Diverticulitis Diet Plan – Effect, Risks And Tips

Diverticulitis diet plan is also part of the treatment plan of diverticulitis especially with acute diverticulitis. Physicians, dietitians and also nurse specialists may advise the client about diverticulitis diet plan that will prevent further irritation and damage to the affected colon.

As we know, diverticulitis is the inflammation of the pouches formed in the intestinal wall. In some cases, it may become infected and are more challenging to cure. Mild or acute diverticulitis is commonly treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and a diverticulitis diet plan, which may involve a clear liquid and low-fiber diet. In cases where diverticulitis symptoms become severe, hospitalization may be necessary.

Diverticulitis diet plan will not treat diverticulitis or prevent it from happening. Rather, it gives the gastrointestinal tract a time to rest. Diverticulitis diet plan is an adjunctive therapy with diverticulitis antibiotics for mild diverticulitis or to diverticulitis without any complications.

Diverticulitis diet plan

A diverticulitis diet plan begins with clear liquids for the first few days. A clear liquid diet includes clear soda, fruit juices such as apple juice, ice chips, broth, water, plain coffee, clear gelatin and tea.

When the client feels better, diverticulitis diet plan is shifted to a low-fiber diet. A low-fiber diet may include cooked fruits and vegetables without skin such as peeled potatoes and peas, poultry products and fish, white bread, fruit juice with no or just a little pulp, cereals that are low-fiber, low fat milk, yogurt and cheese, pasta and noodles.

Diverticulitis diet plan effect

When diverticulitis diet plan is followed religiously with diverticulitis antibiotics, client’s status may improve after two to three days. However, if the client does not get any better after embracing a diverticulitis diet plan, calling a doctor is necessary.

When fever, intense abdominal pain, intolerance to liquid diet strikes, the client may be experiencing complications of diverticulitis.

Risks

A diverticulitis diet plan, like any other diet has pros and cons. Clear liquid diet included with diverticulitis diet plan may cause body weakness and other unusualities, since foods included in the diet plan are insufficient with nutrients that the body needs. Shifting to a normal diet is essential for recovery.

If the client sustained a diverticulitis diet plan, preventing recurrent attacks is the next goal. In this stage, eating foods high in fiber such as vegetables, whole grains and fruits are advised. Increasing oral fluid intake is also necessary to prevent constipation. This food transition should not be abrupt as bloating, abdominal distention, abdominal cramps and flatulence can happen. These side effects are not life-threatening but can be very uncomfortable for the client.

Other tips:

• First, diverticulitis can be avoided by eating foods high in fiber.
• Avoid intake of spicy and oily foods as these foods can irritate the bowel and may cause further irritation. Diverticulitis diet plan can be very challenging especially to people who are fond of eating these types of foods.
• When diverticulitis diet plan is shifted from a low fiber diet to a higher one, eating a cereal can be a good start and a fiber supplement.
• Maintaining a sufficient amount of fluid everyday. Two to three liters of water a day with diverticulitis diet plan is essential in giving better prognosis.

Self discipline and control is vital in following a diverticulitis diet plan, commitment and support from significant others mean a lot.