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Diverticulitis
CONTENTS
Diverticulosis
Diverticulitis
High Fiber diet
Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid
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 and Management
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.
Treatment
This diverticulosis is usually symptom-free, so that most people do not realize they have it. However, a few people will experience spasms and pain. 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 and Management
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.
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 on 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, and preventing or minimizing complications. 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, and 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.
Diverticulitis Diet Guidelines
Foods to Eat
- Breads and grains (6-11 servings daily)
- Bread, pastas, pizzas, pancakes, muffins, bagels, pita bread (use whole-grain, whole-wheat flours, and
add 2-3 tsp of unprocessed wheat bran to, or substitute oat bran for one third of all-purpose flour in homemade
breads, muffins and other baked goods) - Whole-wheat, whole-grain and bran cereal products
- Buckwheat and stone-ground cornmeal
- Rye bread
- Whole wheat crackers or crisp breads
- Oatmeal, oat bran, or grits
- Barley, dry
- Wheat germ
- Whole wheat pasta
- Brown rice
Eat raw or dried fruits and raw vegetables if possible – chopping, peeling, cooking, pureeing, juicing, and processing
fruit and vegetables may reduce fiber content.
Vegetables (3-5 servings daily)
- All vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, greens (such as beet greens, kale,
collards, Swiss chard and turnip greens), green beans, green pepper, onions, peas, potatoes with skin, Romaine,
snow peas, green snap beans, pole beans, broad beans, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, turnips.
Fruit (2-4 servings daily)
- All fruits such as apple, apricot, banana, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, dates, fig, grapefruit, nectarine,
orange, peach, pear, pineapple, prune.
Milk/dairy (2-3 servings daily)
- Increase fiber in yogurt or cottage cheese by adding fresh fruit, whole grain or bran cereals.
Meat/meat substitutes (2-3 servings or total of about 180 gm or 6 oz daily)
- All beans and peas such as aduki, baked beans, black beans, fava, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, lentils, lima beans,
pinto beans and split peas. - Smooth peanut butter and other smooth nut butters.
- All meat (increase fiber in meat dishes like meatloaf, casseroles, by adding 2-3 tsp of unprocessed wheat bran
or pinto beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, or oatmeal), poultry, fish, and eggs
Fats and snacks
- Whole-wheat pretzels, baked tortilla corn chips or trail mix made with dried fruits.
- Cakes, breads, and cookies made with oatmeal or fruit.
- Bean dip
Foods to Avoid
Any hard or difficult-to-digest foods, such as nuts, corn, popcorn hulls, and sunflower, pumpkin, caraway, and sesame seeds.
For more indepth information consider this book: Diverticulitis (How to Cope Successfully With)
These ebooks are also available.
The Fastest Way To End Digestive Pain Forever
New Diverticulitis Breakthrough
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I have had diverticulitis for over a year now, and altogether had about 5 attached of severe pain with the associated infections (for me it’s the left side of my adomin). On top of all this I found that I’m a diabetic too, so my diet is very critical to me … You can understand how this was all hitting me.
I’ve learned to eat better, I had too, no other choice really. In the past five months I lost nearly fifty pounds just eating the right stuff like for breakfast I may have the minute type oatmeal in skim milk with a few dashes of Cinnamon and splenda to sweaten things up, and a few slices of seedless rye toast, a hot cup of tea, with the usual glass of water with my diabetic pill. Oh yeah, I’ll probably eat a fresh green pear or banana too. Yeah, I still eat like a hog. For lunch, who knows, I might stop at subway for a trio meat cut hoagie on toasted wheat bun with lettuce, onion, cheese, spinach, smothered with black olives and Italian dressing (2 individual pks), no seeds of any kind and nothing spicy. For supper my wife, a great cook in my eyes, may make me the slow carb pasta with meat sauce with a generous amounts of sprinled parmesan cheese. For dessert a cup of sugar free tapioca pudding.
When I go out to eat, usually once a month (I like Longhorn) I’ll order myself a 7oz. Filet Mignon, Sweet potatoe, Asparagus, a green salad with a small loaf of FRESH wheat bread and butter (specifing no seeds in the salad), and a large ice tea with splenda to sweeten things up a bit … No alcohol for me.
I work seven days in a row at a global chemical company (different day off in the week), which I may work 60 hours a week and then after work I’ll mow the lawn … the grass has really shot up here in western Pennsylvania at the end of March.
