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Diverticular disease is a very common condition and the advice on diverticulitis has changed significantly over the past 10 years.
Firstly, what is diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches that form in the wall of the large intestine become inflamed or infected.
It is a very common condition as we get older, especially after age 50, which can develop from a combination of factors.
As we age, the bowel wall naturally becomes weaker over time.
Having a low-fibre diet over many years contributes to increased pressure on the colon.
Some people are more prone to the condition due to genetics.
Lack of physical activity and obesity puts an increased risk of developing diverticulitis.
Smoking increases the risk of diverticulitis.
The exact trigger is unknown, but it is generally considered that it is from changes in the gut microbiome (ie the bacteria living in the intestine) may play a role. It could be from tiny tears in the lining of the diverticulum or stool becoming trapped that leads to inflammation or infection.
The symptoms of diverticulitis are pain in the left side of the abdomen, nausea, fever, constipation or diarrhoea, bloating and a tender abdomen.
There are no guaranteed ways to prevent diverticulitis, but evidence suggests eating a high-fibre diet (whole grains, oats, fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds), drinking enough fluids, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking may help reduce risk.
Therefore it is very reassuring that foods like oats, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are generally considered healthy sources of fibre and nutrients for people with diverticular disease when they are not experiencing an active flare-up.
Simplyseedz porridge contains ingredients such as pumpkin and sunflower seeds, along with oats. For most people with diverticular disease who are not experiencing an active attack, this combination is actually a good source of fibre and can fit well within dietary recommendations.
