Diet for Diverticulitis
January 22, 2010
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection that occurs on the diverticula. Diverticula is a single bulging of the inner layers of the intestine or colon through the muscular outer layers of the intestine. This results in the formation of a pouch and if there are more than one pouch then it is called diverticulum. The increase of pressure inside the intestine leads to the formation of diverticula. Constipation can be a main reason for increased pressure inside the intestine. With the increase in age, the risk of getting divericula also increases as the intestinal walls become weak. Above 50 years of age the chances for diverticula increases. the affected person may have spasms, cramps, fever, pain, bloating etc. In order to prevent or control diveticulitis you need to control your diet and here are some tips that may help you to control your diet.
Diverticulitis Diet
At the time of outburst you need a diet that consists of clear liquids followed by a low residue diet that includes around 10 grams of fiber per day. This will give your digestive tract time to get heal as this diet may decrease your bowel volume.
Liquid Diet
While on liquid diet you can take fruit juices with out pulp, clear soda, broth, ice chips, plain gelatin, plain water, ice pops that does not contain any fruit pulp or fruits. You can also take coffee or tea but with out any cream.
Low Fiber Diet
When you start to feel better then you can include foods that contain low fiber in it and it includes desserts that does not contain any nuts and seeds, canned fruits, fruit juice with no pulp or little pulp. You can also take vegetable juices, alfalfa sprouts, carrots, beets, yellow beans, celery, cucumber, potatoes, egg plant, mushrooms, zucchini, lettuce etc. fruits like honeydew melon, grapes, apple sauce, banana, peaches etc are also good.
Enriched white breads, low fiber cereals, yogurt, cheese, smooth peanut butter etc are also ideal. Noodles, refined pasta, white rice, buns etc are also low in fiber. Also include eggs, poultry, tender meat, fish in your diet.
Avoid the whole grains and fruits like dried fruits, raw fruits, berries etc. Avoid vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale etc. Keep away from nuts and seeds too.
Once you recover from diverticulitis then slowly increase the amount of fibers in your diet and take 25 grams of fiber per day if you are a woman. If you are a man then take 38 grams of fiber each day.
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