Diverticulitis

[ketchum68]

I just got out of the hospital and have been diagnosed with diverticulitis. Does anyone here have this or know anyone who does? I need some advice on what to do now. I have to completely change my diet now

[CarolynF]

My minlaw had it..Her doctor told her not to eat seeds and nuts or anything else that bothered her. What kind of things can't you eat??

[Steve Parker, M.D.]

95 out of a hundred physicians would say "avoid nuts, seeds, and popcorn." But the latest research doesn't support such restrictions.

I usually tell my personal patients (non low-carbers) with diverticulosis to eat a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. That can be difficult to do on a low-carb diet! You want to avoid constipation and having to "strain at stool." Maybe a fiber supplement? Ground flax seed?

I readily admit I don't know a lot about diverticulosis/itis in someone who wants to live low-carb. I hope someone with direct experience or expertise chimes in.

Your personal physician should have some ideas. If not, try a gastroenterologist.

-Steve

Disclaimer: All matters regarding your health require supervision by a personal physician or other appropriate health professional familiar with your current health status. Always consult your personal physician before making any dietary or exercise changes.

[Meowser]

Yep, I spent 5 days in the hospital with diverticulitis 2 years ago.

I avoid nuts, seeds, and corn in all forms. I do eat smooth nut butters. The attack that put in the hospital could have been caused by nuts (well, a combination of nuts and constipation). I was regularly eating slice almonds in yogurt before the attack. Since then I have had a couple of flare-ups. One I believe caused by poppy seeds and the other caused by tortilla chips (which is why I avoid corn in all forms). Although, I really need to give corn (or at least tortillas or cornbread) another chance because that flare-up was shortly after I returned from a trip which is a risk factor in itself.

I have learned about a couple of different diets. The "low residue" diet is what I was on for a month after leaving the hospital. It's also what I revert to in case of a flare-up.

Then I up my fiber for the rest of the time. But I don't eat a high fiber diet. Too much fiber doesn't work for me. I've found an online community (nowhere near as active as LCF) and everyone there is different. Some need a high fiber diet and some can barely eat any fiber. Sadly, it's all about finding what works for you.

For me:
* I find it very important to avoid constipation.
* Water is important
* Travel is a risk factor and I make every effort to drink enough water while traveling and will sometimes drop my fiber intake if I start getting constipated.
* I avoid nuts, seeds, and all forms of corn.
* I eat strawberries in moderation
* I pay attention to my body - it really does tell me alot.
* I don't seem to do well on a lot of grain-type fiber. But fruits and smooth nut butters are good.


Lots of hugs. I'm here to talk to if you want.

[lovemygrands]

I'm not a diverticulitis expert, but I consider myself a diverticulitis survivor! I suffered with this disease for five years trying everything under the sun to control it. The first year I had one flare-up, the next year two, and then progressively worse until I was "down with it" more than I was well. Last October I finally agreed to surgery. They removed over 3 feet of my colon. If you have the surgery sooner, they can do it laproscopically and much, much easier. I waited so long that my colon was adhered to my bladder so I was in the hospital two weeks and then back in a week later for another two weeks. I tell everyone who has this that if you keep having flare-ups, don't wait. Try to get the surgery to remove the diseased part of your colon.

There are lots of people who never have a second or third flare-up, so I'm not suggesting you will have to have that. I just know about my experience.

I do know that seeds, nuts, popcorn, and corn will trigger diverticulitis attacks. The main cause of a flare-up though is STRESS. I did get some relief when the doctor prescribed Wellbutrin (which is an antidepressant). Studies have shown that it actually works on the nerves that are in your colon and helps with the spasms. I wasn't depressed, but the Wellbutrin did help. You have to get lots of fiber because the worst thing you can do is get constipated. I took Benefiber.

After recovering from my sugery though, I feel wonderful (except I gained about 60 pounds those five years I was sick. During a flare-up the only thing I wanted to eat was crackers & milk) I wish I had had the surgery sooner, and had I known how great I would feel, I definitely would have.

I love the low carb way of eating. I have lost 14 pounds since 9-22-09, and feel great.