What Are You Not Allowed To Eat When You Have Diverticulitis?
There is no set list of foods you can or can’t eat when you have diverticulitis as everyone is unique. Your starting point should be to record and track your own food and symptoms so you can start to see patterns that affect you. You can do this in our food and symptoms diary tracker online. Some foods however are often quoted as “must avoid” e.g. nuts, seeds, popcord, red meat, processed foods, and alcohol. It’s often reported that they can irritate your colon and make your symptoms worse.
Guidance on foods that are typically advised for diverticulitis prevention can be specifically advised by a dietician. Avoiding certain foods can help reduce inflammation, minimize irritation to the digestive tract, and prevent worsening of symptoms. However, it’s important to note that individual tolerances may vary, so it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.
Maintaining a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help manage diverticulitis and support long-term digestive health.
Diverticulitis club
Here are some foods that are commonly restricted during diverticulitis episodes:
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- Foods high in FODMAPs: Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) are types of carbohydrates that can ferment in the gut and cause gas, bloating, and discomfort. Examples include certain fruits (such as apples and pears), certain vegetables (such as onions and garlic), wheat-based products, and artificial sweeteners. Limiting high-FODMAP foods during diverticulitis episodes may help reduce symptoms.
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- Spicy foods: Spices and spicy foods, such as chili peppers, hot sauces, and heavily seasoned dishes, can potentially irritate the digestive tract and exacerbate diverticulitis symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid or minimize consumption of spicy foods during flare-ups.
3. Nuts and seeds: Whole nuts and seeds, including popcorn, are often restricted during diverticulitis episodes due to their potential to get lodged in the diverticula and cause inflammation or discomfort. However, current research suggests that small, ground, or well-chewed seeds and nuts may not pose significant risks. Nevertheless, it’s prudent to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
4. High-fat foods: High-fat foods, such as fried foods, fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and greasy snacks, can be difficult to digest and may contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort during diverticulitis flare-ups. Limiting intake of high-fat foods may help ease symptoms and support the healing process.
5. Alcohol and caffeine: Both alcohol and caffeine can be irritating to the digestive system and may worsen diverticulitis symptoms for some individuals. It’s advisable to limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages, such as coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks, during flare-ups.
Remember, once the acute diverticulitis episode has resolved, gradually reintroducing these restricted foods, under the guidance of a healthcare professional or registered dietitian, is important to ensure a well-balanced and varied diet.