The secret is what you eat, being active, and having discipline with yourself. I have a lot of energy now, and recently had blood work taken … See, I’m waiting to hear from my lady doctor, if I can get off the diabetic medication. Oh, did I mention that I’m a young 62 year old fellow, who can still pin his son down when challenged and he can bench presses 300 Lbs., an X Army dude. Hey start making out your own menu for the diffenent Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners that’s best suit you (what you can eat) … You can do it! I think I have, but I still check things out … Like can I eat Boston Baked Beans with green peppers and onions?? Take care
Certain things I eat set off my attacks. Attacks come in the form of uncontrollable, explosive diarrhea. It’s pretty miserable. One person mentioned salads & raw veg sets it off and I’ve found this to be true. I love the salad bar at Ruby Tuesday! Eating too much high fat food causes me problems, too. Sometimes meat. Not sure if this is good to do, but when I’m having these bouts, I take an anti-diarrhea medication and it seems to help. It happens about 3-4x/month. I’m convinced eating a lousy diet is what did this to me.
I have been struggling with diverticular disease for over 20 years and I can assure you this is the worse pain a person can feel. I am know looking into surgery because I was advised I would not tolerate another attack. My best advice to you is try to ease the stress which is a main factor in the attacks. After coming home from hospital with medication and little instructions the first day I drink water, apple juice and cranberry juice. the second day I have wheat toast with apple juice for breakfast, lunch and dinner and lots of liquids through the day. Third day I have a fiber cereal for breakfast, cook green platain and mashed them as if mashed potatoes for lunch and for dinner toast with cranberry juice again lots of liquids through the day. The fourth day and there after Ensure becomes a definite breakfast, light lunch which includes tender meats, vegetables and green mashed platain, and for dinner turkey whole wheat sandwich no dressing and lots of liquids. The problem is that after a few weeks of feeling better I forget and go back to regular eating and not paying the appropiate attention needed to avoid getting new attacks.
I appreciated your diet for eating, but—- in my case, with food allergies/anaphylactic reactions, I’m very limited in what I can eat from the diet!!!!!!Can’t even say, “caraway seeds and water”, as caraway is off my allowables!Any way, thank you.
I have just recently been diagnosed with diverticulitis and my problem is not constipation but the opposit. After eating a regular meal; breakfast, lunch or dinner, I would have to go to the bathroom 2-3 times within the next hour. I have not seen my family doctor as of yet but expect he will prescribe antibiotics – does any body have this problem, seems like most are constipation?? I know I have to avoid seeds, either in fruit, bread, popcorn, etc.
I am 79 years old and I just went thru a very bad week-end. Pain on the left side. Very bad pain. Taken to hospital and they said that I have diverticulitis. Put on liquid diet. and antibiotics. Came home after two day with two pill form antibiotics. While in the hospital they started me
on a bland diet. which I am still on it.
Would like more information on this problem.
Sue
I am a father of three children and a husband to one wife for twenty two years.
I have had to deal with diverticulitis for about ten years. I have also ended up in the hospital five times for treatment. I can assure you it is more then diet when you have this problem. Number one is what you eat and drink and the time you are eating. Number two is too much adult beverages will increase your problems. Number three is stress with work financial stress will increase your problems combatting this sickness. If you can manage all these issues it will help manage your bouts. One thing people do not talk about is your time management and what good tips you can really learn from people who have it!
I can tell you eating allot of salads and any raw vegetables plus spicy foods will put you under for awhile. Try not to eat these two items and see if you can cope with it better,
I am a 23 year old male. I was diagnosed about 3 years ago with ‘Diverticulitus’! something I would never wish upon anybody ever. Thinking back to then and now, Yes, I ate poorly hardly slept worked my butt off to the bone and always kept my self busy. The one thing I could really think back on and say “that was the cause of it” would be the STRESS! Folks for as crazy as it may sound STRESS can sometimes put you over the top and completely bring you back to that same excruciating pain you once felt. I these past years I have faced attacks, pains, bleeding etc, I wish you all the best and remember to let go of yourself and try to let live your life STRESS FREE.
