
A good diverticulitis diet menu consists of high-fiber food items for all meals. Though a diet is not an effective cure as such, it is useful in managing the flare-ups and symptoms.
The development of diverticula or bulging pouches in the lining of the digestive tract is a common albeit painful condition. In most cases, these are diagnosed in the large intestine by imaging tests. Irritation, infection, or inflammation of the diverticula causes great discomfort, profoundly, abdominal pain.
This condition is known as diverticulitis, and its treatment involves advocating medications and following a strict diet. Incorporating healthy food in daily meals helps in managing the discomfort effectively.
Inflammation of diverticula and associated symptoms are common among people over 40. Individuals experiencing abdominal pain every now and then should undergo diagnostic methods for this condition, as it is indeed very painful if it is identified in an advanced stage.
Sticking to a high-fiber diet coupled with healthy dietary guidelines helps in combating diverticulitis. Read on for a diet plan and a sample menu.
Low-residue Diet
During the onset of symptoms, your doctor will probably recommend a low-residue diet. In this period, 10 grams of fiber intake per day is considered sufficient. The low-residue diet contains soups, healthy fluids, and low-fiber foods. The point is to reduce bowel volume, pressure on the digestive tract, and other gastrointestinal problems. After the inflammatory condition is healed properly, fiber is gradually added to the diet.
As per health experts, a patient diagnosed with diverticulitis should consume 20 – 35 grams of fiber daily. Food items which can be included in the diet plan are-
- Cereals Based Foods – Wheat bran, bran flakes, bulgar wheat, brown rice, white rice, oatmeal and whole wheat bread.
- Vegetables – All types of squash, asparagus, lima beans, navy beans, kidney beans, tomato, romaine lettuce, and cabbage.
- Fruits– Fresh apple with skin, blackberries, orange, peach, pear, kiwi fruit, raisin, dried fig, and dried apple.
- Seeds and Nuts – Pulses, pine nuts, pistachio nuts, and pumpkin seeds.
The triggering factors processed foods that are low in fiber and an inactive lifestyle. Repeating the same diet is no less than risking oneself to further complications. However, during flare-ups, one should consume soft foods and those with less fiber. In such cases, foods to avoid are whole-grain cereals, spicy foods, dried fruits, and calciferous vegetables. Afterwards, when the inflammatory symptoms subside, one can switch to the high-fiber diet plan.
The doctor will mostly provide you with a handbook of the diet menu at the time of diagnosis. In the book, meal samples and different diverticulitis recipes will be provided with the reference of which you can plan your regular diet menu. For instance:
Breakfast: Skimmed milk, fruit, and bran flakes
Mid-morning snack: Dried fruits or oat cakes
Lunch: Lean meat, salad, cheese, whole grain food
Afternoon snack: Fresh fruit
Evening snack: Wheat-based biscuits/popcorn, tea.
Dinner: Bread/brown rice/wheat pasta, vegetable salad, chicken
A high-fiber diet forms the very foundation of a diverticulitis diet. It is to be borne in mind that following a meal plan is not the ultimate cure for this digestive disease. One needs to administer the treatment options assigned and perform physical activities as instructed by the concerned doctor for getting prompt results.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.