Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis is a condition in which the inner lining layer of the large intestine or colon bulges out (herniates) through the outer, muscular layer. These ‘outpouchings’ are called diverticula.
Diverticulitis is the term for inflammation and infection in one or more diverticula.
A person having diverticulosis (the condition), and perhaps diverticulitis (the inflammation) as well, is said to have diverticular disease.
Diverticulosis Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
Diverticula occur in a colon weakened by age, when increased pressure inside the colon (usually due to constipation) causes little pea-shaped pouches of weakness in the intestine wall.
The chance of developing diverticula increases with age, so that by age 50 between 20 and 50 percent of all people will have some diverticula, and by age 90 virtually everyone will.
Symptoms
Diverticulosis is usually symptom-free, so that most people do not realize they have it. However, a few people will experience cramps, spasms, constipation, and pain.
Treatment
Relieving the constipation, primarily by increasing fiber in the diet, can reduce the problems associated with diverticulosis. If cramps, bloating, and constipation are problems, the doctor may prescribe a short course of pain medication. However, many medications cause the colon to empty, an undesirable side effect for people with diverticulosis.
Diverticulitis Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
A person with diverticulosis may get diverticulitis when waste matter and bacteria are trapped in a pouch (diverticula).
This blockage interferes with the blood supply to the area, and infection sets in.
The tissue then becomes inflamed or infected, and in severe cases may even rupture. An attack of diverticulitis can result in fever, pain and tenderness around the left side of the lower abdomen.
Symptoms
The infection and irritation of nearby tissues within the abdomen may cause the abdominal muscles to spasm. About 25 percent of all patients with diverticulitis will have some rectal bleeding, although this rarely becomes severe. Diverticulitis is three times more likely to occur in the left side of the large intestine, and men are three times as likely as women to suffer with diverticulitis.
Treatment
Treatment for diverticulitis focuses 3 areas.
- Clearing up the infection and inflammation with antibiotics.
- Resting the colon with a liquid diet plus a pain reliever or a drug such as propantheline (Pro-Banthine) to control muscle spasms.
- Preventing or minimizing complications with the proper diet.
Acute or repeated attacks with severe pain or severe infection may be serious enough to require a hospital stay and possibly surgery.
High Fiber Diet Recommendations
High Fiber Diet for Diverticular Disease
This diverticulitis diet is a high fiber diet for managing diverticulosis, and for reducing effects of diverticulitis. The increased fiber (the American Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 35 grams daily, including 6-8 grams of soluble fiber) in this diverticulitis diet plan produces more bulk in the stool, reducing pressure in the colon and assisting the more regular and complete elimination of waste, thereby preventing the formation of further diverticula.
Build up consumption of fiber in your diet gradually – rapid fiber increase may result in gas, cramping, bloating, or diarrhea.
There are other benefits in having different kinds of fiber in a balanced diverticulitis diet:
- It helps to protect against cancer of the colon and rectum.
- It assists in preventing heart disease and a number of other health problems.
- Foods containing fiber also tend to comprise nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E and selenium, useful in fighting cancer.
Increase Fluid and Fiber
Anyone with diverticulitis who increases their fiber intake under this diverticulitis diet plan, should drink at least 1.5 liters (3 pints) daily. Insoluble fiber needs fluid to form stools that are easily passed.
Medical advice may be to take a fiber supplement such as Metamucil daily (for soluble fiber from psyllium), and to use a cholesterol-lowering spread or margarine containing plant sterols. Fiber supplements provide about 2 to 3.5 grams of fiber per tablespoon, which is mixed with a quarter liter (8 ounces) of water before consuming.
Should Seeds Be Eaten?
Until recently, many doctors suggested avoiding foods with small seeds because it was believed that particles could lodge in the diverticula and cause inflammation. However, this is now a controversial point and no evidence supports this recommendation.
So the seeds in tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, strawberries and raspberries, as well as poppy seeds, which are part of your diverticulitis diet, are generally considered harmless.
Some in the comments below swear off all seeds to keep from having an attack.
Diverticulitis Diet Guidelines
Foods to Eat
| Grains |
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| Vegetables |
Eat raw or dried fruits and raw vegetables if possible – chopping, peeling, cooking, pureeing, juicing, and processing fruit and vegetables may reduce fiber content. |
| Fruit |
|
| Milk/Dairy |
|
| Meat/Meat Substitutes |
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| Fats and Snacks |
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Foods to Avoid
Any hard or difficult-to-digest foods such as;
- nuts
- corn
- popcorn hulls
- sunflower seeds
- pumpkin seeds
- caraway seeds
- sesame seeds
Questionable foods
- stringy fiber foods like sweet potato
- strawberries
- kiwi fruit
- raspberries
- black berries
See Also
For more indepth information consider this book: Diverticulitis (How to Cope Successfully With)
These ebooks with pre-made Diverticulitis preventing diet plans and natural remedies are available.
