is salmon good for diverticulitis

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Can Salmon Be Part of a Healthy Diverticulitis Diet?

Diverticulitis is a digestive condition where small pouches called diverticula form in the lining of the colon. When these pouches become inflamed, it results in the condition known as diverticulitis. Symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation fever, nausea and vomiting often occur. Dietary modifications are frequently recommended to help manage diverticulitis flares and prevent future episodes. This leads many diverticulitis patients to wonder is salmon a good option for a diverticulitis diet?

Below we’ll explore the benefits of salmon for diverticulitis and how to incorporate it into a healing meal plan

An Overview of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis develops when diverticula in the colon become infected or inflamed. Stool can get trapped within the pouches, allowing bacteria to multiply and cause infection. Diverticulitis ranges from mild (uncomplicated) to severe (complicated).

Uncomplicated symptoms may include:

  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Fever and chills
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting

With complicated diverticulitis, symptoms are more severe:

  • High fever
  • Intense abdominal pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Abscesses or perforations

Treatment involves antibiotics, bowel rest, and a liquid diet. After acute symptoms resolve, dietary modifications can help prevent future occurrences.

The Benefits of Salmon for a Diverticulitis Diet

During a flare-up, a low fiber, low residue diet is recommended to rest the colon. Raw produce, whole grains, seeds, nuts and legumes are limited. However, salmon and other fish/seafood are excellent choices for a number of reasons:

  • Salmon is naturally low in fiber, limiting irritation of the colon.
  • It provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s to help reduce intestinal inflammation.
  • It contains protein for tissue repair without excess bulk.
  • It’s easily digested and low residue.
  • It supplies nutrients like vitamin D, B12, selenium and zinc.

Other fish like tuna, tilapia, crab and shrimp are great low-fiber options as well. Opt for simple cooking methods like baking, broiling or poaching. Canned salmon and tuna can provide an easy source of protein too.

Sample Diverticulitis Diet Meals with Salmon

Here are some meal ideas featuring salmon to provide nutrition without flare-up triggers:

Breakfast:

  • Smoked salmon and avocado toast
  • Poached eggs with smoked salmon
  • Yogurt, berries and slivered almonds

Lunch:

  • Salmon salad sandwich with lettuce on white bread
  • Salmon burger on a whole wheat bun
  • Cobb salad with salmon

Dinner:

  • Baked salmon with cauliflower rice and steamed carrots
  • Blackened salmon tacos with sautéed zucchini
  • Salmon sheet pan dinner with potatoes and green beans

Snacks:

  • Smoked salmon roll-ups with cream cheese
  • Lox style salmon with capers on rice cakes
  • Salmon and whole wheat crackers

Long-Term Diverticulitis Prevention Diet

While a low-fiber diet can help manage acute symptoms, a high fiber diet is recommended long-term to prevent future diverticulitis episodes. Aim for 25-35 grams of daily fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes. Salmon is a great source of anti-inflammatory omega-3s for a high-fiber diverticulitis diet.

Other high fiber foods to emphasize include:

  • Fruits: apples, berries, pears, oranges
  • Vegetables: broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes
  • Whole grains: oats, brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat pasta
  • Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, beans
  • Nuts/Seeds: almonds, walnuts, chia, flaxseeds

Drink plenty of fluids and stay active as part of your lifestyle. Limit intake of red meat and processed foods associated with diverticulitis risk. Speak with your doctor before making major diet changes.

The Bottom Line

Salmon can be a nutritious addition to a diverticulitis diet. Its anti-inflammatory fats, protein content and micronutrients support healing and recovery. During flare-ups, opt for simple, low fiber preparation methods. Long-term, include salmon as part of an overall high fiber diet to prevent recurrent diverticulitis. Salmon combined with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes can help nourish and optimize health.

is salmon good for diverticulitis

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What Foods Trigger Diverticulitis?

FAQ

Is salmon okay for diverticulosis?

Strate coauthored two recent human studies related to vitamin D and diverticulitis risk. Results of both studies suggest having adequate vitamin D levels might help reduce risk of diverticulitis. Your doctor can test your blood levels of vitamin D. Top food sources of vitamin D include salmon, fortified milk and eggs.

Is salmon good for colon?

In fact, a research team from Vanderbilt University found out that women who eat three servings of fish per week reduced their risk of developing colon polyps at around 33 percent. Your best picks would be baked or smoked salmon, tuna and sardines as they are also rich in vitamin D and calcium.

What kind of meat can you eat with diverticulitis?

But people experiencing a flare-up may be better off avoiding high fiber foods. Limiting red and processed meat may also reduce risk and symptoms. Replacing them with poultry, fish, and plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes may be a sensible approach.

Which fish should I eat if I have diverticulitis?

Flounder, salmon, crappie, or bass? Whichever you prefer is fine because all fish species are fiber-free, not to mention tasty! A study in 2013 found that those with the lowest Vitamin D levels were significantly more likely to develop a diverticulitis flare up.

What foods can help heal diverticulosis?

Foods that can help heal diverticulosis are the ones low in fiber, such as: canned or cooked fruit without seeds or skin, such as applesauce and melon, canned or well cooked vegetables without seeds and skin, dairy products such as cheese, milk and yogurt, eggs, meat that is ground or tender and well cooked, pasta, white bread and white rice.

Can a healthy diet reduce diverticulitis risk?

The researchers found that a reduced risk of diverticulitis may be associated with an anti-inflammatory diet that includes higher amounts of leafy green vegetables, dark yellow vegetables, coffee, and tea, and lower amounts of red meat, processed meat, refined grains, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

What fruits are good for diverticulitis?

Fresh fruits, like apples and pears, have the most fiber when eaten with the skin. However, if you’re having symptoms of diverticulitis, look for lower-fiber options, like applesauce. Bananas are another good source of fruit fiber. They also have a lot of potassium and can be especially helpful if you’re recovering from a stomach upset.

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