As you age, you may get diverticula, which are little pouches that can form in the lining of your large intestine. When you have them, its a condition called diverticulosis. Diverticulosis often doesn’t show any signs or cause any problems; you might not even be aware of the pouches being there.
But sometimes, the pouches can become inflamed or infected, which leads to a condition called diverticulitis. This can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, fever, constipation, or diarrhea.
It’s good for your digestive system to rest when you have diverticulitis. This can be done by drinking water and eating low-fiber carbohydrates.
When your diverticulitis flares up, giving your gut a break can often help ease your symptoms. For a short time, your doctor may tell you to not eat or drink anything so that your digestive system can rest and heal. This pause in eating is sometimes called a bowel rest. After this short break, your doctor may tell you to stay away from solid foods and only drink liquids for two to three days. Be sure to choose clear liquids. Some good choices include:Â.
Ice chips, gelatin (without fruit), or ice pops (as long as they don’t have fruit or pulp) are also okay to eat.
Diverticulitis is a digestive condition characterized by inflamed pouches in the colon. It can cause abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and fever. If you have diverticulitis, you may wonder if you can still enjoy oysters, a popular and nutritious seafood. Here is a complete guide on eating oysters with diverticulitis.
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis occurs when small pockets called diverticula form in the wall of the colon. When these become inflamed or infected, it results in diverticulitis. Some key facts about this condition include:
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Mainly affects the sigmoid colon, which is the part that connects the descending colon to the rectum.
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Believed to often result from a low-fiber diet, which can lead to straining during bowel movements
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Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, constipation or diarrhea.
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Main treatments involve rest, antibiotics, pain relievers, and liquid diets during flare-ups.
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After recovery, a high-fiber diet is recommended to help prevent future diverticulitis episodes.
Knowing the basics of diverticulitis helps in determining which foods like oysters may be appropriate. Always follow your doctor’s personal recommendations.
Can You Eat Oysters if You Have Diverticulitis?
The answer is yes, oysters can typically be eaten in moderation by those with diverticulitis. Oysters are low in fiber, so they do not tend to aggravate the colon during a diverticulitis flare-up. They are also high in nutrients like zinc, vitamin B12, selenium, and protein. Here are some tips on eating oysters with this condition:
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Cook oysters thoroughly to at least 145°F internal temperature. This kills any bacteria present. Avoid raw oysters.
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Remove the oyster from the shell before cooking to reduce injury risk while chewing.
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Sauté, bake, or broil oysters gently using lemon, herbs and olive oil rather than heavy breading or frying.
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Start with small 4-6 oz portions of oysters a few times per week to assess tolerance.
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Avoid oysters during an acute diverticulitis attack until symptoms subside.
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Check with your doctor if you have other conditions like diabetes or liver disease before eating raw shellfish.
As long as they are introduced slowly and cooked properly, oysters can be a tasty and nutritious addition to the diet for most with diverticulosis or diverticulitis.
Nutritional Benefits of Oysters
Incorporating oysters offers several nutritional benefits that can support the health of those with diverticulitis:
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Protein: Oysters provide 7g of complete, high-quality protein per 3-4 medium oysters to help maintain and repair tissues.
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Zinc: Oysters are the highest dietary source of zinc. Zinc aids immune function, cell growth, and wound healing.
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Iron: The iron in oysters enhances oxygen delivery and energy levels while preventing anemia.
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Vitamin B12: This vitamin found in oysters keeps nerve and blood cells healthy. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in those with diverticular disease.
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Selenium: Oysters provide selenium, a mineral with antioxidant powers that protects against inflammation and infection.
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Healthy Fats: Oysters contain omega-3 fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory.
The wide array of nutrients make oysters a great choice – in moderation – for those with diverticulitis.
Potential Risks of Eating Oysters
While oysters can be included safely in most diverticulitis diets, there are some potential risks to keep in mind:
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Bacteria: Raw oysters may contain Vibrio bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Cook oysters to avoid this risk.
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Allergies: Some people may be allergic to oysters and other shellfish. Discontinue eating if allergy symptoms develop.
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Chew Carefully: Oysters can pose a choking hazard if not thoroughly chewed. Remove from shell before eating.
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Overindulging: Eating too many oysters could lead to gas, bloating or diarrhea. Start with 4-6 oz portions.
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Triggers: Heavily breaded or fried oysters could contain trigger foods. Opt for lighter cooking methods.
With proper handling and preparation, the risks of eating oysters with diverticulitis are low for most people. Check with your doctor first before adding them to your diet.
Tips for Purchasing and Preparing Oysters
Follow these tips for choosing and preparing oysters safely when you have diverticulitis:
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Source oysters from reputable grocers and fishmongers for quality assurance.
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Select oysters that are tightly closed with intact shells. Discard any with cracks.
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Store fresh oysters in a bowl covered with a damp towel in the refrigerator. Use within 7-10 days.
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Rinse oysters under cold running water before shucking or cooking to remove grit.
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Protect your hand with a glove or towel when shucking raw oysters. Discard any with an unpleasant odor.
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Cook oysters thoroughly until their internal temperature reaches at least 145°F to kill bacteria.
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Refrigerate cooked oyster dishes and reheat to 165°F before eating any leftovers within 3-4 days.
Following safe selection, storage, and cooking guidelines reduces the risk of foodborne illness from oysters.
