Foods to Avoid with Diverticulitis: Your Guide to Managing Symptoms

If you have diverticulitis, it's essential to understand which foods to avoid with diverticulitis. This is a condition in which small pouches or diverticula in the wall of the colon become inflamed or infected. It can cause abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits.

Therefore, it is always recommended that you understand the condition clearly as well as curate a diet that aids you in dealing with the condition.

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What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a condition in which pouches in the wall of your colon become inflamed. The pouches, called diverticula, are caused by a buildup of pressure inside your digestive tract.

The cause of diverticulitis isn't clear, but it's suspected to be related to diet and lifestyle choices such as eating a low-fiber diet or not getting enough exercise.

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8 Foods to Avoid with Diverticulitis

1) Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are hard to digest and can irritate the diverticula in the colon. They also include foods like popcorn, peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds.

Foods to avoid with diverticulitis: Avoiding whole grains. (Image via Pexels / Mike)

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2) Whole Grains

Whole grains are high in fiber, which can be beneficial for digestion. However, they can be difficult to digest for people with diverticulitis. Avoid foods like whole wheat bread, whole grain pasta, and brown rice.

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3) Fatty Foods

Fatty foods can be hard to digest and therefore worsen symptoms of diverticulitis. Avoid foods like fried foods, high-fat meats, and full-fat dairy products.

Spicy and greasy foods can cause inflammation. (Image via Unsplash / Ayesha Firdaus)

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4) Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can irritate the digestive system and cause discomfort. This includes foods like hot sauce, chili peppers, and curry.

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5) Fruits and Vegetables with Seeds

Fruits and vegetables with small seeds, like berries and tomatoes, can get lodged in the diverticula and cause inflammation. It's best to avoid these foods or remove the seeds before consuming them.

Foods to avoid with diverticulitis: remove seeds and then consume the fruits. (Image via Unsplash / Brian Jimenez)

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6) Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated beverages can cause gas and bloating, exacerbating diverticulitis symptoms. It's best to avoid soda, sparkling water, and other carbonated drinks to improve your condition.

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7) Alcohol

Alcohol can irritate the digestive system and dehydrate the body, making symptoms of diverticulitis worse. It's best to avoid alcohol altogether or limit consumption to a moderate amount.

Alcohol is among foods to avoid with diverculitis. (Image via Unsplash / Edward Franklin)

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8) Red and Processed Meat

If you eat a diet high in red and processed meat, you may be at greater risk for developing diverticulitis. Meanwhile, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may lower your risk significantly.

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Tips for Eating with Diverticulitis

If you're suffering from this condition, remember to:

• Chew food thoroughly
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Eat smaller meals
• Avoid eating too quickly
• Take time to relax before eating

Eat smaller meals and drink plenty of fluids. (Image via Unsplash / Chris Ralston)

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If you are suffering from diverticulitis, it's important to know what foods to avoid with diverticulitis. Your doctor may recommend a low-fiber diet for a period of time to allow your colon to heal, and then gradually reintroduce high-fiber foods

With the right diet and treatment, most people with diverticulitis can manage their symptoms and lead happy, active lives, especially if they know which foods to avoid with diverticulitis.