No, tomatoes are generally not bad for diverticulitis; current research shows that foods with seeds like tomatoes, nuts, and popcorn are safe and even beneficial for diverticular disease. The old advice to avoid them, based on a theory that seeds get trapped in pouches, is now considered outdated, with high-fiber foods actually helping to prevent flares.
There are no specific foods you need to avoid. You do not need to avoid any foods such as nuts, seeds, corn, popcorn or tomatoes if you have diverticular disease. These foods do not make diverticular disease worse. These foods may even help prevent it because they are high fibre choices.
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.
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.
Vegetables such as greens (collard, kale, spinach), broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. Fruit, especially blackberries and raspberries, but also avocado, blueberries, strawberries, apples and pears (with the skin on), kiwi and oranges. Seeds such as sunflower, pumpkin, flax and chia.
For managing mild diverticulitis pain or symptoms at home, your healthcare professional may recommend eating only clear foods and clear liquids for a few days. Examples of clear liquids that you can have include: Chicken, beef or vegetable broth. Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple, cranberry and grape juices.
Diverticulitis Diet: What Not to Eat
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.
To provide bland and easily digestible foods during diverticulitis flare-ups, the BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is often recommended.
Straining to pass stools increases the pressure in the colon or intestines, which may lead to the formation of these pouches. In some cases, one of the pouches can become inflamed and a small tear develops in the lining of the intestine. This can lead to an infection at the site.
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.
Self-care during a diverticulitis flare-up
Avoid strenuous or high-impact exercises that may worsen symptoms. You may use a heating pad or use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a few days if you are experiencing any discomfort. And don't forget to stay hydrated.
Treating diverticulitis
Conventional treatment heals the infection, reduces inflammation, and eliminates your pain. 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.
But can you eat chocolate with diverticulitis? As it turns out, it's less important to eliminate foods, like chocolate, than it is to eat a diet with plenty of fiber and fluids.
Alternative medicine
A few small clinical trials found evidence that probiotic supplements to increase good bacteria in the colon may reduce risk of new episodes of diverticulitis.
Some studies show 5 days of antibiotics can work for mild diverticulitis. For example, a study in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found similar results for 5-day and longer treatments. These studies focus on patients with: Mild to moderate diverticulitis.
It may take two to four days for your diverticulitis symptoms to improve. At this point, you can gradually add fiber back into your diet at a rate of 5 to 15 grams per day. 2 It may take a week or longer until you return to your regular way of eating.
"The severity of diverticulitis also dictates the way it is treated." 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.
Recurrent attacks of acute diverticulitis carry the risk of gradual scarring and fibrosis with the sequela of forming a stricture. Diverticular disease rarely causes complete obstruction.
During the acute phase of uncomplicated diverticulitis, “bowel rest” through a clear liquid diet is advised with a goal of patient comfort. If a patient cannot advance their diet after three to five days, a follow-up appointment should be scheduled immediately.
While no specific foods are proven to trigger diverticulitis attacks, a diet rich in high-fiber foods can help maintain digestive health and reduce the risk of complications. High-fiber foods soften waste, decreasing pressure in the digestive tract. Examples include: Fruits.
In that case, the best soups are simple broths, like chicken, beef, or vegetable broth, with no chunks or solid pieces. These are easy on your gut and help it rest while you recover.
Caffeine is a stimulant and not only increases your alertness but also the contraction of your lower intestine and colon. That's why many people feel the urge to poop after their first cup of coffee. However, overstimulation of the bowels for those with diverticulitis can cause more pain.