abdominal pain [71], while Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis have proven effective in the treatment of acute diverticulitis [72].