High Fiber Diet for Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis occurs from having several pouches (diverticula) protruding outward from the colon. These result in mild symptoms for some: lower abdominal cramping, discomfort or bloating, but most with diverticulosis show no symptoms. Between 10 and 25 percent of those with diverticulosis develop a swelling of the diverticula in a condition known as diverticulitis. Doctors believe a low-fiber diet causes these diseases, and treatment involves increasing the amount of fiber in the patient's diet.

Choose High-Fiber Options

• Add high-fiber foods to your diet until consuming between 20 and 35 grams per day. Increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans to raise the amount of fiber easily. Decrease meats and refined grain products as these lack healthy fiber to ease discomfort from diverticulosis. See the Resources section for a table listing high-fiber foods and the amount of fiber they have.

  Avoid consuming popcorn, nuts and seeds only if these cause inflammation of the diverticula and the resulting pain and cramping. Doctors allow these foods as a part of a healthy, high-fiber diet for those who tolerate them.

Take Fiber Supplements

• Talk to your doctor about taking fiber supplements. Choose the format you can most easily take daily. Look for methylcellulose or psyllium supplements with 2.5 to 3 grams of fiber per dose. Take each dose with at least 8 ounces of water.

Increase Water Intake and Exercise

• Increase the amount of water to prevent bloating and constipation from the extra fiber in your diet. Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Increase the amount of exercise to also prevent and alleviate constipation common in those with diverticulosis.