Diverticulitis and Fibre

Diverticular Disease affects the lining of the bowel in the large intestine or colon wall resulting in small pouches that protrude outward from the colon wall called diverticula. One in three Australians over 45 and two in three Australians over 85 have some form of diverticular disease.

Sometimes the diverticula can become inflamed and when this occurs it is known as diverticulitis. Only about one quarter of individuals who have diverticular disease will suffer from inflammation or diverticulitis. A low fibre diet is one of the major risk factors for developing diverticular disease.

Why is fibre important
A low fibre diet can lead to constipation. This makes stools hard and compact requiring more pressure and strain to push them along the colon. This pressure can lead to the formation of pouches or diverticula forming along the colon wall.

When is a low fibre diet necessary?
During treatment of diverticulitis, the focus is on clearing up the infection and inflammation. It is important to rest the bowel during this time. This involves following a low fibre diet (including the temporary removal of nuts and seeds from the diet) during the period of inflammation and infection.

How can a Simply Nutrition Diettitian help prevent Diverticulitis?
1.    Recommend the correct daily fibre intake
2.    Give you guidance on when to consume fibre
3.    Recommend the correct amount of fluid intake
4.   Provide you with the correct information and debunk the myths surrounding diverticulitis – such as, is it okay to eat  nuts and seeds. 

For more information and or help with Diverticular Disease please email us here

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