Diverticulosis Disease Diet: Foods To Eat To Alleviate Pain

Diverticulosis is an illness in which small sac or pockets, called diverticula, form in the walls of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, but mainly the colon. Diverticulosis can cause serious complications. Tears can occur on the intestinal walls which can lead to intestinal waste leakage. Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, constipation, bloating, and diarrhea can also occur. There is a diverticulosis disease diet that can be followed to help alleviate these symptoms.

What to Eat

A high fiber diet can prevent additional pockets from forming. In fact, it is believed that a low fiber diet causes diverticulosis.

Fiber is a substance found in foods that originates from plants. Fiber softens waste which helps it pass with more ease through the colon, which prevents constipation. Fiber also helps diminish pressure found in the colon which can cause a burst in the diverticula.

If fiber is not part of your diet, you should add fiber progressively. Doing this avoids bloating and discomfort in the abdominal area. Doctors suggest first introducing food low in fiber before introducing foods high in fiber. Although the diverticula are permanent,  a high fiber diet will help relieve the symptoms.

Foods low in fiber include:

  • White bread
  • Meat
  • Poultry
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Dairy Products

Foods high in fiber include:

  • Beans and legumes: navy beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, baked beans, lentils, black beans, lima beans, and split peas
  • Oats
  • Brown rice
  • Wild rice
  • Rye
  • Whole wheat bread
  • Whole wheat cereal
  • Whole wheat pasta
  • Fruits: apples, bananas, prunes, mango, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, raisins and pears
  • Vegetables: broccoli, carrots, corn, spinach, and squash

Try to consume 25-35 grams of fiber per day.

Drinking at least 8 cups of water a day and exercising helps too.

What Not to Eat

If you’re suffering from diverticular disease, doctors suggest that you avoid hard to digest foods.

Hard to digest foods include:

  • Nuts
  • Corn
  • Popcorn
  • Seeds

These foods can get stuck in the diverticula, the pockets, which can lead to inflammation. However, doctors have yet to find evidence to support their recommendation.

In addition to this diet, your doctor may suggest fiber supplements or digestive health supplements such as A.M.P. Floracel®. AMP Floracel increases the immune system’s functions and it helps diminish inflammation and infections.The supplement has been successfully linked to helping patients with diverticulosis.

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