Diverticulosis Diet Update

added 02/17/09

by Sarah Agnoli, Keene State College Dietetic Intern

You have probably heard that if you have diverticulosis you should avoid eating seeds, nuts and skins. However, did you know that these foods are safe to eat when you have diverticulosis and have been shown to prevent the complications of diverticular disease? This finding was confirmed by a 2008 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. An eighteen-year study with over 47,000 participants found that consuming high-fiber foods including nuts, corn, and popcorn did not increase their risk of diverticulitis or cause diverticular complications such as bleeding.

What Causes Diverticulosis?

It is currently believed that straining during constipation may cause small pouches (diverticula) to form in the outer surface of the colon. Doctors are still unsure of what causes these pouches to become inflamed (diverticulitis). Bacteria or stool lodged in the pouches are suspected as the cause. A high-fiber diet may increase the bulk in the stool, which may reduce pressure in the colon, reducing or even preventing the formation of these pouches.

The American College of Gastroenterology recommends that the overall goal for fiber intake should be between 30-35 grams a day. Fiber is found in foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables with their skins intact, legumes, nuts and seeds. By increasing your intake of these foods, you will, in turn, increase your daily fiber intake.

A high-fiber eating plan might look like this:

  • Breakfast: ½ medium banana (1.5 grams fiber) added to high-fiber cereal, such as Shredded Wheat (6 grams fiber).
  • Snack: 1 medium pear (4 grams fiber).
  • Lunch: Soup that includes 1 cup of high-fiber beans such as lentils or black beans (15 grams fiber).
  • Dinner: 1 cup of whole wheat pasta (6 grams fiber) with ½ cup marinara (4 grams fiber).

Grand Total for the day—more than 35 grams of fiber!

Including these foods regularly can help to raise the fiber content of your diet.

  • Legumes such as lentils, kidney beans, black beans, lima beans
  • Vegetables such as artichokes, peas, broccoli, turnips, corn and Brussels sprouts.
  • Fresh fruits with their skins still attached such berries, pears, apples, prunes and figs. Also fresh fruits such as bananas and oranges.
  • Whole grain products such as pasta, barely, oat bran, brown rice and whole grain breads.
  • Nuts and seeds

Low fiber foods to limit are those that are highly processed or refined. These include breads made with refined wheat flour, regular pasta, white rice, fruit juice, and non-whole grain cereals. Removing the skins from fruits and vegetables also reduces their fiber content. Note: Refined wheat flour is called “wheat flour” on the ingredient label. Instead, look for whole-wheat flour as the first ingredient.

The Facts:

  • People with diverticulosis do not need to avoid nuts, seeds and skins in their diet. These high-fiber foods were shown to prevent the complications of diverticulitis.
  • In general Americans eat far less fiber than is recommended. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, we usually consume only 10-20 grams of fiber a day. They recommend 30-35 grams a day for digestive health.
  • Diverticulosis is relatively rare in countries were people consume a high fiber diet as a part of their culture, as in Asia and Africa.

Bottom Line: Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet, whether you have diverticulosis or not. Including high fiber foods is a smart step towards maintaining good digestive health.

For More Information:

  • Strate MD MPH, Lisa L., Yan L. Liu MS, Sapna Syngal MD MPH, Walid H. Aldoori MD MPA, and Edward L. Giovannucci MD ScD. “Nut, Corn, and Popcorn Consumption and the Incidence of Diverticular Disease.” Journal of American Medical Association 300.
  • Picco, Micheal. “Diverticulitis diet: Should I avoid nuts and seeds?” Ask A Digestive System Specialist. 17 Jan. 2008. Mayo Clinic. 15 Dec. 2008
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