{"id":1131,"date":"2017-11-10T05:25:45","date_gmt":"2017-11-10T05:25:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=1131"},"modified":"2021-05-14T13:04:14","modified_gmt":"2021-05-14T13:04:14","slug":"15-low-fiber-foods-need-include-diverticulitis-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-low-fiber-foods-need-include-diverticulitis-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Low Fiber Foods You Need to Include in Your Diverticulitis Diet"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Diverticulitis, a condition that occurs as the result of the development of small, bulging pouches, or diverticula, in the intestinal walls, is not uncommon. This condition is particularly common in people who are over the age of 50. When those pouches are inflamed or become infected, it can lead to severe pain in the abdomen, as well as a variety of other off-putting symptoms, including constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bloating and a high fever.<\/p>\n

While the exact cause of diverticulitis is not known, it is believed that eating a diet low in fiber can lead to diverticulitis. Dietary fiber is important because it helps it helps to maintain the health of the bowels and promotes normal, healthy bowel movements. Fiber adds bulk to the stool, which makes it easier to pass and thereby prevents constipation. However, if you have been diagnosed with diverticulitis, your doctor may recommend eating a diet that is low in fiber. Doing so can help to ease the effects of diverticulitis, as it can help to put less strain on the intestines, thus causing less pain.<\/p>\n

If your doctor has prescribed a low fiber diet for diverticulitis, here\u2019s a look at 15 foods you should be eating.<\/p>\n

1. White bread<\/h3>\n

Many people prefer to eat bread that is made out of stone ground whole wheat or whole grains over white bread<\/a>. That\u2019s because these types of bread have much more nutritional value than white bread, including fiber. Since high amounts of fiber can aggravate diverticulitis, it\u2019s important to steer clear of bread that is made of whole grains and instead, opt for white bread. There\u2019s just .8 grams of fiber in a slice of white bread, making it a good choice for a low fiber diet, as it can help ease the symptoms that are associated with diverticulitis.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. White rice<\/h3>\n

Like bread, most people prefer to eat long grain varieties of rice<\/a>, such as brown or jasmine, over white rice. The reason being is that just like breads that are made out of whole grains, long grain rice has more nutritional value, including more dietary fiber. If your doctor has recommended eating a low fiber diet to treat diverticulitis, skip the long grain rice and instead opt for white rice. One cup of white rice contains about .6 grams of dietary fiber, which makes it a good food option to add to a low fiber diverticulitis diet.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Pancakes<\/h3>\n

If you like breakfast foods and you are eating a low fiber diet for diverticulitis, you\u2019ll be happy that you will be able to enjoy pancakes without any worry. Pancakes<\/a>, particularly those that are made with refined white flour, are low in fiber, making them an ideal food option to eat if you are suffering from diverticulitis. While pancakes that are made of whole grain flour may be a healthier option under normal circumstances, if you have diverticulitis, substitute whole wheat flour for refined white flour for your pancakes to help ease this condition and its associated symptoms.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Eggs<\/h3>\n

Another great food that you should consider adding to your menu if a low fiber diet has been recommended for diverticulitis is eggs. Eggs<\/a> contain absolutely no dietary fiber, which means that they won\u2019t aggravate the swelling and inflammation of the intestinal walls that occurs with diverticulitis. Moreover, eggs are loaded with other valuable nutrients that are important for maintaining your overall health and well being. They\u2019re an excellent source of protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and healthy cholesterol, for example. For the most nutritional benefits, choose eggs from free range chickens that have been fed an organic diet.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Potatoes<\/h3>\n

Potatoes<\/a> are a hearty food, and they are a great option to include in a low fiber diverticulitis diet. It\u2019s important to remove the skin of the potatoes, however, as most of the dietary fiber that they contain is located in the skin. By eating the skin of this vegetable, the effects of diverticulitis may be compounded, such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and tenderness, and bloating. You can prepare potatoes without the skin in a multitude of ways, including baked, boiled or mashed. Potatoes are also easy to digest, making them a very friendly food if you suffer from diverticulitis.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Eggplant<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s believed that veggies are a great source of fiber, and while this may be true for some veggies, it\u2019s not the case for all. Eggplant<\/a> is a veggie that\u2019s low in fiber. A 1 cup serving has about 2.5 grams of fiber, making it a good addition to a low fiber diet for easing the symptoms associated with diverticulitis. Eggplant also lacks cholesterol and has a low calorie content, making it a healthy food all around. There are plenty of ways to enjoy eggplant, too. Since it has a dense texture, it\u2019s a great substitute for meat.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Spinach<\/h3>\n

