Diverticula are small pouches that bulge outward through the colon, or large intestine. If you have these pouches, you have a condition called diverticulosis. It becomes more common as people age. About half of all people over age 60 have it. Doctors believe the main cause is a low-fiber diet.
Most people with diverticulosis don't have symptoms. Sometimes it causes mild cramps, bloating or constipation. is often found through tests ordered for something else. For example, it is often found during a colonoscopy to screen for cancer. A high-fiber diet and mild pain reliever will often relieve symptoms.
If the pouches become inflamed or infected, you have a condition called diverticulitis. The most common symptom is abdominal pain, usually on the left side. You may also have fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping, and constipation. In serious cases, diverticulitis can lead to bleeding, tears, or blockages. Your doctor will do a physical exam and imaging tests to diagnose it. Treatment may include antibiotics, pain relievers, and a liquid diet. A serious case may require a hospital stay or surgery.
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
By Mayo Clinic Staff
A diverticulitis diet is something your doctor might recommend as part of a treatment plan for acute diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) in your digestive tract become infected and inflamed. Mild cases are usually treated with antibiotics and a diverticulitis diet, which includes clear liquids and low-fiber foods. More-severe cases typically require hospitalization.
A diverticulitis diet is intended to give your digestive system a chance to rest.
A diverticulitis diet starts with only clear liquids for a few days. Examples of items allowed on a clear liquid diet include:
Broth
Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple juice
Ice chips
Ice pops without bits of fruit or fruit pulp
Gelatin
Water
Tea or coffee without cream
As you start feeling better, your doctor will recommend that you slowly add low-fiber foods. Examples of low-fiber foods include:
Canned or cooked fruits without skin or seeds
Canned or cooked vegetables such as green beans, carrots and potatoes (without the skin)
Eggs, fish and poultry
Refined white bread
Fruit and vegetable juice with no pulp
Low-fiber cereals
Milk, yogurt and cheese
White rice, pasta and noodles
You should feel better within two or three days of starting the diet and antibiotics. If you haven't started feeling better by then, call your doctor. Also contact your doctor if:
You develop a fever
Your abdominal pain is worsening
You're unable to keep clear liquids down
These may indicate a complication that requires hospitalization.
The diverticulitis diet has few risks. However, continuing a clear liquid diet for more than a few days can lead to weakness and other complications, since it doesn't provide enough of the nutrients your body needs. For this reason, your doctor will want you to transition back to a normal diet as soon as you can tolerate it.
References
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diverticulosis/index.htm. Accessed Aug. 30, 2016.
Pemberton JH. Acute colonic diverticulitis: Medical management. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Aug. 30, 2016.
Tursi A, et al. The current and evolving treatment of colonic diverticular disease. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2009;30:532.
AskMayoExpert. Diverticulitis. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2016.
Wilkins T, et al. Diagnosis and management of acute diverticulitis. American Family Physician. 2013;8:612.
Nutrition Care Manual: Diverticular conditions. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. http://nutritioncaremanual.org/index.cfm. Accessed Aug. 30, 2016.
Nutrition Care Manual: Low-fiber nutrition therapy. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. http://nutritioncaremanual.org/index.cfm. Accessed Aug. 30, 2016.
Sept. 20, 2016
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