Diverticulosis Diet

Answer 1

For people with diverticulosis, a diet high in fiber is recommended to prevent further diverticulosis as well as preventing the feared complication of diverticulosis: diverticulitis. Though diverticulosis in people become more and more common as they age, these typically harmless pockets in the large intestine can occasionally have problems, such as infection and bleeding. A diet high in fiber helps prevent diverticulosis as well as infection. Small sharp foods such as nuts, kernels and seeds were once thought to be avoided in this condition, but lately clinical evidence is showing that such foods may not actually aggravate diverticulosis.

Answer 2

Many diets are not effective, so it is imperative that you checks with your physician before you begin any diet. The answer to this question would be best answered by searching WebMD.com. One should consult with a physician before beginning any diet.

Answer 3

If you are afflicted with diverticulosis, you will need to keep some dietary considerations in mind on an ongoing basis. Additionally, if you have an acute episode of diverticulitis, you will need to follow a special diet as it subsides.

Diverticulosis occurs when the lining of the colon becomes twisted, convoluted, or filled with pockets. There are many medical theories as to why this occurs, the most prevalent of which is a lack of fiber in the diet. Diverticulitis is the clinical name for when colonic diverticulum become inflamed. It is worth noting that diverticulosis is very rare in countries where fiber intake is high. America has diverticulosis rates that are among the highest in the world. Some diverticulosis patients report very few flare-ups if they keep to a high-fiber diet. However, once a flare-up has occurred, fiber can be dangerous and result in a hospital visit. Therefore, it is important to discuss the symptoms of a flare-up with your doctor so you can recognize it if it occurs. Diverticulitis flare-ups rarely go away without antibiotic treatment.

When you are not having a flare-up, stick to a diet that is rich in fiber. This includes whole grains, such as oats, spelt, and wheat, as well as leafy vegetables and fruit. The USDA recommends that a substantial amount of your food intake each day should be vegetables, whether or not you have diverticulosis. You should avoid nuts and seeds completely, as some doctors believe they cause diverticulitis episodes.

If you have a flare-up you will feel acute pain in your lower left abdomen, which may be accompanied by fever and lethargy. Always visit your doctor at the first sign of a flare-up. Some doctors prefer that you begin a diverticulitis diet before your appointment as soon as symptoms begin, others may wish for you to wait until you have been examined.

The first stage of the diverticulitis flare-up diet is all clear liquids. This might include broths, Ginger Ale, or Gelatin. After several days, you can add very low-fiber foods, such as canned peaches, skinless baked potatoes, and eggs. Do not add high-fiber foods, such as salad or whole fruits, until you have completely recovered.