A: The goal of your diet when you are experiencing inflammation and pain from diverticulosis is to reduce fiber and residue, to reduce the work that your intestine has to do so it can rest and heal. After a period of time designated by your physician (often 6 to 8 weeks), your dietary goals will change to a high-fiber diet to maintain gut health and the health of your diverticula, although frequently patients are still encouraged to avoid nuts and seeds.

On a low-fiber diet, eliminate all foods made with nuts, seeds, raw or dried fruit and vegetables, vegetable skins and seeds, cooked gas-forming vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, etc.) whole grain breads and cereals, popcorn, corn, beans and peas. Your high-fiber diet will be the opposite of this, but you should still avoid whole nuts and seeds. Ground nuts, seeds and butters work fine, so ground flaxseed meal is typically a healthy choice. Beware of seeds in fruits and vegetables, popcorn, jams and breads. You should be able to maintain your health following this type of diet for a lifetime, and control your diverticulosis very well.

ANSWERED BY:

Susan M. Kleiner PhD, RD, FACN, CNS, FISSN, is one of the foremost nutrition authorities on eating for strength. She's also owner of High Performance Nutrition and author of Power Eating (powereating.com).