Diverticulitis is a serious condition involving infection or the intestines, often causing significant pain. Sometimes surgery is needed, but often future attacks can be minimized or prevented with a healthy, high-fiber diverticulitis diet. While the doctor's recommendations should always be heeded,these tips can help you eat well on diverticulitis diet, without sacrificing taste.
Instructions
1. Follow the doctor's orders explicitly during and following a diverticulitis attack. Until the infection and inflammation is resolved, patients will first be on a low-fiber diet. Check labels carefully as foods that may seem similar may vary in their fiber content.
2. Begin adding fiber gradually as ordered. As you do, increase your water or clear liquid intake. If you are not a typical water drinker, try flavored waters, teas as permitted, juices without pulp and other uncarbonated, caffeine-free drinks. Alternate these drinks with water to gradually meet your daily recommendation on a diverticulitis diet.
3. Eat vegetables and fruits that you like if it is approved on your diverticulitis diet. If you do not like vegetables much, eat more fruit and vice versa. Most patients can eat fruit and vegetable seeds, such as found in cucumbers and tomatoes, but some cannot without increased symptoms. Consider vegetable juice if you enjoy the taste, but consult with your physician first.
4. Become creative with meals to add more fiber without sacrificing taste. If you do not like heavy grain breads, try whole grain white bread for starters. For low fiber foods, like meatloaf, try adding a bit of wheat germ, flax seed or bran. Even chocolate chip cookies can be improved as to fiber content with a bit of ground oatmeal.
5. Get a jump start on your fiber count early in the day. Some cereals and breakfast bars labeled with the word "fiber" may contain 1/3 to 1/2 of the fiber you need on a diverticulitis diet, while other cereals that sound nutritious contain only a gram or two. Label reading is essential.
6. Learn make a variety of bean recipes if your current diet is limited in this high-fiber food source. A multitude of beans exist, each with a unique flavor, so you may prefer some over others. When making chili for instance, try kidney, black and pinto beans for a new taste. Bean dips make a tasty snack and you can spice it up with garlic and cheese, if desired.
7. Replace low fiber snacks such as chips with whole grain crackers. Also, inquire with your doctor about eating popcorn without hulls, if you are a popcorn fan. Corn chips are another tasty option for plain chips on a diverticulitis diet.
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