This page is not meant to diagnose or treat disease. Consult a medical professional if experiencing the symptoms listed or before starting any dietary guidelines suggested on this page.
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i was told that i have diverticulitis , i never even heard of it before . I had popcorn one night , the next day the pain started.I hurt so bad went to the Er then was amditted to the hospital, was there for 3 days I was put on a fiber and residue restricted diet., i also have low blood sugar. come to realize i cant eat anything. So im here askin for hep what do i eat, i sure dont want to feel like that again.
Stay away from foods that have seeds, and foods that your body cant digest (corn, nuts, etc).
Diagnosed about 4 years ago with moderatly severe diverticulosis. This is about my 4-5 flareup. I’m on antibiotics now along with meds to stop the colon spasms. I think it is hard for loved ones to understand just how painful this is. It wears me out. Thank you everyone for all the comments. It does help.
i was just diagnosed with diverticulitis after suffering with the pain to the point i couldn’t walk move breathe they gave me two different antibiotics and i have to get ultra scan as well as colonoscopy and i cannot imagine never getting rid of this I hope all of you get better i know the pain
i too suffer with this ,its very painfull and have been hospitalized two times now with it. i have to have a colonoscopy and may need to have an operation to remove that part of my bowel.. this desease is very hard to live with because i have to be so carefull of what i eat.
My husband was diagnosed yesterday with colitis/ diverticulits. He has a fever of 101.3. The doctor gave him two antibiotics, suppositories, and pain medication. He will be going in for a colonoscopy when the blockage has passed. My question is why suppositories? If the blockage is further up, how will this technique work on cleaning him out? Has anyone else been prescribed suppositories and has this form of treatment worked?
Hi Joanna, no I was not prescribed suppositories, you are right if the blockage high up, then what is the suppository going to do, I was given movicol it comes in a box individual satchel, my doctor advise me to mix and drink up to eight a day, I got results after only 2 drinks. Because the movicol works from the inside down to the colon and softens the stool so it can slip down, I’m from Australia so I hope you can get movicol, all the best.
Cheers Deborah.
Its nice to know I’m not alone. I’m 29 and just been diagnosed with it, for years been dealing with the pain not knowing what’s wrong.
Are there different forms of diverticulitis? I’ve read most of the comments and note that pain seems to affect the majority of people. I was diagnosed with diverticulitis about four or five years ago, but I very rarely have any pain. The main problem I have is wind! This is very ‘unsociable’ and restrictive. Can anyone clarify this for me please?
I’Ve just been diagnosed with possibly diverticulitis or gallstones, will be having ultrasound in a week or so. From the description though it sounds more like diverticulitis since it’s my lower left abdomen. Am on antibiotics. It’s been going on for a little over one month. I had seen where chia seeds were so great for fiber and I actually think that’s what caused it. I had a colonoscopy two years ago with no problems. Also for what it’s worth I also have Fibro.
My husband is currently on his 4th round of Diverticulitis. He is normally a very healthy guy. It kills me to see him in this much pain. Does anyone know what causes this? He has taken antibiotics gone on liquid diets please if anyone knows something please tell me.
I’ve had Diverticulitis close to thirty years now and found out about it my second year in University. Since then I have had all the tests and found through out the years you have to clear the blockage. So what I do to clear the blockage to to drink a Purgative drink to clear everything such as Citro- mag. I found this quickly clears the blockage and you will notice the pain will be much less. And I have read a ton of articles about seeds and grains and you know what don’t eat the seeds or grains and process foods are a very big NO! I have found that processed foods bring on my attacks faster than anything else. Also doughy breads, rolls etc. of that nature and small amounts of food and a lots of water or liquids. Right now I’m coming off an attack and I drank the Citro-mag to clear the blockage and have been on a liquid diet for the past two days and it seems everything is working again. Good luck and if you wish let me know how you make out.
I will warn against taking drinks to remove blockages. I actually caused a perforation in my colon during a diverticulitis attack and was told that drink was the worst thing to do during such pain and inflammation. Caused 3 days in hospital. I’ve had it 12 Years now and know better. During attacks, I do not eat or eat low fiber for a few days. I
Certain foods trigger the symptoms for me. I keep a food diary and each time I get a bout of Diverticulitis I check what I’ve been eating from the past 48 hours. Since doing this, I’ve found a number of foods that are triggers and my bouts are now down to maybe once a year.
