Diverticulitis is treated using diet modifications, antibiotics, and possibly surgery. Mild diverticulitis infection may be treated with bed rest, stool softeners, a liquid diet, antibiotics to fight the infection, and possibly antispasmodic drugs.
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.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), may help relieve some of your pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) aren't recommended because they increase the risk of bleeding and other complications.
According to research, a low FODMAP diet may help prevent high pressure in the colon, thus preventing or correcting diverticulitis. You should avoid the following foods: certain fruits, such as pears, apples and plums. dairy foods, such as milk, yogurt, and ice cream.
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.
High fiber vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and artichokes are high in fiber and can be difficult to digest. Eating them may cause gas and bloating. People with diverticulitis may not digest lactose well.
For milder cases of diverticulitis, eat a low-fiber, or GI soft, diet. A low-fiber diet limits fiber intake to between 8 and 12 grams of fiber, depending on the severity of the flare-up. Good low-fiber food options include: Grains: Lovers of white pasta and white bread, rejoice!
In about 95 out of 100 people, uncomplicated diverticulitis goes away on its own within a week. In about 5 out of 100 people, the symptoms stay and treatment is needed. Surgery is only rarely necessary.
A mild case of diverticulitis may go away on its own without any treatment. When treatment is necessary, antibiotics and a liquid or low-fiber diet may be all that is necessary to resolve symptoms.
Once you developed diverticula, they are unlikely to go away. Bleeding and inflammation are two common complications of diverticulosis. Diet plays an important role in the prevention of the progression of diverticulosis, but will not be able to reverse the process.
How long does a diverticulitis flare-up typically last? After starting treatment, most people should start to feel better in two or three days. If symptoms don't start to get better by then, it's time to call a healthcare provider and get instructions on what to do next.
5 (typically safe) foods to eat
Lean protein: Eggs and tender cuts of meat (think shredded chicken, baked fish, and ground beef) are usually easy to digest. Cooked fruits and vegetables: You may need to remove the skin if it causes irritation.
Once diverticula form, they do not disappear by themselves. Fortunately, most patients with diverticulosis do not have symptoms, and therefore do not need treatment.
Diverticulitis is caused by an infection of one or more of the diverticula. It is thought an infection develops when a hard piece of stool or undigested food gets trapped in one of the pouches. This gives bacteria in the stool the chance to multiply and spread, triggering an infection.
If your diet is currently low in fibre then it is advisable to increase fibre gradually; aim to introduce 1-2 new high fibre foods per week. It is recommended that adults aim for 30g of fibre a day. Foods High in Fibre: Weetabix®, Bran flakes, All Bran, Fruit & Fibre, porridge, muesli, Shredded Wheat.
Eat a low-fiber diet. Your healthcare provider may advise a liquid diet. This gives your bowel a chance to rest so that it can recover. Foods to include: flake cereal, mashed potatoes, pancakes, waffles, pasta, white bread, rice, applesauce, bananas, eggs, fish, poultry, tofu, and well-cooked vegetables.
Once your recovery is further along, you can start to work more fat into your diet. Avocados are a standout choice. “Avocados contain healthy fats, which promote overall health,” Ehsani says. These fats support heart health and can even help your body absorb vitamins from other foods.
The doctor also may suggest taking a fiber product, such as Citrucel® or Metamucil®, once a day. Your doctor may recommend a low- or high-fiber diet depending on your condition. Listed below are high-fiber food options for diverticulosis and low-fiber food options for diverticulitis.
Eating more whole fruits (as opposed to sauces and juices) and especially apples, pears and prunes resulted in the lowest risk of developing diverticulitis. Fiber from vegetables, beans and lentils was also associated with a reduced risk of the infection.
13 However, if you're having symptoms of diverticulitis, look for lower-fiber options, like applesauce. Bananas are another good source of fruit fiber. They also have a lot of potassium and can be especially helpful if you're recovering from a stomach upset.