Porridge is generally good for preventing diverticulitis flare-ups as part of a high-fiber diet, but should be limited or avoided during an acute flare-up while following a low-fiber diet.
Choose wholemeal, brown or granary versions of bread, pasta, rice and flour as these contain more fibre than white versions. Also choose wholegrain and high fibre breakfast cereals, e.g., porridge, shredded wheat, bran flakes. Aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.
Other ways to help IBS symptoms
To help reduce symptoms like bloating, cramps and farting: eat oats (such as porridge) regularly. eat up to 1 tablespoon of linseeds (whole or ground) a day. avoid foods that are hard to digest (like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, beans and onions)
Can you eat oatmeal with diverticulitis? Oatmeal is a great source of fiber – which is important for patients with diverticulitis or diverticulosis. But be sure to avoid eating high-fiber foods while experiencing a flare-up or abdominal discomfort.
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.
The worst things for diverticulitis during a flare-up are high-fiber foods, red/processed meats, sugar, fat, alcohol, and NSAIDs like ibuprofen, as they can worsen inflammation and symptoms; instead, focus on a temporary low-fiber diet (liquids/soft foods) and gradually reintroduce fiber after healing to prevent future attacks, consulting your doctor for personalized advice.
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.
Diverticulosis: What 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.
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.
One line of reasoning used to argue oats aren't healthy is that eating them can lead to spikes in blood sugar (glucose). This seems to be linked to the rising use of glucose monitors by people who don't have diabetes.
Tender, well cooked meats, poultry, fish, eggs. Cooked asparagus, beets, carrots, spinach, green beans, zucchini.
Healthy bowel movements
Most simple of all, the high fibre content of oats helps us have regular and healthy bowel movements. To a nutritionist, this means at leastone easy bowel movement a day… preferably two or three!
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.
Plain cereals e.g. Cheerios®, corn flakes, Rice Krispies®, Kix® Tea biscuits, soda crackers, graham crackers, plain melba toast.
Clear liquids and low-fiber foods are the best options for relieving diverticulitis symptoms. Dairy products and other protein-rich foods can help with healing and your recovery during diverticulitis flares. It's a good idea to add more fiber to your diet after you've recovered from a diverticulitis flare.
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.
5 Easy High Fiber Breakfast Ideas
BRAT is an acronym for the foods traditionally “allowed” on this diet- Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast. The BRAT Diet was developed to include foods that are bland enough to not further disrupt a Diverticulitis flare or exacerbate present symptoms.
Probiotics Aren't a Cure for Diverticulitis
If you're experiencing an acute diverticulitis flare, you need clinical care—possibly antibiotics or temporary dietary restrictions. Probiotics are not a replacement for medical intervention. They're more appropriate for long-term support between flare-ups.
The duration of a diverticulitis flare-up can vary. A mild flare-up can last from a few days to a week, while more severe cases may take longer to subside. The duration can also depend on your overall health, any underlying conditions and timing of treatment.
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.
Diverticulosis flares (diverticulitis) are triggered by inflammation or infection in the diverticula (pouches in the colon), often caused by trapped stool or bacteria, leading to a blockage, tears, and immune response, fueled by a low-fiber, high-fat diet, red meat, obesity, smoking, certain meds (NSAIDs, steroids), lack of exercise, and even stress. While nuts, seeds, and popcorn were once blamed, current research suggests they're fine and high-fiber foods actually help prevent flares.