Jan. 13th, 2010 I went to my ob/gyn for an annual check up. Two nights before I had eaten popcorn, a lifetime long evening snack. The next night I was in pain and discomfort all night and couldn’t sleep. So I mentioned that at my check up, just by chance because the pain was going away by then. My DR. poked around on my stomach and I felt pain. He poked some more and immediately put me thru and ultrasound. He found a tumor as large as a cantalope, and two others and in 2 weeks I had a total hysterectomy. During the CT scan, they saw I had diverticulitis and that is the pain I had felt. This is crazy, but because of Diverticulitis, I got those tumors out and the hysterectomy, which I may have not found for years. Although I am still in recovery from all that, I am looking for ways to manage the Divertic and am thankful for everyone’s input. God works in mysterious ways!
I love the one from Tammy about David that stated she did not wish this problem on anyone until now. I also do not drink at all because I love the Lord and beleive the Bible verse that states Wine is a mocker strong drink is raging and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise!!! I have been sick for almost a week with newly diagnosed diverticulitis which is being treated with Flagyl and Cipro, the cures are worse that the problem, I am so sick and nauseated all of the time, but people are praying for my healing and the Lord will heal me. I am trying barley green juice today I know that is a wonderful product, and I have been told to use Aloe vera juice, which is very healing to the intestines, so I am experimenting with things, I also have a tremendous amount of gas and bloating which I never have had in the past because I eat alot of fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats, and lots of fresh I mean fresh garlic, they say to still eat that because of its antibiotic,antimicrobial,antifungal properties, Gyda
I am a 38 year old female newly dignosed with diverticulitis. Had my first attack on Feb 15, 2010, had the pain for almost 3 weeks, in the mist of all the test it was also discovered that I had Gallstones and my gall bladder was inflamed.. was hospitalized from 2/15-2/19 treated for diverticulitis released and back in the hospital from 2/23 thru 2/26 where I had the gall bladder removed I believe I am currently having another attack n I am brely eating.. any suggestions as to what I am doing wrong??? email ,e at bethzaidap@aol.com
i am a 39 year old male been hospitalized at the VA hospital many times. Its always two antibiotics cipro and flagil (metron) of course morphine 5 days is the avg stay they don’t feed you for a week and nothing to drink NPO last week i went in the clinic and got the meds went home.Its alot better than the er. doing the inpatient thing. The statement about eating berries well its bull i ate berries on accidentally over a week ago but here a lay in pain good luck ppl
Here recently I was told that I have diverticulitis and was given an IV of antibiotics, a shot for the pain, and a CT scan which gave me the news of my new condition. I then recently had another attack of the same thing then which I was given more antibiotics. This is a little bit too much for me that it has made me become more cautious of what I eat and do. My doctor told me that if it does come back up that my next option would be to have surgery. Which is something that I don’t want to do. I have read all of your testimonies and reading them has made me aware that there are others out there with this and doing well that I can take some good advice from. I am 40 which I just turned that and up until now I have never heard of diverticulitis. At times when I feel the pain or other symptoms coming on I try to rest and drink plenty more fluids. I don’t tell my wife all the times that I feel this discomfort for that is not me just wanting to lay down and do nothing. I guess that over the years of my sports, military, and active life that I have not listened to my body and it has come back on me. I will take the information that many has given and use it to my advantage to avoid any kind of surgery and beat this (with God’s help).
I have had to manage diverticulosis for over 10 years..I am now 62. At least once a year, diverticulitis flares up. Fever, chills, extreme pain in the lower left side and center, nausea…I feel like I have the flu. Extremely fatigued, too. Initially I went to the dr. and he prescribed antibiotics and rest. 2nd time, same directions. Then I realized that all of these antibiotics cannot be good for the rest of my body…and eventually they may not work when I REALLY need them. So, I began doing tons of research.
This is what I do now….I cannot eat popcorn or nuts because it leads to an acute attack. Too much alcohol or stress does the same. During an attack, I go on a clear liquid diet for a day or two, then a liquid diet. I ALSO include raw garlic. I cut up a clove of raw garlic and chew it up realy well and sip chicken broth. It is STRONG and HOT, but it is a strong natural antibiotic and it works. Lots of good water, juices, a liquid multi-vitamin and acidophilus (I like Kyodophilus).
When most of the pain is gone, I begin eating soft foods and cont. to drink a lot of water. my first food is usually one egg scrambled and cooked in a little olive oil. I eat a large clove of RAW garlic with this.And a drop of ketchup on top for flavor. I eat very little during this time. And it is all soft foods with lots of water in between the small snacks.
A lot of the above is trial and error. If the pain gets worse, I back off eating. It is not healthy to go with out eating, I know. Around the second day, I drink gatorade to keep my electrolytes in balance.
