Balanced Fiber Intake
If a full-liquid diet may seem impossible to accomplish, adding fiber to their diets can help patients with diverticulitis lessen the pain. In addition, a fiber-rich diet can help prevent constipation by softening the stool. This can reduce the restraint and pressure exerted on the pouches in the large intestine.
The recommended fiber intake is 14 grams per 1,000 calories. A patient with a history of diverticulitis complications should include high-fiber cereals (bran and oats), vegetables (cabbage and squash), fruits (avocados, apples, bananas), grains (barley and quinoa), and beans (chickpeas and lentils) in their daily meals to avoid recurring infections. In addition, studies have shown a decrease in abdominal and rectal pain among patients with diverticulitis after strictly eating fiber-rich meals for a month.
On the other hand, recent studies have shown that a low-fiber diet can reduce the frequency of stools. This can help lessen a patient’s discomfort during flare-ups of diverticulitis. Some examples of low-fiber food include eggs, white bread, rice, pasta, and cereals. More fiber-rich food can be added as the guts condition improves within five days.
