Avoiding Future Flare Ups
After a case of diverticulitis has passed, you will be able to move back to a diet of solid foods that includes fiber-rich foods. Slowly increase the fiber you eat to the recommended 25-35 grams a day. Following a high fiber diet will help you prevent future flare ups, but you need to also limit alcohol and fried food consumption.
You can also work to repopulate your gut with healthy bacteria by eating foods rich in probiotics and taking a prebiotic supplement once in a while. Additionally, you should talk to your doctor about using a multivitamin supplement to tackle any nutritional deficiencies that could potentially be affecting the absorption rate of nutrients.
Overall, you will need to make a few lifestyle changes that include:
• Limiting fatty foods
• Reducing intake of red meats and deli meats
• Quitting tobacco smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight and getting plenty of exercise
• Responding quickly to bowel urges
• Limiting usage of NSAIDs
• Eating a high-fiber diet whenever diverticulitis symptoms are not present
• Drinking up to 12 glasses of water daily.