Alternative Seafood Options for Diverticulitis
In addition to oysters, there are other nutritious seafood options that are generally safe to eat in moderation with diverticulitis:
- Salmon
- Tilapia
- Cod
- Mahi mahi
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Lobster
- Clams
- Scallops
- Sardines
These types of seafood provide protein while being naturally low in fiber. Limit portions to 4-6 oz and be sure to cook thoroughly. Avoid heavily breaded or fried preparations. Check with your doctor about any specific dietary restrictions based on your individual case.
Oysters can be a tasty addition to the diet for most people with diverticulitis when consumed in moderation and prepared properly. Focus on thoroughly cooking oysters rather than eating raw to reduce bacteria risk. Start with small 4-6 oz portions a few times per week and avoid oysters during flare-ups until your symptoms have subsided. Check with your doctor to see if oysters are appropriate for your specific condition. With some care and planning, oysters can provide a nutritious and flavorful way for many with diverticulitis to get the benefits of seafood.
Diverticulitis Diet: What Not to Eat
When your diverticulitis is flaring up, itâs important to let your digestive system relax and heal. That means avoiding foods that are high in fiber. It’s usually a good idea to eat a lot of high-fiber foods because they are good for you in many ways. You may be able to control your symptoms better if you avoid high-fiber foods during a flare-up because they are harder to digest. Some high-fiber foods to stay away from during this time include:
- Fresh fruit, especially apples, pears, and raspberries
- Vegetables (other than canned), especially green peas and broccoli
- Beans and other legumes, such as lentils
- Whole wheat and rye bread
- Oat bran muffins
- Whole wheat pasta
- Brown rice
- Popcorn
- Pistachios
Foods like fruit, beans, and whole-grain bread are high in fiber. Fiber is harder to digest, so you should avoid these foods while youre having a diverticulitis flare-up. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty s).
Foods to Prevent DiverticulitisÂ
If you have diverticulitis and aren’t having an attack, eating a balanced diet can help keep it from happening again. Studies have shown that eating a lot of high-fiber foods can help keep you from getting diverticulosis, which can lead to diverticulitis.
Some good high-fiber choices include:
- Grains that are naturally whole, like quinoa, popcorn, 100% whole wheat bread, and bran cereal
- Beans and other legumes
- Vegetables, especially spinach and other greens, broccoli, and carrots
- Fruit, like oranges, berries, apples, and pears (but don’t peel them).
- Sunflower and pumpkin seeds
- Almonds, pistachios, and other nuts
Getting more fiber can make you gassy and bloated, so begin slowly and work your way up. Drinking plenty of water every day can help you make the transition to a high-fiber diet. Your goal for daily fiber intake depends on your sex and age:
- Women aged 50 or younger: 25 grams
- Women over 50: 21 grams
- Men aged 50 or younger: 38 grams
- Men over 50: 30 grams
Can foods trigger diverticulitis?
For many years, doctors told people with diverticulitis to avoid certain foods, including seeds, popcorn, and nuts. The reason for the warning was that these foods might get stuck in diverticula, which are holes in the lining of the intestines, and cause diverticulitis to flare up. However, there is no evidence about that being true. In fact, seeds, popcorn, and nuts are good sources of fiber, which appears to prevent these attacks. No other foods or beverages seem to trigger diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis occurs when pouches in the intestines called diverticula become infected or inflamed. Taking a break from food for a short time, giving your digestive system a break, and making some changes to your diet can help control diverticulitis symptoms. Once a diverticulitis attack is under control, eating high-fiber foods can help prevent future flare-ups.
Whats the worst thing for diverticulitis?
If youâre having a diverticulitis flare-up, eating foods that are high in fiber may make it worse. During a flare-up, you should eat low-fiber foods, which are easier than high-fiber foods to digest. Giving your digestive system a chance to rest will help ease your symptoms.
How do you calm inflamed diverticulitis?
Doctors usually say that to calm down inflamed diverticulitis, you should first stop eating and drinking for a short time and then only drink clear liquids for a few days. As your symptoms improve, you can gradually add low-fiber foods to your diet. When your diverticulitis symptoms are under control, you can resume your normal diet.
Is salad bad for diverticulitis?
Your doctor can tell you whether you can eat salad when youre having a diverticulitis flare-up. Lettuce and other salad ingredients can be high in fiber. Typically, you should stick to well-cooked or canned vegetables without skin.
Diverticulitis Diet | WebMD
FAQ
Can I eat seafood with diverticulitis?
Can you eat clams when you have diverticulitis?
Can I eat oysters with gastritis?
What foods trigger 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 I eat strawberries if I have diverticulitis?
In general, strawberry is not a food cited as causing symptoms by those who have diverticulitis, so if you don’t notice any symptoms in you, you can eat it!
Can a diet cause diverticulitis?
No specific foods are known to trigger bouts of diverticulitis symptoms, also called attacks. And no special diet has been proved to prevent attacks. With diverticulitis, irregular bulging pouches in the wall of the large intestine become inflamed. That can cause symptoms such as pain in the stomach area, fever and changes in stool.
What should I eat if my diverticulitis is flaring up?
When your diverticulitis is flaring up, it’s important to let your digestive system relax and heal. That means avoiding foods that are high in fiber. Normally, it’s a good idea to include plenty of high-fiber foods in your diet, as they have many health benefits.