Diverticular disease is a gastrointestinal disease that occurs when pouches—called diverticula—form along the digestive tract, usually near or in the colon. This disease becomes more common with age, especially in Americans over the age of 60. Other risk factors for diverticular disease are smoking, not drinking enough water, medications, lack of exercise, obesity, and straining during bowel movements.
Diverticulitis is the flare up or attack of symptoms caused by an attack to the diverticula. Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula become blocked with waste. Bacteria then begins to build up causing swelling and infections. Some symptoms include acute pain in the abdomen, nausea, fever, and bloody bowel movements. The root of diverticulitis is unknown, therefore there is no specific list of foods to eat in order to ease symptoms. However, once a flare up does occur, there are certain foods you can eat that will help avoid bowel movements in order to give the diverticula a chance to heal and the infection to clear up.
During the flare up, you’ll want to avoid as much fiber in your diet as possible as fiber creates waste that can irritate the infection even further. Once the attack is over and you’re feeling better, you can switch back to a high-fiber diet to help avoid future attacks.
Disclaimer: The information in this content is for general informational purposes only, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.
