An important thing to do during a flare-up is to reduce inflammation. When you’re not in a flare-up, it’s also important to have a preventative nutrition plan in place.
A diagnosis of diverticular disease might bring up a lot of questions and concerns. What can you eat? Should you stay away from certain foods? Will your symptoms go away on their own, or will you always feel this way?
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Searching for answers can be just as confusing. What is the real difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis? There is a lot of false information out there.
Anna Taylor, RD, LD, a registered dietitian, says that when you have diverticulitis, you should focus your diet on lowering inflammation and making your symptoms less severe. When you’re not having a flare-up, you should also work on making an eating plan that works for you and your digestive tract.
There was some confusion about how to treat both parts of diverticular disease. Taylor clears it up and tells you what foods you may or may not want to eat if you have these conditions.
Diverticulitis is a digestive condition that affects the large intestine causing small pouches called diverticula to form in the colon wall. When these pouches become inflamed or infected it results in the condition known as diverticulitis which can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, fever and other uncomfortable symptoms. Many people with diverticulitis wonder if they can include shrimp in their diet. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits and risks of eating shrimp with diverticulitis.
Before diving into whether shrimp is safe to eat let’s first look at the basics of diverticulitis. Diverticula are small bulges that can develop in the lining of the colon as we age. It’s estimated that more than half of people over age 60 have diverticula. However, only about 20% of those with diverticula will go on to develop diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula become inflamed or infected, often due to a combination of factors like diet, constipation, obesity and lack of exercise. Common symptoms include:
- Left lower abdominal pain
- Bloating and cramps
- Constipation and/or diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Nausea or vomiting
There are a few theories about what causes the initial pouches to form. Some experts believe a low fiber diet that leads to constipation and straining may increase pressure in the colon, causing weak spots in the lining. Genetics, lack of exercise, smoking and obesity are other potential risk factors.
Diverticulitis is typically diagnosed based on symptoms, medical history and imaging tests. Mild cases can often be treated at home with rest, antibiotics and a liquid diet to give the colon time to heal. However, severe cases may require hospitalization and possibly surgery.
Benefits of Eating Shrimp with Diverticulitis
Now that we’ve covered the basics of diverticulitis, let’s look at the benefits of adding shrimp to your diet. Here are some reasons shrimp can be a smart choice:
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Excellent source of protein. A 3-ounce serving of shrimp provides over 20 grams of protein. Protein provides steady energy, helps maintain muscle mass and may aid healing.
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Contains anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Shrimp is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. Reducing inflammation is key for diverticulitis recovery.
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Low in fiber. Shrimp is very low in fiber, containing less than 1 gram per serving. Limiting high fiber foods is recommended during diverticulitis flares to give the colon time to rest and heal.
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Rich in various nutrients. Shrimp delivers a variety of vitamins and minerals like selenium, vitamin B12, zinc and iron that support overall health.
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Easy to digest. Since shrimp is low in fat and fiber, it is relatively easy on the digestive system compared to other animal proteins.
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Delicious source of variety. Incorporating shrimp can add delicious variety to a low fiber, low residue diet for diverticulitis. It can be prepared in many simple, flavorful ways.
Potential Risks of Eating Shrimp
While shrimp offers some excellent nutrition for diverticulitis, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
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High sodium content. Shrimp sold frozen or canned can be very high in added sodium. Limiting salt intake helps reduce bloating.
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Possibility of shellfish allergy. Allergies to shellfish like shrimp are one of the most common food allergies. If you have a shellfish allergy, shrimp should be completely avoided.
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Risk of contamination. Raw or undercooked shrimp may contain bacteria or parasites. Always cook shrimp thoroughly when preparing at home.
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High cholesterol. Shrimp is high in dietary cholesterol, with about 170 mg per 3-ounce serving. People with high cholesterol may want to enjoy shrimp in moderation.
Tips for Incorporating Shrimp Into a Diverticulitis Diet
If you don’t have a shellfish allergy and want to include shrimp in your diverticulitis diet, here are some tips:
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Introduce it gradually after acute symptoms subside to see how your body responds. Start with small servings like 2-3 ounces.
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Opt for wild caught shrimp over farm raised when possible. Wild shrimp tend to be lower in contaminants.
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Cook shrimp thoroughly until opaque in the center. Grilling, sautéing, boiling or steaming are healthy cooking methods.
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Avoid breaded or fried shrimp which can be hard to digest. Instead flavor shrimp with herbs, spices, citrus and healthy fats like olive oil.
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Be mindful of portions. Limit shrimp to 4-6 ounces per serving and avoid overdoing it.
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Balance shrimp with plenty of gut-friendly foods like non-starchy veggies, broths, yogurt, kefir and lean poultry.
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Pay attention to your response. If shrimp seems to increase bloating, abdominal pain or other symptoms, avoid it until you’re fully recovered.