So what are the foods? I’ve had my third attack in 9 months (second in 1 month) and am desperate to avoid the next one. I’m trying to isolate which foods may have triggered it, so please share!!!
I am now in the second day of a hospital stay with a mild diverticulitis diagnosis. I am a marathon runner who eats an 80% plant based diet with lots of probiotics. I think my problem could be the chia seeds I take for running endurance. Other than the chia seeds, I am confused about my future diet. Does anyone know what effect alcohol consumption has on this disease?
Do not eat seeds or nuts of any kind. I would say the chia seeds are the culprit and corn puts me in the hospital. Don’t know about alcohol, but I would think it couldn’t be good for a diseased colon. Google “diverticulitis” and you will find out a wealth of good information….
I’ve had Diverticulitis close to thirty years now and found out about it my second year in University. Since then I have had all the tests and found through out the years you have to clear the blockage. So what I do to clear the blockage to to drink a Purgative drink to clear everything such as Citro- mag. I found this quickly clears the blockage and you will notice the pain will be much less. And I have read a ton of articles about seeds and grains and you know what don’t eat the seeds or grains and process foods are a very big NO! I have found that processed foods bring on my attacks faster than anything else. Also doughy breads, rolls etc. of that nature and small amounts of food and a lots of water or liquids. Right now I’m coming off an attack and I drank the Citro-mag to clear the blockage and have been on a liquid diet for the past two days and it seems everything is working again. Good luck and if you wish let me know how you make out.
I was diagnosed with severe diverticulitis 13 years ago. I’ve had many bouts since then, but last 6 weeks have been hell. Severe stomach cramps start around 2 hours after my evening meal and remain until I have a bowel movement the next morning. In between time, the cramps are mostly mild. I’ve been refered to the hospital for another look at the problem, but have another 5 weeks to wait until I get seen. 5 weeks of hell and then fingers crossed they can do something to relieve the problem.
Please endure my ramble as I am sitting here in pain at 3:05 a.m. — for I have been suffering with awful pain for the last two weeks. My routine has been sleeping, up a few hours and sleep again. My days and nights are a mess and my poor (supportive) husband and house are suffering due to my neglect.
I relate to so much of what has been said – I too have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue and osteoarthritis, etc. I was forced out of the Federal Government three years ago after almost 30 years of service because they said I used more sick leave than the average employee. (Yes, I did get an attorney and did after three years receive a disability retirement at about 1/3 of my salary). In the beginning, I also struggled with several doctors that didn’t understand my health issues – or just didn’t want to be bothered. After become proactive for myself, I now have a great specialist for the fibromyalgia and arthritis and finally made an appointment with a referred colon doctor. Interestingly, like many of you, I eat as natural as possible – not eating processed foods but making almost everything from scratch (canning, etc.) So, I am wondering if this illness affects those that seem predisposed to it, and do we have to manage it as best we can?
Cadiz, I really feel for you. I was diagnosed with diverticulosis 6 years ago. My dr. gave me the do’s and don’ts of a diet and that was all. I have had flair ups over the years, but usually didn’t last more than a day. On Feb. 27th I went to the emergency room with severe pain I had dealt with for several days. It was diverticulitis and I was admitted. I had a 5 day stay and came home with more antibiotics and still had pain. I saw a surgeon in the hospital who recommended a 4 week wait for a colonoscopy, which was this week. Next Monday they are taking about one foot of my colon out; which will remove the infected part. He is doing it with laproscope and I can’t wait. This surgeon told me every time I have a flair up, I put myself more at risk. According to him, after surgery I will live my life diverticulitis free!
Hi all 2006 bad back,thought I had a prolapsed disc, wrong it was the big d as I call it. It bent me over, went to hospital 4 days of hell on antibiotics, my diet has changed not much meat more vege and fibre Metamucil 2 x per day. Stil have a bit of blood but change food intake and bleeding stops, plums work a treat. Lots of fish, Salmon is good. Thanks for this forum hard to talk about this especially having a camera up your bum, people try not to laugh.
I think it is KEY to have a good Doctor with this disease, Diverticulitis.
I found out I had this disease a year ago this month. The Doctor I had at the time was a joke, because he wouldn’t do anything to help me, I was left going to Urgent cares and hospital emergency rooms for 2 months until the last emergency room doctor was questioning why I continued to have pain in my stomach. The urgent care and hospital info was all connected so they could see each others notes. This last doctor decided I needed to be admitted into the hospital for tests. I had already had and CT scan and all doctors said nothing was found, this doctor ordered another CT scan and colonoscopy. During my 3 day stay in the hospital I was on 2 IV antibotics and when I was sent home I was to take 2 more different antibotics for 3 more weeks.
