BRAT is an acronym for the foods traditionally “allowed” on this diet- Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast. The BRAT Diet was developed to include foods that are bland enough to not further disrupt a Diverticulitis flare or exacerbate present symptoms.
Diverticulosis: What to Eat. Cater says people with diverticulosis can benefit from eating fiber-rich foods, including: Whole grains, such as quinoa, bulgur, teff, barley, popcorn, oats, shredded wheat or bran cereals, and whole grain breads.
Home remedies for diverticulitis that may be recommended include following a liquid diet, increasing your intake of fiber and anti-inflammatory foods, avoiding red meat and high-fat foods, cutting back on alcohol, exercising, and trying certain supplements.
Actually, no specific foods are known to trigger diverticulitis attacks. And no special diet has been proved to prevent attacks. In the past, people with small pouches (diverticula) in the lining of the colon were told to avoid nuts, seeds and popcorn.
Pay attention to symptoms and follow a healthy lifestyle.
Stay away from nuts and seeds, and don't eat popcorn — that's what doctors said years ago if you had diverticulosis, a condition marked by tiny pouches (diverticula) that develop in the lining of the colon.
Dairy: “Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are real winners if you're recovering from a flare-up: They're high in protein, calcium and other nutrients and don't have any fiber. They're also soft, moist and easier to get down if you're not feeling well,” says Taylor.
There are no specific foods you need to avoid. You do not need to avoid any foods such as nuts, seeds, corn, popcorn or tomatoes if you have diverticular disease. These foods do not make diverticular disease worse. These foods may even help prevent it because they are high fibre choices.
Traditional therapy includes fiber, rest, antibiotics, pain control and surgery for selected cases. Natural treatments for diverticulitis include eating a high-fiber diet with more anti-inflammatory and probiotic foods and using supplements, such as slippery elm, aloe vera and protein powder made from bone broth.
If you have diverticulosis
Make changes to your diet. This is often all that's needed to control symptoms. The main changes are adding fiber and drinking more water.
How is uncomplicated diverticulitis treated? In about 95 out of 100 people, uncomplicated diverticulitis goes away on its own within a week.
In general, it's best to avoid alcohol during a flare-up of diverticulitis. During times of non-flares if you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
Your healthcare provider may advise a liquid diet. This gives your bowel a chance to rest so that it can recover. Include these foods: flake cereal, mashed potatoes, pancakes, waffles, pasta, white bread, rice, applesauce, bananas, eggs, fish, poultry, tofu, and well-cooked vegetables.
It's also best to avoid raw foods, especially salads, and opt for soft or cooked vegetables and fruit instead. As inflammation eases, you'll be advised to gradually wean yourself back onto a higher fibre intake to help make your bowel movements more comfortable and prevent constipation and more pouches from developing.
The diverticulitis flare will usually go away after four to six weeks, Doerfler says. At that point, you can start eating higher-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil.
As long as you are not in the acute phase of diverticulitis, it's OK to eat nuts, corn and popcorn. It's also OK to eat small fruits with seeds, such as strawberries and blueberries. Research has found that these foods are not associated with an increased diverticulitis risk.
Constipation and straining during bowel movements can worsen the condition. A diet rich in fiber can help keep stools soft and prevent inflammation.
Your diet was likely lacking protein during your flare-up, and eggs will help you get plenty of it. “Eggs are a great source of protein, and they're easily digested,” Dr. Nazarian says. And they won't irritate your diverticula.
Stay with liquids or a bland diet (plain rice, bananas, dry toast or crackers, applesauce) until you are feeling better. Then you can return to regular foods and slowly increase the amount of fibre in your diet. Use a heating pad set on low on your belly to relieve mild cramps and pain.
Can you eat oatmeal with diverticulitis? Oatmeal is a great source of fiber – which is important for patients with diverticulitis or diverticulosis. But be sure to avoid eating high-fiber foods while experiencing a flare-up or abdominal discomfort.
Consuming a high fiber diet may reduce the risk of diverticulitis and improve digestive health in general. But people experiencing a flare-up may be better off avoiding high fiber foods. Limiting red and processed meat may also reduce risk and symptoms.