Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis
What is Diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis: Characterized by the formation of pockets in the lining of the large intestine.
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis: The acute stage of diverticulosis, when the pockets are infected or inflamed With the presence of diverticulosis it is best to follow a high fiber diet. This keeps pressure 0 the wall of the large intestine and prevents the accumulation of excess bacteria. Increase fiber gradually in your diet because sudden increases may cause increased formation of gas. If diverticulitis does occur, after consulting with your physician, it may be recommended that you switch to a low fiber diet.
Recommended Foods for Diverticulosis
Food Group
Fresh Fruit
Amount to Consume Daily
2 or more servings
Breads and cereals 4 or more servings
Vegetables 2 or more servings
*
High Fiber Foods
Apples (with skin), oranges, grapefruits, bananas,
peaches, pears, plums, cherries, apricots and
grapes. Avoid all berries with seeds, preserve
with seeds, watermelon seeds and figs
Whole grain bread (100% whole wheat, bran,
or pumpernickel); dry or cooked cereals made
from whole wheat, bran, oats, unprocessed
wheat bran, or oat bran; whole grain crackers;
bran muffins; brown rice. broccoli, brussel sprouts, peas, cabbage,
carrots, celery, green beans, potatoes,
zucchini, tomatoes (without seeds), onions,
and baked beans. Avoid lQmete seeds, ehtlAk:y pean"t buttet-
Recommended Foods for Diverticulitis
Breads and cereals 4 or more servings Vegetables 2 or more servings Miscellaneous * Low Fiber Foods Fruit juice, fruit drinks, pureed fruit, cooked fruit (without skin) White bread, French bread, farina, cream of wheat or rice, melba toast, saltines, corn flakes, rice krispies, puffed rice, white rice, pasta Vegetable juice, lettuce, winter squash, tomato sauce, mashed or cooked vegetables or potato All dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, broth, cream soup
Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis
Not all people who have diverticulosis have symptoms or get diverticulitis At least 50% of the population over 50 has diverticulosis. Symptoms can be mild and chronic or acute.
Symptoms
Bloating
Spasms
Cramping
Constipation
Pain may follow your meal
Bowel movement may relieve pain
Alternating diarrhea and constipation
Ruptured Diverticula
Inflammation of the pockets and pouches caused by diverticulosis
Symptoms:
• Abdominal pain on the lower left side, frequently felt in the lower back
•• Chills and Fever
Complications:
•• Bleeding - a maroon or dark red blood may appear in your stool or in the
toilet
• Obstruction or blockage in the large intestine, which may cause swelling
• Fistulas (connection of tissue between organs &/or skin) can cause infections
• Abscess - area that becomes infected with pus
• Peritonitis - abscess that ruptures and contents spill out into intestine
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Tags: Diverticulosis, Diverticulitis