The best fruits for diverticulosis are fiber-rich options like raspberries, blackberries, apples, pears, and prunes, eaten with skin, plus bananas, avocados, and berries, as they help keep stools soft and prevent constipation, a key factor in preventing flare-ups, but during an acute flare-up (diverticulitis), low-fiber peeled fruits or juices without pulp are recommended.
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. Nuts such as almonds, pistachios and pecans.
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.
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.
Here are 7 foods to avoid during a diverticulitis flare.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Be sure to drink plenty of water for fiber to work effectively, and avoid or quit smoking, which can damage your colon wall. Good fiber sources: Whole grains such as brown rice, oats, whole wheat bread and quinoa. Whole or dried fruits such as apples, apricots, berries, figs, mangos, oranges, pears and plums.
Honestly, recovering from diverticulitis might take up to two weeks. In the initial days of recuperating from straightforward diverticulitis in the comfort of your home, you'll be on a liquid diet, taking it easy, and using the prescribed medications for pain relief.
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].
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.
Foods to eat for Diverticulitis:
Increasing fiber intake too quickly can cause increased GI symptoms and discomfort. Below is a list of foods to eat with Diverticulosis. *Apples are generally considered good for diverticulitis.
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.
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.
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.
Common alternative conditions that can clinically mimic diverticulitis include small bowel obstruction, primary epiploic appendagitis, acute cholecystitis, appendicitis, ileitis, ovarian cystic disease, and ureteral stone disease.
A clear liquid diet may be recommended for 2 to 3 days.
Water and clear juices (such as apple, cranberry, or grape), strained citrus juices or fruit punch. Coffee or tea (without cream or milk) Clear sports drinks or soft drinks, such as ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, or club soda (no cola or root beer)
Diverticulitis
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.
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.
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.
It means eating foods such as animal protein (eggs, cheese, fish, poultry); certain cooked vegetables (carrots, green beans, potatoes, pumpkin, yams, or zucchini and other squash); low-fiber fruits (bananas, peaches, pears); and (if your doctor says it's okay) low-fiber breads such as white, sourdough, or refined wheat ...
Take a fiber supplement, such as Citrucel or Metamucil, every day if needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Schedule time each day for a bowel movement. Having a daily routine may help.