From the Guidelines
Individuals with diverticulosis can generally eat foods containing seeds, as current medical evidence does not support the restriction of seeds, nuts, or popcorn. The old recommendation to avoid these items was based on the theoretical concern that they might get trapped in diverticula and cause inflammation or infection (diverticulitis) 1. However, a recent study found that consuming fruits with small seeds, such as strawberries and blueberries, is not associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis 1. In fact, a prudent dietary pattern high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, and low in red meat and sweets, is associated with a decreased risk of incident diverticulitis 1.
Some key points to consider:
- A high-fiber diet that includes seeds can help promote regular bowel movements and may prevent complications 1
- Nut, corn, and popcorn consumption is not associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis 1
- If you notice that certain foods consistently trigger symptoms for you personally, it would be reasonable to avoid those specific items
- Always stay well-hydrated when increasing fiber intake to help prevent constipation
- If you experience symptoms like severe abdominal pain, fever, or changes in bowel habits, seek medical attention regardless of your diet 1
It's essential to follow a high-quality diet and stay hydrated to manage diverticulosis and prevent complications. The American Gastroenterological Association suggests against routinely advising patients with a history of acute diverticulitis to avoid consumption of seeds, nuts, and popcorn 1.
From the Research
Foods with Seeds and Diverticulosis
- There is no evidence to suggest that individuals with diverticulosis should avoid eating foods that contain seeds, as this may not increase the risk of complications 2, 3, 4.
- In fact, some studies have found that consuming nuts, corn, and popcorn may have a protective effect against diverticulitis 2, 4.
- A high-fiber diet is often recommended for individuals with diverticulosis, but the evidence for its effectiveness in preventing diverticulitis is limited 5, 4, 6.
- Some studies have found that a high-fiber diet may not reduce the risk of asymptomatic diverticulosis, and may even be associated with a greater prevalence of diverticulosis 6.
- The current evidence suggests that the recommendation to avoid foods with seeds, such as nuts, corn, and popcorn, to prevent diverticular complications should be reconsidered 2, 3, 4.
Key Findings
- No associations were seen between corn consumption and diverticulitis or between nut, corn, or popcorn consumption and diverticular bleeding or uncomplicated diverticulosis 2.
- Dietary fiber supplementation has been advocated to prevent diverticula formation and recurrence of symptomatic diverticulosis, although this is based mostly on low-quality observational studies 3.
- A high intake of red meat and a low intake of dietary fiber were found to be associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis 5.
- Eating nuts, corn, and popcorn does not increase the risk of diverticulitis, and may have a protective effect 2, 4.