Remember if you are not getting better each day then seek medical attention. This is a serious condition. I am lucky that my home remedies have worked so far. I DO need to say that IF I was not getting better, I would seek medical help right away.
Again, the garlic has to be raw. In between the attacks, I still eat raw garlic once and awhile because I have grown to enjoy it. I also take Kyodophilus.
When I am well, I follow a high fiber diet. I have learned NOT to eat a lot at one time. No HUGE meals for me. I exercise by walking or an elliptical 30-60 min. per day. REMEMBER when you eat the raw vegetables and fruits to chew them up really really well. Our lining in our colons are sensitive and we do not want to SCRATCH them or irritate them with rough foods that have not been chewn up really really well. I continue to research….GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!
Just getting over my 2nd bout. Both times oral antibiotics did not do the trick and had to go in again to be admitted and administered IV antibiotics. Best advice is during flare ups is clear liquid diet, moving to all liquid diet, to a high fiber diet.
My husband was just diagnosed with diverticulitis Jan.26. He had an inflamed colon with a lower bowel obstruction. Had to have surgery Feb. 3 2010. In the hospital 17 days. Doing ok but has to watch his diet. Dr. wants on a high fiber diet. Will start gradually and increase. Too much fiber fast can cause bloating and constipation. Our doctor said sesame seeds ok, but we aren’t taking the chance. best way we can find to get fiber is fiber one cereal. Doctor said that’s a great way and maybe cut banana in it. Main thing is fluids. Coffee and caffinated drinks don’t count.Hope this helps someone. Definately not a pain we want again!!
I have experienced abdomen pain on/off for 1 1/2 years now. The pain was so severe that I drove myself to the hospital in Nov 09. After spending 5 days there and having the necessary tests I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.
Two months later the abdomen pain returned and I drove myself back to the hospital. After an x-ray & a CT Scan I was found to have a large hole in my bowel. Doctors told me if I had of waited 24 hours more to come to the hospital I would be dead. They advised me I needed immediate surgery to remove the infected part of my bowel and I would require a colostomy bag for 3 months before returning to have another operation to have my bowel reattached.
This has been the hardest thing I have ever been through but feel lucky to be alive.
I now have my doubts whether I have Crohn’s as originally thought as Diverticulitis could of been the cause all along.
As anybody else had the same diagnosis with Crohn’s then realised it was Diverticulitis.
I am a 24yr old male, I had a 18 inches of my Sigmoid colon removed about 7 months ago, I had 2 attacks
(1 Mircro-perforation) before I finally decided to try surgery. Where I live my insurance didnt cover the hospitals with “laproscopic” surgery. So i have a 11 inch verticle scar down my lower stomache. I can say I have over ate, over drank, and over partied. But to hear COLETTE has led a life opposite of mine and still ended up with the same/similiar problems is shocking. I believe that Diverticular disease is also brought on by childhood stress. Whether it be emotional or physical I would be curious to see how many of us grew up in Homes that werent perfect. But to my point, Surgery was the best choice( so far) I have made. I went from DAILY sharp, cramping pain. To feeling great, I didnt even know how bad I felt until I started feeling this good. It is possible that in the future I will experience more complications. MY main concern was being on a colostomy bag, at 24yrs old to me that was not an option, luckily I had a docotor that apparently knew what he was doing. When you hit a certain pain threshhold RELIEF is the only option. So to anyone who is scared as hell about surgery, dont be, even though as with any surgery there can be complications, if you are in constant pain consider it. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about how the surgery goes and/or what to expect afterwards.
Cpistole@comcast.net
I had Diverticulitis surgery on January of 2009. Had about 12 inches removed off my intestine.I asked my doctor what causes it, he told me almost everything we eat is processed with chemicls that to keep food fresh. Starting from meats to veges. So who ever catches , we are one of the lucky ones. I had 2nd surgery this year in Jan. 2010. I had tissue growing where my firt surgery was So that is pretty scary.I had to go under the knife again. But i feel fine. Hopefully this will take are of it. I don’t drink or smoke and I have always taken care of my self. I’m 59 years old.
I just am recovering from my first attack of full blown diverticulitis. Found out I had diverticulae a few years ago but this is my first attack. I am 39 years old and think that I have eaten more than the average amount of fiber for a while. Love to eat veggie, greens, etc. I find it confusing that some sites do not reccomend seeds while others say it is a problem. Someone told me they are affected by eating seafood. It is all a bit confusing so I am going to take it easy and try and find my way. Not very excited about this diagnosis. Any suggestions?
