Q. High-fiber Diet for diverticular disease?

For mild symptoms, a clear liquid diet is recommended. More serious cases may require hospitalization, intravenous feeding to rest the bowel, and intravenous antibiotics. Eating a high-fiber diet and taking psyllium supplement are beneficial. Maintain overall nutrition. Some important aspects, which need to be taken care of, include:

Population based studies suggest that eating a high-fiber diet helps prevent diverticular disease and other gastrointestinal disorders. A review of such studies reports that vegetarians are less likely to have diverticular disease, most likely because they tend to eat more fiber. Lower intake of protein such as red meat and milk products can reduce the risk of diverticulosis. Fibre supplements could improve constipation. One can give 1-2 tablespoons of wheat bran daily or isabgol. Also, remember that an amount of 15-20 g/day of crude fibre and 30-60 g/day of dietary fibre should be given.