This last year has been so bad with this pain in my left side, it has changed the way I feel, I am tired all the time, don’t want to go anywhere or see anyone. I have gained weigh with the lack of exercise because after work I just want to come home and go to bed.
I was but on another round of antibotic about 6 months ago and had an ultrasoud done, now I seen a new doctor and am on another round of antibotics.
Not only am I suffering, but my husband and kids, because I am not the same easy going person anymore. I have not been getting any relief from antibitics, they maybe helping, but it does not take away this pain. I have read about all the foods to eat for more fiber and the foods to stay away from, all this has not helped.
A year of suffering now, I am at a lost for what to do next, or getting a doctor to know what to do next.
What I have learned is not to stay with a doctor that is not helping you, I’ve had this doctor for 6 months now, still not happy because I am not able to get rid of the pain, but he and his staff are nice and he is trying. He has made me appointment with a gasto specialist. We will see.!
I’m 46i’ and I’ve just been diagnosed with this disease, had growths removed from colon so also waiting for biopsy results, been suffering for a long time with this and had severe bleeding for months, pain unbearable too, also had 1st degree piles banded, also very painful, seriously got to change my diet, good luck to everyone going through the same.
I also have diverticulitis and had part of my colon removed. It is best to take two stool softeners daily. One in the morning and one before you go to bed. I don’t think anyone knows how to prevent it.
I am 40 years old. I was recently diagnosed with diverticulitos for the 1st time, this is the worst disease. I would not wish this on my worst enemy. It will make a grown man cry and bend him over with pain. I have recently started antibiotics, but the pain remains. I dont eat in fear of extra pain. Where does this go from here posibly colon surgery that sounds like something to look forward to NOT. I believe I have had this before in 2006 the same pain has come and gone since then that is when my Dr. diagnosed me with Diabeties. I beleived that is all his was until now the pain has become unbearable.
Was diagnosed with diverticulosis at age 60 now 73.Had my first bout with diverticulitis two weeks ago.Was in the hospitol six days,the first three days on I.V.,anti biotic and ice chips.Then cream of wheat and soft easily digested foods.Tomorow I have a follow up and hope to return to my life long Medatranian diet.Have eaten nuts and seeds as well as fruit with small seeds almost every day.I feel that the diverticulitis will happen no matter what we do.My diet is a heathy one with thirty to thirty five grams of fiber.By the book I’ve done every thing right,just got a bit of bad luck.Wish every one with this ailment a speedy recovery
nian
Until you get the diverticulitis from the diverticulosis, you have to idea what a difficult condition it is to treat and control. I was an R.N and worked for 40 years and had no idea what patients with this disease were going through. Now that I have it, I have an entirely different understanding of how painful it is and how difficult it is to treat. I am happy that there are these blogs as I do learn a lot from people who have had it for years.
Best, Joy
thanks Nian i will continue my diet and contact medical attention if it returns
I was just diagnosed with this painful disease. I suffered for a month. I just thought I was constipated but when the pain was so bad that I was in bed for 2 days that;s when I finally went to the doctors. I was put on 2 different antibiotics and added more fiber to my diet. I had just recently lost 90 lbs and I was told it was there but since my body went through a drastic change it brought out the diverticulitis. No I am going through other tests cause a lot of other situations came up also nothing serious though. Good luck everyone!!
I have just been diagnosed with acute diverticulitis disease today 4/3/13 i dont wish this disease on anyone at all it is very painful i have had the pain since 28/2/13 went to hospital on the 1/3/13 and was told i had a stomach bug yet the pain was that severe ova the weekend that i went back today and was told this and ive got to go for a xray/ultrasound asap and then ill know more
It seems that several of you who commented also have Fibromyalgia. I also have fibromyalgia and now this diverticulitis. I wonder if there is a connection?!!!