Sample Menu With Shrimp for Diverticulitis
Here is a sample one day menu incorporating shrimp for someone following a low fiber, low residue diet for diverticulitis:
Breakfast:
- Scrambled eggs with spinach and feta cheese
- Banana sliced into yogurt
Lunch:
- Chicken noodle soup
- Toasted white bread with 2 Tbsp peanut butter
- Iced herbal tea
Dinner:
- 4 oz grilled shrimp skewers seasoned with lemon juice, garlic and thyme
- 1/2 cup white rice
- Roasted zucchini and carrots
- Greek yogurt with blueberries
Snacks:
- Smoothie made with yogurt, milk, honey and pineapple
- Cottage cheese with peach slices
This provides a balance of nutritious low fiber foods including lean protein, dairy, fruits and veggies. The grilled shrimp offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Avoiding raw produce, skins, seeds and high fiber whole grains helps ease digestion.
The Bottom Line
Most people with well-managed diverticulitis can enjoy shrimp in moderation as part of a balanced low residue diet, especially during diverticulitis remission. Shrimp provides high quality protein, omega-3s and key nutrients. Just be sure to introduce it gradually, cook it thoroughly and limit sodium, cholesterol and portions. Pay attention to your personal tolerance. With a little care and planning, shrimp can be a tasty addition to your diverticulitis diet.
Low-fiber diet for diverticulitis
For milder cases of diverticulitis flares, eat a low-fiber or GI soft diet. A low-fiber diet limits fiber intake to between 8 and 12 grams of fiber, depending on the severity of the flare-up.
Good low-fiber food options include:
- Grains: White potato and bread lovers, rejoice! These, along with white rice and crackers, are good low-fiber choices.
- Low-fiber starches: Get your peeler out. Potatoes without skin can be on the menu. Mash, roast or bake them. Some low-fiber cereals, like cornflakes and puffed rice cereal, also get high marks.
- Eggs and egg whites, tofu, meat or seafood, and eggs are all good sources of protein. If you want it to be soft, Taylor says to use shredded chicken, lean ground turkey, or soft-baked fish.
- Fruits: Use caution, as fruits have lots of fiber. Fruits like peaches or pears in a can, applesauce, ripe bananas, and soft, ripe cantaloupe and honeydew are all good choices. Taylor makes it clear, “It’s not a lot of fiber because you’re not eating the skin.” If you have an inflamed diverticulum, the skins contain insoluble fiber that can make it worse. ”.
- Dairy: “If you’re getting better after an episode, cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are great.” They have a lot of protein, calcium, and other good things for you, but no fiber, says Taylor. “They’re also soft and wet, and it’s easier to get them off when you’re sick.” ” You can also have milk and cheese.
Foods to avoid with diverticulitis include high-fiber options such as:
- Whole grains.
- Fruits and vegetables with the skin and seeds.
- Nuts and seeds.
- Beans.
- Popcorn.
You’ll want to follow this low-fiber diet until your diverticulitis symptoms subside. “Usually, someone starts to improve after several days of being on antibiotics,” Taylor says.
If you do, your doctor will have you slowly increase the amount of fiber you eat over a few days to a few weeks to avoid constipation and bloating.
Her goal is to get back to a high-fiber diet so that you have a lower chance of getting diverticulitis again. “But if you’re not feeling better within a few days, talk to your provider. ”.
Dietary differences between diverticulosis and diverticulitis
When you have diverticulosis, little pouches or pockets form on the inside lining of your intestines and your colon. These pockets, called diverticula, are relatively harmless on their own. You can think of them as freckles or skin tags. They’re usually not a problem unless they get irritated or infected — and when this happens, it’s called diverticulitis.
Getting these pockets infected or hurt can make inflammation build up inside them, which can then spread to other parts of your colon. During these flare-ups, you’ll likely experience:
- Abdominal cramping.
- Pain or tenderness in the area.
- Swelling.
- Bloating.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
It’s possible to have diverticulosis without ever developing diverticulitis. When you have diverticulosis, the best way to stop flare-ups is to make sure that your diet doesn’t add to your pain or inflammation. When you have a diverticulitis flare-up, you should change what you eat to make your symptoms less severe and give your intestines time to heal.
How To Treat Diverticulitis – NEW DATA
FAQ
Can I eat seafood with diverticulitis?
Are shrimp easy to digest?
What should I eat if I’m having a flare-up of diverticulitis?
Can you eat food if you have diverticulitis?
Doctors used to recommend a low fiber, clear liquid diet during diverticulitis flare-ups. However, some experts no longer believe that you have to avoid certain foods when you have diverticulosis or diverticulitis. That said, management of diverticulitis depends on the person. Some people may find that avoiding certain food helps.
Can one eat mushrooms if they have diverticulitis?
Mushrooms are high in fiber and can be difficult to digest, which can exacerbate diverticulitis symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid mushrooms during an attack of diverticulitis. However, after the crisis has passed and the diet has progressed to solid foods, it is possible to reintroduce mushrooms into the diet in moderate amounts and observe how the body reacts.
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.
Can a low-FODMAP diet help people with diverticulitis?
The low-FODMAP diet was developed to help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, some experts suggest that it may help people with diverticulitis by decreasing or preventing high pressure in the colon. FODMAPs are in foods such as: