Foods to avoid during a Diverticulitis Flare-Ups.
Diverticulitis is a condition of inflammation in the large intestine. Diverticula are small pocket-like outgrowths in the weaker portions of the colon wall. These pockets are harmless until undigested food are caught in the pocket of the intestinal wall become trapped, this causes diverticulitis flare-ups.
Diverticulitis may be acute or chronic, symptoms include cramping, bloating and tenderness on the left side of the abdomen that is relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement. Constipation or diarrhea, nausea and an almost continual need to eliminate are may also be present during a diverticulitis flare-up. There may be blood in the stool.
Diverticulitis usually occurs in people between the ages of 50 and 90. It affects millions of Americans, but many people do not even know they have the condition because they either experience no symptoms or accept their symptoms as simple indigestion. It is known that smoking and stress make symptoms worse. Poor eating habits compound the problem.
Foods to limit or avoid altogether are:
1. Nuts & Seeds-all nuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds. There has been much controversy on whether or not it is safe to eat nuts and seeds if you have a diverticulitis flare-up.
In the past doctors advised against it in fear that the nuts or seeds could get stuck in the diverticula and cause it to become infected and bring on a diverticulitis flare up. Now it is believed that consuming seeds and nuts are safe and should be eaten due to the high fiber content in them. However, while recuperating from a diverticulitis episode you should stay clear from nuts and seeds which can aggravate an already inflamed diverticula
2. Seed Fruit & Vegetables-strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, melon, watermelon. Avoid these fruits if you are having a flare-up as they can further aggravate a flare-up. It may also cause perforation of your colon if a seed gets trapped in the infected diverticula that may lead to hospitalization.
3. Dairy Products- milk, cheese, ice cream, buttermilk, butter, whey powder. Dairy can be highly inflammatory and this can further irritate a diverticulitis flare-up.
4. Fiber-rich foods- beans, chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, oats. These fiber-rich foods add bulk to the stool and may increase colon contractions. This can be painful and uncomfortable if you are having a flare-up.
5. Red Meat-beef, pork, goose, duck, lamb. Red meats are tougher and more difficult to digest, they tend to move through the bowels slowly and can further aggravate an already stressed digestive tract.
6. Fried Foods-French fries, fried chicken, onion rings, donuts, egg roll, anything fried.
7. Sugar Products-candy, all soft drinks, juices with high sugar content, cake, cookies.
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Food Journal
You may want to make a food journal since everyone is different. Keeping a record of what you eat is important to help you keep track of what foods trigger diverticulitis. I have found for me stress can also cause a flare-up. The best things I have found to help with my stress management is exercise, aromatherapy, and meditation. As well as drinking plenty of water and taking fiber can help you avoid a diverticulitis flare-up.