I was just diagnosed as well and put on two antibiotics! Horrible pain for three days now! They say it’s common for people with constipation, but I never have that! i’m not sure where to go from here as I already eat many of the foods that are suggested to eat, however, I had been eating more nuts recently for protein rather than all the meat. The nut thing is controversial but I will stop to see if it makes a difference.
well, I had my descending colon removed a few months ago and am still on the mend…unfortunately I went septic after the surgery and was hospitalized for 17 grueling days…the procedure went fine and I am loving life with zero colon issues…I’m damn proud of my new bowel movements now…highly recommended by someone who has spent more time suffering than a man has the right too…I may have given myself a hernia trying to be younger than I am during recovery but this I can live with…
I’m 28 and was diagnosed a week ago. I was hospitalized for 3 days. Absolutely horrible! The pain in my abdomen was horrible! Spread down to low abdimon/pelvic area. I’m still sick to.my stomach.and week. I had no.idea the disease or the recovery is this bad. My dr said its very uncommon at my age to have this but I also.have fibromyalgia, sjogrens syndrome, CFS, and so on. Everything I.have researched said high fiber and.no seeds. The seed thing is debated now but I’m too scared to try. I will follow this diet no.matter how hard it is. I don’t ever want this pain again!
Sounds like this is very common, just spent 4 days in the hospital for diverticulitis no fun, plan to rethink how I eat for sure. Good luck to everyone, great reading.
Woke up to a sharp pain in my lower left abdomen. It hurt to walk, do anything. I saw a doctor who sent me for a CT Scan. I had to drink lithium for a good contrast. The result was diverticulitis. The doctor prescribed 2 antibiotics: metronidazole 500mg 3xday & Amoxicillin TR-K CLV 500-125 mg tablets. 1 3xday. I was told no nuts. Thus article expanded on that advice.
I am experiencing a bout now with this disease. I am on antibiotics now. I don’t know what still causes these bouts since I gave up a lot of foods. No corn, broccoli, tomatoes (if I do, I remove the seeds, strawberries, blueberries, raisins, (nothing with seeds), etc. Obviously I am doing something wrong. I need help since I continue to suffer even after removing the foods that I know to avoid from my diet.
Hi Gladys. This disease is so frustrating. My husband suffers terribly. We, too, have removed so many foods, and found that he was still having episodes far too regularly. I did not know that he swtched from Farmer John sausage links to another brand. I told him that almost all sausage has fennel seed. He switched back, and it helped. The other thing that took a while to figure out was that our pepper mill was not grinding the peppercorns fine enough. So, now pepper for him at all. It has been quite awhile since his last attack, and I pray he never has one again. Seeing him in that much pain is heart-breaking. My best wished for you all, too.
I am also suffering from diverticulitis, this is about my 6th episode but it has been around 2 years since the last one. No matter what doctors tell you, I have learned from experience..my first epsidode was from eating popcorn, then zucccini, next strawberries, next tomatoes and this time peas. I was even told by the hospital dietician that tomatoes would not cause a problem. WRONG…I have eliminated all fruits & grains with small seeds or any vegetables with hulls like corn and now peas, I have found that strong probiotics do help after ending up with C-diff twice after having to take antibiotics. My doctor has encouraged me to think about resection surgery but I will put that off as long as possible. It is recommended surgery be done if you have 3 episodes within a year. Best of luck everyone…this is a miserable disease that has plagued my father, 4 sisters and a nephew.
i do not understand how the suggestion all those servings of grains that are full of gluten and inflammatory components to the body is helpful to anyone with this disease. Grains and gluten are highly inflammatory to gut lining, especially those with a compromised digestive system.
this is my first bout with complaint and interesting reading
I am just finishing my 14th bout or so of diverticulitis. I seem to have pain all across my abdomen, my skin hurts, I felt nauseous, I’ve been hospitalized before with it and I’ve been to the hospital after that to determine once again that is what I have. Oh yes I too have it. It lasts 5 days, Day 1 and 2 are the worst, 3 there’s a noticeable improvement, day 4 and 5 getting much better. When I eat I get cramps through the bout of diverticulitis. I don’t know what causes mine. I am on blood thinners forever for multiple blood clots starting when I was 21 and I am now 54. I’ve been on Bernstein totally healthy foods and had it 3 times over a 2 month period!! I’ve just started a diet with no whites (no white bread, rice, sugar, pasta) and had steak with Montreal Steak spice (I didn’t want it on my steak) and salad the night before I got this last bout. I was having a hi-fibre pita bread every day though! So I have a feeling it could be because of spices, maybe!! Hard to put a handle on it!!! When I had stairs in my last house, I used to go up them on my hands and knees the pain was so bad. Now I don’t have stairs, thank goodness!!
I have finally pinned fried foods out as the culprit. So, just to remember to keep that out of my diet.
Jamie
Just wondering if you’ve ever had surgery? Fourteen bouts is a lot!! So sorry.
I’ve just had 5 hours in emergency dept diagnoising this complaint and thanks for the help with diet. Good to know as well as antibiotics to clear up the pain. It is horrific when it happens.