Nutrition for Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is inflammation of the diverticula (pouches) of the large intestine. The presence of diverticula is called diverticulosis, which generally causes no symptoms, while diverticulitis can become quite painful. Mild cases can be treated with an all-liquid diet and antibiotics, while nutritional prevention can be found by observing a low-residue diet.

Nutritional Prevention

• While many with diverticulosis will experience no symptoms, most clinicians suggest a high-fiber diet to help prevent diverticulitis from occurring. It should be noted, however, that fiber has not been proven to prevent these conditions. Consuming the daily recommended allowance of fiber, while undeniably wise for optimum health benefits, isn't necessarily the cure here.
  There has been concern that the consumption of nuts and seeds could lead to them becoming lodged in a diverticulum, resulting in or exacerbating diverticulitis. There has been no evidence to support this theory, however, and as such seeds and nuts remain an important and tasty addition to a high-fiber diet.

Home Treatment - Mild Symptoms

• Patients who exhibit only mild symptoms of diverticulitis can be treated within the comfort of their own homes with a diet of clear liquids and oral antibiotics. Should this prove ineffective, and other symptoms, such as a temperature above 100 degrees, abdominal pains and the inability to handle fluids, occur, you should seek the care of a physician. He may prescribe a course of treatment appropriate for the severity of the condition.

Diverticulitis Diet

• Relief from diverticulitis can be found by following a low-residue diet. A low-residue diet is so-called because of the relative lack of fiber found in the foods consumed (under 10 grams a day), resulting in a decreased bowel volume and thus preventing irritation of the diverticula.
  Foods recommended for consumption while on a low-residue diet include, but are not limited to: enriched, refined white bread; plain cereals; fruit and vegetable juices; and well-cooked meat, fish and eggs. Foods to be avoided include whole grains, raw and dried fruits and vegetables from the cruciferous family (broccoli, cauliflower, etc). A comprehensive list can be found at HealthCastle.com (see the second reference below).
  As the symptoms subside, fiber can be slowly introduced back into the diet, though this should be accompanied by an increase in liquid intake as well.

Precautions

• When on a low-residue diet for an extended period of time, it is wise to take a multivitamin or mineral supplement.