Diverticulitis Diet

Small, hollow pouches may develop in the walls of the colon due to certain factors such as age and diet. When these pouches, called diverticula, become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis takes place. And for such, a doctor may recommend the person suffering from it to begin a special diverticulitis diet.

This eating plan is not designed to treat or prevent the occurrence of the health condition. It's designed to lighten the workload of the colon as it recovers. A doctor may also use it in conjunction with other treatment plans, such as antibiotic therapy. Additionally, it's intended for individuals with mild to moderate cases, and it can be done at home. But for severe cases, hospitalization may be warranted.

The following details are what comprise the diet:

During an attack, usually along with other treatment plans, a clear liquid diet is recommended. Such food intake is comprised of food or drinks with minimal residue produced. Usually, a doctor may recommend an afflicted person to stick to it for 2 to 3 days.

Fat-free and clear meat or vegetable broth may be taken. Clear soda and fruit juices (strained to remove the pulp or seeds) are also allowed. Coffee or tea without cream can be consumed by the person. Of course clean plain water is allowed. Plain gelatin and ice pops without any fruit pulp or bits are permitted to be taken. Taking ice chips will also do in order to keep hunger pangs at bay.

When the signs and symptoms begin to resolve, the afflicted individual may start feeling better. The doctor may recommend introduction of low-fiber foods and beverages. However, this should be done in a slow manner, so as not to shock the colon after a few days of having clear liquid diet.

Canned fruits and fruit juices with little or no pulp contents are allowed during this time. Likewise, desserts such as yogurt may be taken, as long as they have no seeds or nuts. Additionally, white bread, white rice and plain macaroni, noodles or pasta can be consumed. Vegetables that are well-cooked and without skin or seeds are permitted to be eaten. The person may also start taking tender meat, fish and poultry.

If the diverticulitis attack is no longer present, the doctor may start to allow the person to take foods and beverages with high-fiber contents. Again, this transition from low- to high-fiber foods should be done slowly. As a general rule, it's recommended for a person to have 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily.

Whole-grain breads, whole-grain cereals and brown rice can be taken. Likewise, a person may start to have plenty of fruits and vegetables. Legumes like chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, mung beans and others are also high in fiber. Before, nuts and seeds are believed to contribute to the problem. However, such is no longer believed these days, so the individual may also incorporate them into his or her diet.

Again, a diverticulitis diet is for those with only a mild to moderate case of the health problem. If advised by the doctor together with another treatment plan, one should stick to it very closely. Such eating plan cannot cure the illness, but will help in the individual's recovery.