The goal of this review is to find out how eating habits affect the chances of getting colonic diverticulosis, diverticular disease, and acute diverticulitis.
New research shows that a high-fiber diet does not stop diverticulosis from happening. Also, there are still mixed results about how to prevent and treat diverticular disease and acute diverticulitis. There was no link between eating nuts, corn, or popcorn and getting diverticulosis, diverticular disease, or acute diverticulitis. There is a weak link between drinking a lot of alcohol and getting diverticulosis. On the other hand, people who are dependent on alcohol seem to have a lower risk of dying in the hospital from acute diverticulitis. A mildly higher risk of acute diverticulitis is linked to eating more red meat, especially unprocessed red meat like beef or lamb as a main dish, pork as a main dish, or hamburgers with beef, pork, or lamb as a sandwich or mixed dish. A higher risk is also linked to eating more poultry (viz. white meat) was not associated with risk of acute diverticulitis. Lastly, eating more fish was linked to a lower risk of diverticulitis in the age-adjusted model, but not after other possible confounders were taken into account.
There are still too many different kinds of conflicting information in the literature about how diet affects the development of colonic diverticulosis, diverticular disease, and acute diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis can be an extremely painful and disruptive condition, often leaving sufferers confused about what they can and can’t eat. Pork is one food that frequently comes up in questions about diverticulitis diets In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about eating pork with diverticulitis
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches or sacs called diverticula form in the wall of the colon. These diverticula are very common, affecting over half of all people over age 60 The condition is called diverticulosis when the pouches are present but not inflamed. However, about 20% of people with diverticulosis will go on to develop diverticulitis
Diverticulitis happens when the diverticula become inflamed or infected, leading to symptoms like:
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Change in bowel habits
The inflammation usually occurs because stool or bacteria become trapped in the diverticula, Diverticulitis ranges in severity from mild to life-threatening Treatment focuses on clearing up the infection and inflammation with antibiotics and adjusting your diet
Why Diet Matters for Diverticulitis
Diet is a very important part of both treating diverticulitis flare-ups and keeping them from happening again. If you have an inflamed or infected diverticulum, you should eat less fiber to give your colon a break. High fiber foods can irritate the sensitive pockets.
However, fiber also helps prevent the formation of diverticula to begin with. When you don’t eat enough fiber, your stools get smaller, harder, and need more force to pass. This pressure causes pouches in the colon.
That’s why when you’re not having a flare-up, a high fiber diet is recommended to reduce your chances of developing diverticulitis. The increased fiber keeps stools soft and prevents straining.
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During a flare-up: Follow a low fiber diet
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In between flare-ups: Eat a high fiber diet
This switch between low and high fiber is one of the most confusing aspects of eating for diverticulitis. Next, we’ll cover specific guidelines for low and high fiber diets.
Low Fiber Diet for Diverticulitis Flare-Ups
When you’re experiencing a diverticulitis flare-up, the goal is to limit fiber intake to give your colon a rest. Here are the key low fiber diet guidelines:
- Total fiber intake: 8-12 grams per day
- Grains: White bread, pasta, rice, crackers
- Fruits & Veggies: Canned or cooked without skins or seeds
- Proteins: Soft, tender meats like eggs, tofu, ground meat, canned fish
- Avoid: Whole grains, raw fruits/veggies, nuts, seeds, popcorn
In severe flare-ups, a clear liquid diet may be necessary for 1-2 days. This provides trace amounts of fiber while allowing the colon to rest.
Follow the low fiber diet until your symptoms have resolved completely, as directed by your doctor. Then slowly reintroduce high fiber foods over several weeks. Moving too fast can shock your system and cause painful cramping or bloating. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids as you transition back to high fiber.
High Fiber Diet for Diverticulosis Prevention
When you’re in a period of remission between flare-ups, the goal is to eat a high fiber diet to prevent future episodes of diverticulitis. Guidelines include:
- Total Fiber Intake: 25-35 grams per day
- Focus on: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts
- Also important: Drink lots of fluids, exercise regularly, limit processed meats
Aim to include a wide variety of plant foods and make high fiber choices whenever possible. Slowly increase fiber intake to allow your body time to adjust without discomfort. Monitor for any problematic symptoms and adjust your diet as needed.
