Table of Contents
What fruits should I avoid with diverticulosis?
If you have diverticulosis, a condition that affects the large intestine in which small bulges, or diverticula, form on the outside of the intestine, it is important to be mindful about the foods that you eat.
Certain types of fruits may trigger symptoms of diverticulosis such as abdominal pain, gas, cramping, bloating, and constipation, so it is important to know which fruits should be avoided.
Fruits with a high-fiber content should be avoided as this can lead to irritation of the diverticula. High-fiber fresh fruits such as apples, raspberries, pears, plums, and kiwis all contain significant amounts of fiber.
Fruits that are especially high in insoluble fiber, such as dried fruit, seedless grapes, bananas, and oranges, should also be avoided.
Other fruits that should be avoided, or minimized, include mangoes, coconut, figs, citrus fruits, as well as juices made from them. Additionally, eating large portions of fruits with a high sugar content such as watermelon, dates, and dried fruit like raisins should be avoided.
It is best to talk to your healthcare provider to create an individualized meal plan to ensure that you are eating the healthiest diet for your condition.
What foods can aggravate diverticulosis?
People who suffer from diverticulosis should avoid foods that may cause irritation and inflammation in their diverticula. Certain foods that commonly aggravate diverticulosis include: processed and refined carbohydrates, fried and fatty foods, sugar and artificial sweeteners, seeds and nuts, popcorn, and finely ground grains.
Additionally, some people find that including too much fiber in their diet can make diverticulosis worse.
In general, it is important to limit your intake of junk food, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates. Eating a balanced, healthy diet low in fat and high in fiber will help to avoid making diverticulosis worse.
It is best to get fiber from natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, it is beneficial to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day as opposed to eating three large meals, as over-filling the stomach can be difficult for some people with diverticulosis.
Finally, make sure to keep adequately hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help to soften the stool and avoid constipation. People with diverticulosis should avoid carbonated and alcoholic beverages, as they can worsen symptoms.
What helps heal diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis can often be healed or managed by making dietary and lifestyle changes. Eating a high-fiber diet may help reduce symptoms, as well as adding more plant-based proteins such as nuts, beans, and lentils.
Additionally, regular exercise and avoiding smoking can help reduce inflammation and prevent the condition from getting worse. Drinking plenty of fluids and adding probiotics to the diet may also help, as well as avoiding air swallowing which can cause abdominal distention.
Eating smaller meals, avoiding constipation and foods that may cause symptoms such as seeds and nuts, and taking over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen are also beneficial. Finally, occasionally, antibiotics may also be prescribed if strict dietary measures and lifestyle changes are not enough to heal diverticulosis.
What is the natural treatment for diverticulosis?
The natural treatment for diverticulosis depends on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, changing your diet to include more fibre-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds can help manage the condition.
Additionally, increasing your water intake and exercising regularly can aid in managing symptoms such as bloating and constipation.
For more severe cases, options for natural treatment may include probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are found naturally in certain foods such as yogurt, kimchi and kefir. Taking a supplement containing a combination of different probiotic strains may help suppress inflammation in the digestive system and improve digestive health.
If the symptoms associated with diverticulosis are severe, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure you are getting the best treatment plan.
What can make diverticulitis worse?
Diverticulitis can be made worse by consuming a diet low in fibre, eating high-fat or processed foods, and consuming spicy, salty, and sugary foods. Additionally, any habits that can contribute to constipation, like a sedentary lifestyle, can also increase your risk for developing diverticulitis.
Other conditions, like diabetes, can also make diverticulitis worse and may complicate the treatment. Additionally, as diverticulitis is an inflammatory process, having an underlying inflammatory condition, such as Crohn’s disease, can make it worse.
Finally, drinking alcohol in excess, smoking tobacco, and taking some medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics, may worsen the symptoms of diverticulitis.
How do you calm diverticulitis naturally?
Calming diverticulitis naturally requires a combination of lifestyle changes as well as some natural remedies. It is important to maintain a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and plenty of fiber.
This can help reduce the risk of symptoms and aid in digestion. Probiotics are also beneficial as they help to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can help reduce inflammation related to diverticulitis.
Additionally, drinking plenty of water and avoiding foods that may be difficult to digest such as processed meats and fried foods can help to calm symptoms. Regular exercise can help to reduce inflammation and support digestion.
Relaxation activities such as yoga and meditation can also be beneficial for relieving stress which can contribute to digestive issues. Herbal supplements such as licorice root, turmeric, and ginger can help to reduce inflammation and ease digestion.
Additionally, taking probiotics, avoiding caffeine, and avoiding aerated drinks may also help. Lastly, it is important to speak to a doctor as well, to ensure you are receiving proper treatment for your condition.
How long does it take to recover from diverticulitis?
The amount of time it takes to recover from diverticulitis varies depending on the severity of the condition. Most people typically recover within a few weeks with the help of prescribed treatments such as antibiotics, dietary changes, and rest.
When acute diverticulitis is present, it may take several weeks or even months of healing time before all symptoms resolve. Many people experience recurring episodes of diverticulitis and the healing time may be longer.
Recovery time also depends on how well the individual follows their doctor’s instructions, including lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, increasing fiber intake, and following a low-fiber diet.
It is important to talk to a healthcare provider about recommended dietary and lifestyle changes for diverticulitis.
