Treatment For Diverticulitis With Diet

Diverticulitis is a medical condition in which little bulging pouches, called diverticula, form in the digestive tract of the affected person. These can get infected and inflamed, causing abdominal pain. Other symptoms of diverticulitis include nausea, bloating, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, or constipation. Most of the times, diverticulitis goes undetected for a long time as it does not cause many visible symptoms and the affected person doesn’t become aware of it until the symptoms get worse.

Antibiotics are popularly used for its treatment, and sometimes surgery might be necessary. It is believed that a low-fiber diet can cause this condition and that is why people living in areas where diets are high in fiber tend to have lower incidences of it. Although, a diverticulitis diet cannot totally cure this condition, it is very helpful in its prevention and recurrences. Given here is the recommended diet for diverticulitis that will help in its treatment, when taken along with medications.

Treatment For Diverticulitis With Diet

Increase Fluid Intake

While you are on treatment for diverticulitis, it is best to give some rest to your digestive system by restricting your diet to fluids in the first few days.

Have only clear liquids like broth, fruit juices without pulp, and tea without cream. This will prepare your digestive system gradually for a proper diet by providing it good amount of rest.

Consume Whole Grains

Start initially with low fiber diet which can include fish, poultry, dairy products and eggs. After a while, you can start consuming whole grains as well which are high fiber foods. This is an important part of diverticulitis treatment.

A high fiber diet will help soften your stools by giving it bulk and provide smoother bowel movement. It will also help decrease pressure on your colon and prevent future flare-ups. You can have whole grain breads and pasta. Brown rice is also good for your digestive system.

Fruits And Vegetables

Make fruits like apples, apricots, pineapples, pears and bananas a part of your daily diet as these will provide your body with the necessary nutrients and also help provide bulk to the stools as they are rich sources of dietary fiber.

Replace fruit juices with these fruits now. Vegetables such as spinach, beans, cabbage, kale, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, potatoes, etc should also be a daily part of your diet as these are rich in natural fibers. Include them in your salads as well.

Best Natural Cure For Diverticulosis
Home Remedies For Diverticulitis

Drink Plenty Of Water

You should also drink plenty of water throughout the day as it will help flush out toxins from your system. As your digestive system improves, you can go back to your regular diet gradually.

Even after recovery from diverticulitis, continue the habit of drinking water throughout the day. This will prevent future recurrences and flare-ups of the condition.

Foods To Avoid

A low fiber diet can cause diverticulitis. So, avoid foods made from refined grains completely. It is best to avoid eating white breads and bakery products that are prepared with refined flours. These can cause constipation which results in extra pressure on the intestinal walls.

Avoid eating fatty and fried foods completely. It is best to avoid eating meat if you are suffering from diverticulitis. Avoid difficult to digest foods such as nuts and seeds.