Do you have to have a special diet for diverticulosis?

Diverticula are Small hernia that develops in the colon. They form small pockets. It looks a little like balloons. This is very common, especially as we age. This applies to 30% of people over 60 years old, and half of people over 70 years old.

We think this may be a result of both of us Genetic terrainfrom U.S Weakness of the intestinal wall And ours food. According to Dr. Martine Cutinat, gastroenterologist and author of the book Treat diverticulosis naturally (Editor Thierry Socard), our current diet and lifestyle can explain the increase in their frequency.

It calls for limiting their development Follow a diet rich in plants that provide fibre, with less red meat and overly processed industrial products. It is a beneficial diet for the balance of intestinal microflora, and for overall health.

Diverticula can become inflamed

In the vast majority of cases, we have no symptoms when we have diverticula. no pain. Moreover, they can be discovered incidentally, during a colonoscopy or CT scan. Too often, we leave it there. They only speak if complications occur.

When one or more diverticula become inflamed or infected, it becomes a problem. We are talking about Diverticulitis. “It is a complication that rarely occurs,” Dr. Cutinat reassures. “This leads to Abdominal pain, usually in the lower leftWith fever, and possibly disturbances in intestinal transit.”

You should consult quickly to avoid possible complications. If the attack does not pass, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Fruits with small seeds are out of the question

Do we know what causes diverticulitis? People with long-standing diverticula are advised not to eat foods that contain small seeds.such as tomatoes, strawberries, kiwi… as well as nuts, pistachios, and corn, because it was believed that they could get stuck in diverticula, irritate the mucous membrane and cause inflammation.
However, recent studies have denied any link between the consumption of these foods and the occurrence of diverticulitis. So there is no need to plant tomato seeds, or stop eating bread containing seeds!

It is preferable to follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Therefore, there is no specific diet that must be followed to avoid the risk of developing diverticulitis. On the other hand, as the gastroenterologist points out, there are studies that included thousands of people with diverticula that show thatIncrease consumption of fiber, and therefore fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grainsReduces the risk of complications.

So, if you suffer from diverticulosis, it is certainly in your best interest to eat a diet that gives priority to plants, without depriving yourself of fruits and vegetables that contain small seeds!

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