To put it simply, diverticulitis is an illness of the digestive system. The infection has spread to the diverticula. These voids form in the intestinal lining and can range in size. Diverticula form when sections of the intestinal wall that are weaker than the rest take a back seat under pressure. Diverticulosis refers to the presence of diverticula. When these pouches become inflamed or infected, a condition called diverticulitis develops. In general, older people are more likely to suffer from diverticulosis. The National Institute of Diseases like Type 2 Diabetes Diseases (NIDDK) Trusted Source estimates that 58 percent of individuals over 60 have diverticulosis. Diverticulitis is not nearly as common: Less than five percent of individuals with diverticulosis will develop diverticulitis.

What Is Diverticulitis?

According to the National Library of Medicine, diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of one or more pouches (called diverticula) that line the colon's inner lining. A lack of fiber in the diet has been linked to the development of diverticulitis. Constipation, which may irritate the intestines, is a common side effect of a low-fiber diet. Pockets of irritation, inflammation, and infection might develop due to this. Rest, a liquids-only diet, and pain medication are the usual at-home treatments for minor cases. Antibiotics might be prescribed to certain patients. However, after you feel better, you must watch what you eat.

Is There Any Way To Avoid Outbursts?

Once you've recovered from the first discomfort, avoiding a recurrence should be your top priority. Your doctor may recommend a high-fiber diet to help keep symptoms at bay. According to Ryan Warren, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist somewhere at Jill Roberts Center and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, "he or she should ideally be eating a regular, healthy, high-fiber diet" if someone has completely recovered from a diverticulitis outbreak. There is no foolproof method to avoid diverticulitis, although a high-fiber diet may help. According to Harvard Health, eating more fiber may help prevent the formation of diverticula. Having these pouches also lessens the likelihood of inflammation and infection. Many foods, including whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, legumes, and vegetables, are good sources of fiber. Removing waste from the body is sped up by fiber because it attracts water into stools, making bowel movements less strenuous.

Should You Eat Nuts And Seeds?

Foods high in fiber, such as nuts, seeds, and popcorn, were formerly thought to be risk factors for diverticulitis because they might obstruct and aggravate the tiny sacs growing anywhere along the colon wall. Harvard Health, however, found no evidence to back up this claim. On the contrary, this is true. Fiber may be found in seeds and nuts; for example, ten peanuts provide 1 gram of fiber. Therefore, it is not expected that eating nuts, seeds, or popcorn would aggravate your digestive tract.

What Diet Changes Should You Make?

In a 2018 article for the journal Gut, researchers analyzed data on over 46,000 people's diets and health records spanning 26 years. Compared to individuals who ate the least amount of red meat per week, those who ate the most had a 58% higher chance of having diverticulitis. This was notably true for those who ate the most unprocessed red meat, such as steak. Each daily serving of red meat increases a person's risk of diverticulitis by 18%. In contrast, research published in Gastroenterology in 2017 looked at dietary patterns as a whole rather than specific items. A higher likelihood of developing diverticulitis was seen in those who followed a Western diet strong in red meat, refined carbohydrates, and high-fat dairy. Eating according to a "prudent pattern" was associated with reduced danger.

Should I Avoid Meals Rich In Fiber?

It is sometimes unclear how much of an impact fiber has on diverticulitis. Physicians traditionally prescribed low-fiber or liquid diets low in solids for patients with diverticulitis. All medical professionals no longer share this recommendation. Recent studies have shown that increasing your fiber intake may help alleviate the symptoms of diverticular illness and improve intestinal regularity. According to the study's authors, fiber helps with bowel movement and stool bulk, contributing to healthy colon function.

Conclusion

When pouches throughout the colon become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis develops. While diverticulitis seldom causes serious symptoms, when it does, it must be addressed immediately. Here, we'll go over what causes diverticulitis flare-ups, specifically the foods that should be avoided by those who suffer from this condition. With a reduced fiber diet becoming more widespread, diverticulitis has become a frequent gastrointestinal diagnosis in American hospitals. Medical Procedure Antibiotics and surgical procedures are examples of Trusted Sources. When severe diverticulitis flares up, doctors may advise patients to consume only clear liquids. For some patients, dietary adjustments, including increasing fiber and probiotic intake and decreasing consumption of refined carbs and red meat, have alleviated diverticulitis symptoms.