The medical info says that you should wait three months after having a bout with diverticulitis before having a colonoscopy. My primary care physician said that’s what the info shows but the the physicians who give do the procedure would know best. I was on med’s to correct it and ended the med’s Jan 15 this year. I have a date scheduled for the procedure this coming Feb 23 because the phsycian who is giving the procedure said it will be fine. I am worried about proliferation, and whatever. Please e mail me at artthomasartthomas@yahoo.com and let me know what you think…..especially if you are a medical expert. Thanks, Art
Hi i am 69 and have has this disease for 30 years i take mucilax every night after my main meal and have never suffered constipation or diarrhea but have noticed a sore stomach after eating 2 to 3 hours later so i am going to try your diet of more fruit and veges i also have a drop of peppermint oil in a glass of water for the gas build up it does help but is very hard to get hope this helps a little regards jeanette
I am in same shape as these people but right now on clear diet,after spending 6 hours in Er having c.t scan, blood test haing two iv ,one with antibiotic & pain medcines. Just what is a clear diet ?
Yesterday, I was diagnosed with diverticulitis and am now on medication and a restricted diet. I’m 69 and fighting age by working out most days by walking four miles, pumping weights, swimming, and hitting upwards of six buckets of golf balls (all in a day…usually). I’m fit for my age and thought I was eating all the right things (and some not so right…sweets) i.e. steel cut oats with raisins and pecan bits, peanuts, Wheaties, Raisin Brand, popcorn,yogurt, whole wheat bread, steak, salmon, salids and more. Who would have thought that following the advice to eat high fiber foods would lead to this. After reading the severity of this ailment, I’m plenty worried about what not and what to eat and how much. Guess I’ll find out. Otherwise I’ve led a very fortunate and healthy life. Guess its pudding from here on.
I had surgery for diverticulitis a couple of weeks ago. This is the toughest surgery that I’ve ever had. My doctor has suggested that I quit eating meat (including fish and poultry) and all dairy products. I really do not want to go through this again so I’ll do the best I can to change my eating habits.
Bill, 31yrs old. Had dull pain in lower left side for about 1-1/2 years. Had sever pain one day. Found out from a CT scan, my colon was inflamed, and a mild case of diverticulitis. Now on High Fiber, no seeds. Scared of surgery, so I need to maintain diet, and lose weight overall. Still not sure of what seeds are ok, re: Pickles and/or caraway in sausage?? – Whatever keeps the pain away. Trial and error now…..
I have been having pain in my right lower side. I think it is div. can anyone tell me if you have trouble with bowl movements: I am having a hard time I have not been to the dr. yet have an appt. Thursday.
I have suffered right & left side diver for over 10 years and have learned not to eat oats, yogurt unless in a smoothie or spicy foods. There are also many fruits that can aggravate the disease. Oats may be filling but unless you are drinking 2 litres of water a day religiously you can meet problems. I also don’t use Metamucil or any product of the same as it has caused chronic attacks. I also believe that each case is an individual case and some of us can handle foods that others may not. I eat home grown tomatoes regularly and have never had an attack afterwards.
Colette,
I was hospitalized for 10 days and back home now as of Thursday. I lost 7 pounds in the process. The pain is almost gone but I was given meds to deal with it along with 2 antibiotics and a nausea medication. I was on a clear liquid diet for about a week, then a full liquid diet. Now I am eating things like mashed potatoes, yogurt, pudding and lots of G2. The doctor suggested ensure or boost, they taste horrible but is worth it for the calories (350 per bottle). I would suggest researching these diets online or better yet talking to a dietician.
Good luck,
I am a 21 year old female. I am underweight, and have been a vegetarian most of my life. I eat a lot of high fiber foods and always have. I walk a lot. I just got diagnosed with diverticulitis this morning. I literally am right out of the hospital. I am in a lot of pain but its my entire right side of my abdomen and back on the same side. I have not been able to eat because of the pressure in my stomach. It hurts to eat but have no idea what I should eat. Please help with ideas for food. I also had a question does anyone have any idea why someone my age who has always eaten healthy (vegetarian). I never eat fast food, hardly ever snack and do not eat junk. I eat mostly fresh fruits and vegetables. I guess I have not always been a healthy eater in terms of not having enough nutrition but I don’t see how that relates.