Another excellent veggie that you should consider including in a low fiber diet is spinach<\/a>. A serving size of 1 cup has about .7 grams of fiber, making it a great option to ease the symptoms of diverticulitis. This leafy green veggie is also loaded with vital nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, iron and calcium. Like most veggies, there are several ways that you can include spinach in your diet; however, you do want to make sure that it is well cooked if you are suffering from diverticulitis, as it\u2019s more difficult to digest raw spinach.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Cheese<\/h3>\n

Many people believe that cheese causes digestive problems; however, that\u2019s only true for people who suffer from lactose intolerance. If you can tolerate dairy products, cheese<\/a> is an excellent food to incorporate into a low fiber diet for diverticulitis. All varieties of cheese contain 0 fiber, so if your body doesn\u2019t have difficulties digesting lactose, this food is a great addition to a low fiber diet. Cheese is also a good source of other important nutrients, including calcium, protein, magnesium and vitamin B12. If you are lactose intolerant and your doctor has recommended a low fiber diet, try lactose-free cheese.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Nut butter<\/h3>\n

If you have been diagnosed with diverticulitis<\/a>, you will likely be told to avoid eating nuts. Even after they have been chewed, they still remain solid until they are fully digested, and pieces can get trapped inside the diverticula and further aggravate the condition; however, nut butters usually will not compound the symptoms of diverticulitis, as the nuts are completely ground and will not get trapped in the diverticula. Nut butter is also low in fiber, making it a good option for low fiber diet. Two tablespoons of peanut butter, for example, contain just 1.9 grams of fiber.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Cantaloupe<\/h3>\n

Fruit is an important part of a well-balanced diet. Many fruits, however, have a high fiber content. That\u2019s not the case with cantaloupe. One medium-sized melon has only around 5 grams of fiber, so it\u2019s a good choice for a low fiber diet for diverticulitis, as it won\u2019t compound the symptoms of the condition. Cantaloupe<\/a> is also low in calories, has 0 cholesterol, and contains several vital nutrients, such as potassium, vitamin A, calcium, vitamin B6, iron, vitamin C and magnesium. Enjoy a serving of diced cantaloupe for breakfast, a healthy snack, or as a side dish with any meal.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. Peaches<\/h3>\n

Another fruit that you can safely consume if you have been diagnosed with diverticulitis and have been prescribed a low fiber diet is peaches<\/a>. A medium sized peach only has around 2 grams of fiber, so it won\u2019t complicate the uncomfortable symptoms that are often associated with diverticulitis. Peaches are also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium an iron; plus, they are sweet and delicious, making them a tasty snack that will satiate your sweet tooth. To make it even easier to digest this fruit, try making a smooth peach sauce that\u2019s easy on the stomach, similar to applesauce.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. Beets<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s so much to love about beets. This root vegetable is an excellent source of several vital nutrients, such as potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium and powerful antioxidants. What beets<\/a> are low in, however, is fiber; a one cup serving size has less than 4 grams of fiber, making this colorful veggie a good choice for a low fiber diet. Before consuming beets, make sure that this veggie is fully cooked until it becomes very soft, and make sure that the skin is removed. Beets can be enjoyed alone or added to several dishes.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. Butter<\/h3>\n

If you have received a diverticulitis diagnosis and you have been told that you should consume a diet that is low in fiber, there\u2019s no reason to eliminate butter<\/a> from your menu. A serving size of 1 tablespoon of butter has 0 grams of fiber, so this flavoring agent won\u2019t worsen the symptoms that you may be experiencing with diverticulitis. However, it is important to note that you should avoid eating butter in excess, as doing so could potentially cause gas and diarrhea, which are two symptoms that are often associated with diverticulitis. A single tablespoon a day is suggested.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. Carrots<\/h3>\n

Carrots<\/a> are often thought of as a veggie that is good for eyesight. There\u2019s good reason for that, as carrots contain vital nutrients that maintain the health of the eyes. However, carrots are also a great food to include in a low fiber diet for diverticulitis. A single medium sized carrot has less than 2 grams of fiber. This root veggie packs a powerful punch when it comes to important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and magnesium. Avoid raw carrots; instead, make sure they are fully cooked to avoid diverticulitis complications.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. Tomato sauce<\/h3>\n

If you love tomato sauce<\/a>, you\u2019ll be delighted to know that it\u2019s safe to eat if you are on a low fiber diet for diverticulitis. A 1 cup serving size of tomato sauce has less than 4 grams of fiber, making it easy to digest and easy on the bowels. Tomato sauce is also packed with essential nutrients, such as potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and vitamin B6. However, make sure you avoid tomato sauces that contain onion and garlic, as these ingredients can worsen the symptoms that are associated with diverticulitis.<\/p>\n\r\n

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