Take fiber supplements — You can take fiber supplements like Metamucil, Citrucel or Benefiber to bulk up your stool. Seeds and nuts — In the past we advised diverticulitis patients to avoid whole pieces of fiber, like seeds, corn and nuts.
Bulk-forming laxatives such as Metamucil or Citrucel may be recommended after the diverticulitis flare-up has resolved. These types of supplements can help add fiber to the diet while treating either constipation or diarrhea.
A diet rich in fiber can help keep stools soft and prevent inflammation. Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches in the colon become infected or inflamed. Dietary changes can help the colon heal. Fiber is an important part of the diet for patients with diverticulosis.
Your doctor may also recommend a fiber supplement, such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) one to three times a day. Drinking enough water and other fluids throughout the day will also help prevent constipation.
If you have trouble getting enough fiber in your diet, a fiber supplement like Benefiber or Metamucil can help. "A tablespoon of any of these adds about 5 to 6 grams of fiber to your diet," says Dr. Goldberg.
Mild cases of diverticulitis are usually treated with antibiotics and a low-fiber diet, or treatment may start with a period of rest where you eat nothing by mouth, then start with clear liquids and then move to a low-fiber diet until your condition improves. More-severe cases typically require hospitalization.
Omega-3 fatty acids , such as those found in fish oil, may help fight inflammation. (On the other hand, some omega-6 fatty acids, found in meats and dairy products, tend to increase inflammation.) If you have diverticulitis, eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, or take a supplement (1,000 mg, 1 to 2 times per day).
People with esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus) or any other narrowing or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract should not take psyllium. A potential side effect from any fiber product is gas and bloating. People with kidney disease should talk to their doctor before taking psyllium.
While a diet high in fiber may help prevent diverticulosis and thus diverticulitis; a diet low in fiber may help reduce GI discomfort during flares of diverticulitis by reducing frequency of stools. While with Diverticulitis: Follow a low fiber diet (usually 10-15 grams of fiber per day) until your flares subside.
Improving gut health
The soluble fiber in Benefiber and Metamucil can feed the good bacteria in the intestines.
If you're having a diverticulitis flare-up, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. Be sure to take the medication for the entire course that it's prescribed, rather than stopping when you start to feel better.
Several drugs are associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis, including steroids, opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Symptoms Of Diverticulitis
Once diagnosed with diverticulitis, expect to be given antibiotics to clear any infections. Bed rest and stool softeners may also be recommended.
After you go home, you may have diarrhea on and off during the first month. It takes about three months for the bowels to learn their “new normal.” You'll need to avoid heavy lifting for six to eight weeks to prevent a hernia.
Actually, no specific foods are known to trigger diverticulitis attacks. And no special diet has been proved to prevent attacks. In the past, people with small pouches (diverticula) in the lining of the colon were told to avoid nuts, seeds and popcorn.
Plant fiber, especially the insoluble fiber, is the best. These are the fibers that do not produce colon gas. The easiest to take are wheat bran, amaranth, barley and others as listed in Fiber Content of Foods.
Diverticulitis is an intestinal disease that can cause fatigue in some people. The fatigue may be caused by infection, inflammation, or sleep disruption due to pain. It could also be related to nutritional deficiencies such as anemia, dehydration, medication side effects, or surgery.
May not be suitable for people with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, phenylketonuria, or difficulty swallowing. Contraindicated in people with fecal impaction or gastrointestinal obstruction (bowel blockage).
Laxatives may be habit-forming if they are used too often or for too long. Psyllium can swell in your throat and cause choking if you don't take it with enough liquid. Drink plenty of fluids each day to help improve bowel regularity. Take psyllium with a full glass (at least 8 ounces) of water or other liquid.
Stay with liquids or a bland diet (plain rice, bananas, dry toast or crackers, applesauce) until you are feeling better.
In about 95 out of 100 people, uncomplicated diverticulitis goes away on its own within a week. In about 5 out of 100 people, the symptoms stay and treatment is needed.
If you are having a flare-up, your doctor may put you on a low-fiber or clear liquid diet for a time to give your digestive system a chance to rest and heal. Some low-fiber foods to consider during a flare-up include: White bread, white rice or white pasta. Processed fruit like applesauce or canned peaches.