Prevention

A high-fiber diet is the mainstay of diverticulosis and diverticulitis prevention.

• Starting a high-fiber diet may not make the diverticula a patient has go away, but it will decrease the risk of complications and the accompanying symptoms.
  
  
• Foods high in fiber include whole-grain cereals and breads, fruits (apples, berries, peaches, pears), vegetables (squash, broccoli, cabbage, and spinach), and dried beans, peas, and lentils.
  
  
• Drinking plenty of fluids will also help the stool stay soft and pass quickly, decreasing the risk for diverticulosis.
  
  
In the past, those with diverticulosis or diverticulitis were advised to avoid nuts, corn, and popcorn. However, a 2008 study from The Journal of the American Medical Association found these foods may actually lower risk of the condition because of their high fiber content. Consult a  health care practitioner for their dietary recommendations.

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Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

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The symptoms of diverticulitis (diverticulosis) can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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