High Fiber Diet

Diverticulosis in the colon is a condition where segments of the colon pushes out into pouches called diverticula. Symptoms if any may include abdominal cramps and constipation. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms.

Diverticulosis may develop from not eating enough fiber (a component of complex carbohydrates that the body cannot digest, is found in plant based foods such as beans, lentils, fruits, vegetables and whole grains). More studies are needed to confirm this.

Fiber keeps stools soft and bulky, which makes it easier to go through the colon. When there is not enough fiber coming into the diet, stools become hard and could be difficult to pass.

This puts pressure on the walls of the colon, which then may give out to form diverticula. A high fiber diet is still overall recommended to reduce risk of diverticulosis as well as diverticulitis (inflamed diverticula) that may develop from diverticulosis.

A high fiber diet is still overall recommended to reduce risk of diverticulosis as well as
diverticulitis (inflamed diverticula) that may develop from diverticulosis.
Tips:

• Eat 30-35 grams of fiber daily. Spread out the fiber throughout your meals.
• Include whole grains into your diet daily (bran, whole wheat, rye, oats, etc). Read food
  labels and look for food choices that stated to be made with whole grain
• Add brown rice, quinoa to your meals
• Include beans and lentils to your casseroles, salads or soups
• Eat colorful fresh fruits and vegetables daily instead of fruit/vegetable juices

Also…

• Drink plenty of fluids along with a high fiber diet to help fiber pass easily through the
  body. Aim to drink at least 8 cups per day.
• There is no scientific data to support that you need to avoid nuts, seeds or popcorn.
  Eat as tolerated.