The formation of small pouches along the intestinal walls is called diverticulosis. When these small pouches are inflamed or infected, it could cause several problems. As far as diverticulitis is concerned, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest what its exact cause is. However, the symptoms of diverticulitis are well known, and it is necessary to identify the foods that trigger diverticulitis.
Foods that trigger diverticulitis
Here are some food items that trigger diverticulitis, and one should avoid them at all costs.
- Spicy foods
Eating spicy foods may cause discomfort. Chinese or Indian food, as well as red chilies, may worsen your digestive problems. You could exhibit signs like vomiting, diarrhea or other complications due to an inflammation of the digestive system. - Broccoli
If you have diverticulitis, broccoli could be a problem for you. Broccoli causes flatulence and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Though broccoli usually smoothens the bowel movements, in some cases, it could lead to hardening of the stools. - Cabbage
You could experience flatulence while eating cabbage if you are suffering from diverticulitis. As the body breaks down the cabbage, it could lead to gut inflammation. Thus, you tend to belch or release gas, and this could be embarrassing if you are in a formal setting. - Corn
Complications with digestion occur in people suffering from diverticulitis. Along with fiber, corn contains a high amount of sugar. If you enjoy it, then you should limit the amount that you consume. You could try processed cream corn as it has a lower concentration of sugar and fiber. It is the combination of both sugar and fiber in corn-based foods that trigger diverticulitis. - Dairy products
Diverticulitis compromises the efficiency of your digestive system, and though you might not have lactose intolerance, you could end up with flatulence and gas. Diarrhea could be one of the side effects as well. You can add yogurt and specific varieties of cheese that are free of lactose. You could also consider switching to almond and soy milk. Before using margarine, ensure that lactose is not one of its ingredients. - Red or green peppers
The consumption of green peppers leads to the production of gas, and if you have diverticulitis, you could exhibit symptoms like cramps. Abdominal pain accompanied by alternating constipation and diarrhea are possible side effects. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. So, you could try peppers and gauge the reaction of your digestive system before eliminating it from your diet. - Beans
The fiber content in beans causes flatulence followed by pain. Find out if you experience discomfort after consuming this item and then decide if you should exclude it from your diet. - Fatty foods
The high proportions of fat and grease in junk food like pizzas or burgers are likely to trigger diverticulitis. It could lead to inflammation as well as a gastrocolic reflex which causes the contraction of the colon. You may experience aches and pain in the lower abdominal region. Unhealthy foods are your worst enemy, so a reduction or complete elimination is the best choice. - Lentils
Due to their similarity to beans, lentils can cause discomfort to the gastrointestinal system. The fiber content present in the lentils causes problems when the body tries to digest it. A person may feel bloated due to the gas building up inside the gut. It is advisable to reduce the consumption of lentils or eliminate it, depending on your reaction to it. - Butter
In many cases, butter is the root cause of digestive problems. Switching to a healthier alternative like olive oil spreads is a better option due to its low calories content. It is free of lactose as well. You can spread it on your toast without any worries. However, do gauge your reaction to this item before switching your choices. - Cheese
Your digestive system could have a problem with the consumption of cheese. Unlike soft cheeses, hard cheeses are easy to digest. A patient’s body may produce a large amount of gas due to these cheeses. They may also exhibit side effects like bloating and severe cramps in the stomach. Luckily, some varieties of cheese do not contain lactose. Find out how your digestive system reacts to all types of cheese, and then, include or exclude them from your diet.
Foods to have when you suffer from diverticulitis
Here are some types of foods that are good for people with diverticulitis:
- Low fiber foods
These include white rice, bread as well as pasta. Make sure that you include dry cereals that are low in fiber. Cooked fish, eggs, and poultry which contain animal protein can be part of your diet as well. A sauce made of apples, as well as canned peaches, are a good choice. Juices of fruits and vegetables work well too. You could use olive oil. Cooked asparagus, carrots, beets, and spinach are quite healthy for people with diverticulitis. - Clear liquids or foods
Try to include meals which have clear liquids. You can try ice pops made from fruit puree, and you could also put some finely chopped fruits for a chunky texture.
