Diverticulitis is a painful condition which can develop on your colon. This article explains how to eat with diverticulitis and why your doctors might prescribe a special diet.
What Is Diverticulitis?
It is an infection of small pouches that form on your colon. These pouches are called diverticula, and they’re not supposed to be there. Medical science is still trying to find out the best way to prevent them from forming, but a fiber-rich diet is a good preventive measure.
This infection can be dangerous. In addition to the severe pain that it causes, diverticulitis will give you a fever and diarrhea as well. It may also cause vomiting. Hence, it is important to treat this problem as soon as possible. Antibiotics can work, but you may need surgery as well.
A diverticulitis diet is another form of treatment. Its goal is to make digestion easy and let your colon heal up.
Step One: A Liquid-Only Diet
For a few days, you have to completely stop eating solid food. Broths, teas, and gelatin are allowed. However, you must avoid dairy, or any fruit juices that contain pulp.
Step Two: Keep to Low-Fiber Foods
Low-fiber foods are bad for you in the long run, but they are important at this stage of recovery.
Some examples include:
- Pasta, white rice, white bread.
- Steamed or cooked vegetables.
- Dairy products.
- Eggs and tenderly cooked meat.
Once your digestive system has recovered, you should gradually return to high-fiber foods. After all, making sure your diet is rich in fiber is the only sure way you can avoid diverticula.
Conclusion
When it comes to deciding how to eat with diverticulitis, the most important part is to avoid fibers for a while. Your doctor will instruct you how to do this safely.
