Also known as diverticular disease, diverticulosis is a condition in which pockets develop in the colon. These pockets can trap stool, making it extremely important for patients to maintain regularity. In this post, we’ll take a look at some common questions we hear at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay: is a high-fiber diet good for diverticulosis, what is the best fiber for diverticulosis, and what is a good lunch for diverticulosis?
Is a High-Fiber Diet Good for Diverticulosis?
If you suffer from diverticulosis, you’ll know that hard, difficult-to-pass stools are just the name of the game. However, there is actually a way for you to find some relief. This treatment is two-fold: increasing fiber intake and staying better hydrated. So, if you’re wondering “is a high-fiber diet good for diverticulosis,” the answer is yes - as long as you get enough fluids.
What Is the Best Fiber for Diverticulosis?
When given the choice between fiber from whole foods and fiber from supplements, it’s always best to choose whole food sources - this is because food also comes with vital nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Furthermore, try to choose fiber sources that also come with plenty of hydrating fluids: for example, fruits like canteloupe and vegetables like cucumbers. This will help you stay hydrated with much less effort.
What Is a Good Lunch for Diverticulosis?
Bean & Vegetable Soup
Beans and other legumes are high in quality fiber that will help keep you regular. You may want to make a big batch of a mexican black bean soup to pull out whenever your symptoms are bad. Soups freeze extremely well, making them the perfect large-batch meal. For an extra fiber boost, add in vegetables like carrots, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and artichokes.
Fruit Salad
Raw fruits are extremely underrated when it comes to fiber content. People often assume they shouldn’t eat too many fruits because they contain quite a bit of sugar; however, we have to remember that this sugar is balanced out by the high fiber content, reducing the impact of a bowl of fruit salad on our blood sugar. Fruits like raspberries, pears, apples, bananas, and more are great additions to a bowl of fruit salad.
Whole Grain Sandwich
Starting your sandwich with whole grain bread (not necessarily just “wheat bread”) will help ensure that you are getting the most nutrition and fiber out of your lunch. Whole grain breads are not processed as highly to remove the germ and capsule of the grain. This leaves behind more fiber, vitamins, and minerals for your body to absorb. Furthermore, you’ll want to make sure that your sandwich is loaded with fiber-rich vegetables like avocado, or spinach. Tomato is a good choice for sandwiches, too!
Whole Grain Bowl
The same rule applies to the grain bowl lunch: select cooked grains that have not been refined to remove the germ or grain capsule. Good choices are grains like quinoa and brown or black rice. You can also get a great protein boost in your lunch by adding some chickpeas. Try making your own avocado dressing by pureeing a ripe avocado with lemon juice, oil, salt, and pepper! Whatever avocado you don’t use in the dressing can be sliced up and added atop your glorious lunch.
Getting Help in Tampa Bay for Diverticulosis
Here at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, we regularly see and consult with patients that are suffering from diverticulosis. Many of them are incredibly surprised to hear that their symptoms can be minimized or even reversed with a simple change to their diet. Have you tried to increase your fiber and fluid intake yet? If you’ve tried everything you can think of and are still struggling with diverticulosis, get in touch with our team of colorectal experts.