Can You Eat Canned Tuna With Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a digestive condition characterized by inflamed pouches called diverticula that form in the wall of the colon Symptoms of diverticulitis can include abdominal pain, fever, nausea and changes in bowel habits Diet and nutrition play an important role in managing this condition. So can canned tuna be part of an optimal diverticulitis diet? Let’s take a detailed look.

What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis develops when diverticula in the colon become inflamed or infected. Diverticula are small boxes that stick out. They can form when weak spots in the colonic wall push outward.

A low-fiber diet often causes this condition because it makes you constipated and increases the pressure you feel when you go to the bathroom. The excessive pressure causes the colon lining to herniate outward, forming diverticula.

Diverticulitis symptoms include:

• Left lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea

There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Both are important for preventing diverticulitis. Soluble fiber helps absorb water to soften stool while insoluble fiber adds bulk.

Treatment for diverticulitis usually involves a liquid diet, antibiotics and rest. Maintaining a high-fiber diet and healthy weight are key for managing this condition long-term.

Is Canned Tuna Allowed on a Diverticulitis Diet?

Canned tuna can be incorporated into a diet for diverticulitis. Tuna itself does not contain fiber, but it offers protein, omega-3 fatty acids and important micronutrients.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends limiting red meat intake and emphasizing poultry, fish and plant-based proteins on a diverticulosis diet. Tuna falls into the fish protein category, making it a suitable choice.

When diverticulitis flares up, a low fiber or liquid diet is often recommended for a few days to rest the colon. During this acute phase, tuna can still be consumed since it is low in fiber and easy to digest.

Just be sure to avoid any tuna packaged with high fat sauces or oils And stick to other low fiber foods like eggs, white rice or bread when pairing it with meals.

Once symptoms resolve, a high fiber diet containing at least 25-30 grams daily is recommended to prevent future diverticulitis episodes. At this stage, tuna can be partnered with high fiber sides like salads, roasted vegetables or brown rice.

Choosing the Best Canned Tuna for Diverticulitis

To choose tuna that fits into a diverticulitis diet, read labels and aim for:

• Packed in water – Avoid oil packed options
• Low sodium – Excess sodium can promote inflammation
• Minimal ingredients – No flavorings or preservatives
• Wild caught – Superior nutrient profile
• Light tuna – Lower mercury levels

Also consider whether the tuna was sustainably caught if the environmental impact is important to you.

Many tuna brands high in sodium, artificial ingredients and undesirable oils do not properly align with an anti-inflammatory diverticulitis diet. But healthy options are available with a little label reading.

Incorporating Canned Tuna into a Flare-Up Diet

During a bout of active diverticulitis, the diet should focus on providing nutrition without overtaxing the colon. Here are some tips for including tuna:

• Make tuna salad with mashed avocado instead of mayo for added nutrition without fiber.

• Pair cooked white rice with simple grilled or baked tuna steaks. Rice absorbs liquid to help firm up stool.

• Add shredded or liquid tuna to clear broth soups with saltines for electrolytes.

• Mix tuna with apple sauce rather than raw vegetables and fruits to avoid fiber.

• Use tuna in place of deli meat for sandwiches on white bread.

Focus on low fiber grains, lean proteins and well-cooked, peeled vegetables during this phase. Avoid skins, seeds and raw fruits and veggies until the flare-up resolves.

Transitioning to a High Fiber Diverticulitis Diet

Once symptoms have subsided, gradually increase dietary fiber to 25-30 grams daily from foods like:

• Whole grains and cereals
• Legumes, nuts and seeds
• Fruits and vegetables with skins on
• Bran products

To optimize the nutritional value of tuna and add fiber, incorporate it into meals like:

• Tuna avocado salad wrap with spinach in a whole wheat tortilla
• Tuna salad over mixed greens, beans and roasted veggies
• Grilled tuna steak with quinoa pilaf and sautéed greens
• Tuna noodle casserole with whole wheat pasta and peas
• Tuna melt on 100% whole grain bread with tomato soup

Take care to chew these high fiber foods very thoroughly to allow for proper digestion. Also drink plenty of fluids to help move fiber comfortably through the colon.

General Diet Tips for Managing Diverticulitis

Aside from modifying fiber intake at different stages, there are other important diet strategies for keeping diverticulitis in check:

• Stay hydrated with water and herbal tea
• Limit red meat to reduce inflammation
• Choose healthy fats like avocado, olive oil and nuts
• Reduce processed foods, sugar and refined grains
• Avoid alcohol and quit smoking if needed
• Maintain a healthy weight

A balanced diet focused on whole foods is key for preventing diverticulitis recurrences. Work with a registered dietitian to devise a personalized nutrition plan if needed.

Nutritional Benefits of Canned Tuna

Canned tuna provides a number of important vitamins, minerals and nutrients:

• Protein – High quality protein helps maintain and repair tissues. Tuna packs over 20 grams per 3 ounce serving.

• Omega-3s – Essential fatty acids EPA and DHA promote brain function and heart health. Light tuna has about 200 mg per serving while albacore has around 500 mg.

• Selenium – This antioxidant mineral supports thyroid health and immune function. Just 3 ounces of tuna offers over 80% of the RDI.

• Vitamin D – Tuna is one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D, which regulates calcium absorption.

• Vitamin B12 – Necessary for neurological function and red blood cell formation. A 3 ounce serving of tuna provides over 150% of the RDI for B12.

• Phosphorus – This mineral supports bone health and kidney function. Tuna contains about 20% of the RDI per serving.

For a low fiber choice, tuna offers high quality nutrition to aid healing during a diverticulitis flare-up. It also provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s to help manage this condition.

Potential Concerns with Canned Tuna

While tuna can be part of a diverticulitis diet, there are some potential downsides to consider:

• Mercury content – Larger fish accumulate more mercury. Albacore tuna has higher mercury levels than lighter tuna.

• Sodium content – Many canned tuna products are very high in sodium, which should be limited with diverticulitis.

• BPA exposure – Some tuna can linings may contain BPA, a chemical that can disrupt hormones.

• High histamine – Canned tuna tends to be higher in histamines than fresh fish, which may bother some people.

To reduce these risks, choose low sodium, wild caught light tuna and limit intake to a few times per week. Talk to your doctor about safe consumption amounts based on your health status.

Sample Meal Plan with Canned Tuna

Here is a simple sample meal plan incorporating canned tuna into a low fiber diverticulitis diet:

Breakfast:

• Scrambled eggs
• White toast with jam
• Peach slices
• Herbal tea

Lunch:

• Tuna salad sandwich on white bread
• Cantaloupe slices
• Iced tea

Dinner:

• Baked chicken breast
• White rice
• Steamed carrots
• Water

Snack:

• Canned tuna mixed with cottage cheese
• Saltine crackers

Aim for low fiber grains, lean proteins and well-cooked fruits and vegetables. This sample provides foods that are gentle on an irritated colon while providing adequate nutrition.

Is Canned Tuna a Good Choice with Diverticulitis?

Canned tuna can be incorporated into a healing or maintenance diet for diverticulitis. During symptom flare-ups, stick to low fiber, easy to digest options and pair tuna with suitable sides.

Once symptoms improve, gradually increase fiber intake while continuing to include tuna for its anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Just be mindful of sodium content, mercury levels and any other dietary sensitivities.

Overall, tuna is a protein source that fits into a nutritious diverticulitis diet when combined with the right foods for your current condition state. Work with a medical professional to develop the best personalized meal plan for your needs.