Can You Eat Pork with Diverticulitis?
Now that we’ve covered the basics of fiber intake, let’s focus on the specific question of whether pork is allowed on either a low or high fiber diverticulitis diet.
During a flare-up, pork is permitted on a low fiber diet, though it’s best to choose tender, soft cuts like:
- Boneless pork chops
- Shredded or ground pork
- Canned pork
Avoid tough, chewy cuts of pork during this phase.
In between flare-ups, fresh pork can be included as part of a high fiber diet. However, you’ll want to limit cured or processed pork products like:
- Ham
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Hot dogs
- Deli meats
These items are often high in fat and salt, both of which can aggravate diverticulitis symptoms. Some research has linked frequent processed meat consumption to higher diverticulitis risk as well.
- Low fiber diet: Yes to soft, tender pork cuts
- High fiber diet: Yes to fresh pork, limit processed pork
Pay close attention to your individual tolerance, as pork is still an animal protein that may cause mild GI upset. You can try limiting portion sizes and not eating it daily to see if that helps.
Other Tips for Eating Pork with Diverticulosis
If you find you tolerate pork well and want to keep it in your diverticulosis prevention diet, here are some additional tips:
- Choose lean cuts to limit fat, which can be hard to digest
- Opt for high quality, organic, antibiotic-free pork when possible
- Prepare pork using gentle cooking methods like baking, grilling, or roasting
- Avoid deep frying, charring, smoking, or other cooking methods that make pork tough
- Consume pork along with high fiber foods like vegetables or whole grains
- Stay hydrated and aim for at least 25-35 grams fiber daily
- Listen to your body – if pork seems to trigger symptoms, avoid it
While fresh, high quality pork can be part of a balanced diverticulosis diet for many people, pay attention to your individual experience. Eliminate any foods that seem to provoke flare-ups or digestive discomfort.
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During flare-ups, stick to tender, soft pork cuts as part of a low fiber diet
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Between flare-ups, fresh, lean pork can be included as part of a high fiber diet, but limit processed pork
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Prepare pork gently using methods like baking, grilling, roasting
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Eliminate pork if you notice it triggers your diverticulitis symptoms
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Focus on getting sufficient fiber from plants like vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains
The key is tuning in to your own digestive tolerance and being willing to modify your diet as needed. Diverticulitis diets need to be personalized, so stay flexible. With the right dietary adjustments, many people find they can enjoy some pork without issue.
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Can you eat red meat with diverticulitis?
FAQ
What kind of meat can you eat with diverticulitis?
Does pork irritate diverticulitis?
Can I eat bacon with diverticulitis?
Can you eat meat if you have diverticulitis?
Meat and poultry are low-fiber foods that are among the safe ones to eat when you are dealing with a diverticulitis flare-up. However, a high red meat diet might not be good if you don’t already have diverticulitis and don’t want to develop it. What Is Diverticulitis?
Can one eat dairy when they have diverticulitis?
During diverticulitis, it is important to include cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, as they are high in protein, calcium and other nutrients and do not have any fiber, if you chose to consume dairy. Foods to avoid during diverticulitis are whole grains, fruits, and vegetables with the skin and seeds, nuts and seeds, beans, and popcorn.
Can you eat a healthy diet if you have diverticulosis?
The good news is your food choices can make a difference. “Although there is not one specific diverticulosis diet, a healthy diet full of fiber-rich foods can help lower that risk,” Cater says. Cater says people with diverticulosis can benefit from eating fiber-rich foods, including: Go slow at first.
Does eating steak make diverticulitis worse?
Diverticulitis is debilitating, so it’s important that your diet won’t make it worse. If you enjoy steak or a cooked breakfast, you’ll want to know if there’s an issue with red meat and diverticulitis or bacon and diverticulitis, for example. The answer seems to be: “It’s complicated.”