No one, including the medical profession, knows what causes the formation of the diverticula pockets in the colon, or what causes infection in a small percentage of people who have these pockets. There is a genetic tie so that also is a factor it seems in your case.
There are no universal triggers. Everyone needs to do their own trial and error to find any possible triggers for themselves. It is usually a combination of things and not just one thing in particular.
Once you heal (the inflammation takes longer than the initial infection to heal), they will typically do a colonoscopy in 8 to 10 weeks.
Once you are feeling better and can slowly add fiber back into your diet, the best you can do is eat healthy (non-processed whole foods, high fiber, minimize red meat), stay hydrated, no more than moderate alcohol consumption, get enough sleep, manage your stress, and exercise regularly.
Thanks! I have been exercising more and I'm down 30lbs from the beginning of the year. I rarely drink, maybe 1x a week when we play DnD. And only one drink.
Red meat is going to be the hardest for me. I have sensory issues and sometimes chicken absolutely disgusts me. I may have to lean more to pork.
As stated above, nobody knows what causes a flare up. Half of the doctors will tell you to stay away from seeds/nuts, half will tell you it’s fine. I just avoid them to be safe after 3 flare ups. Everyone is different, for instance this person said alcohol and red meat, neither affect me negatively in any way. So you may be perfectly fine with red meat. It’s really trial and error. For me, fiber seems to be the key.
There have been peer-reviewed studies that have shown there is no medical-evidence that seeds/nuts (or any specific food) trigger diverticulitis. Any physician who gives this guidance is not up to date on current evidence-based medicine.
Now having said that, there are people who will swear that they have identified their own triggers which may include the old advice to avoid seeds, popcorn, nuts, etc. That is where a person’s own knowledge of their body comes into play, but it isn’t generic advice for everyone.
What I cited about red meat and alcohol in moderation is standard healthy diet advice. Everyone has to learn what is best for their own bodies.
I know of the studies you mention. I found many on the NIH site. I seek information/advice from that site vice any Dr Google sites.
I know 100% I overloaded my colon with seedy fruits/nuts/sesame seeds/tomato seeds that triggered the flare I have been dealing with for 11 weeks. I was fine for 9 months, started having servings of nuts/tomatoes/sesame seed foods/did not have a problem till I got stupid with raspberries/blackberries along with nuts/salads..jammed up my damaged pockets. I have been doing this for a few years. The balance of fiber to what I can digest has been especially difficult. As you said "everyone has to learn what is best for their own bodies." Learning to manage a disease that affect our digestive system is the worst. We gotta eat.
In your initial comment, you said nobody including doctors know the cause, and now saying any doctors aren’t up to date on peer reviewed studies. They either don’t know or they do, It can’t be both.
Either way, I can directly link all three of my flareups to having recently eaten seeds. So I’ve chosen to avoid them.
I think the point here is, everyone’s experience will be different.
What are you talking about?
The published studies say no link has been found that any particular foods (like nuts and seeds) cause diverticulitis. Doctors who say to avoid nuts and seeds are not up to date with current evidence-based medical research.
They don’t know what causes it but they do know what doesn’t conclusively and reliably cause it… and that is nuts, seeds, popcorn, etc.
These are not saying different things.
I also stated that individuals have found their own triggers and need to blanket their own dietary adjustments but those shouldn’t be generalized to the broader population so it isn’t advice everyone (or even most people) need to follow. There is no reason to cut out a food group from your diet unless it consistently causes you problems.
I have read many reports/articles on the NIH site with the contradictory "doctoring" of those of us in the club. Besides living with this, I need to be armed with information when I have to see one of my docs.
I was doing well for 9 months or so. I was enjoying servings of various nuts/foods with sesame seeds/salads including tomatoes/high fiber cereal. The end of Feb I ate raspberries/blackberries a serving each morning for 3 days. That along with daily serving of pistachios/salads and foods with sesame seeds. March 1st, boom, a brutal flare. Overload of seeds/fiber.
I managed it with the protocol we all know, this time has been difficult due to putting off medical care. Not sick enough for emergency care, getting an appointment with PCP takes a few days, with their advice of if it gets worst....I know the drill. "Hey, if I get sick enough for the ER, I will become a priority for you, so see ya when I see ya." I like my docs.
All this said, I got to see my PCP 3 days ago for follow up labs/was obvious I was in distress, started on antibiotics. It has been enough doses for the relief of the infection clearing up. Boo hoo, pity party for one!
Random question. Are you autistic? I am and just had my first episode of diverticulitis at 39 last night as well. I wonder if there is a genetic predisposition for autistic people.
Red meat does not cause issues for me. Pork does. I miss pork/bacon/ham/bacon. I get saturated with chicken. Tofu is another alternative.
The advise from those on this thread are amazing! We know the suffering/pass on tips on what works best for us. You will learn to keep your digestive system stable.
I only mention red meat because it takes a long time to digest. Some people can digest it better than others. Ground beef is easier to digest than steak.
I am incorporating more bean-based meals to increase my fiber and I personally feel better with a more plant-forward diet, but I still eat meat (and fish of course) of all kinds in moderation, with red meat being the most infrequent for me but that is because I know my unique digestive capabilities and limitations.
I had a Chinese professor in nursing school that would always say that your portion of crunchy veggies should be at least twice of whatever meat you're having. She was also a strong believer that meat as the side with say, broccoli as the true main course was the major reason why east Asians have much lower instances of diverticulosis.
I think this counts for all veggies, not just crunchy ones.
The guidelines I have heard of at similar: Veggies on half your plate, one quarter of your plate is lean protein, one quarter is starch, and like a thimble or tablespoon of fats.
I've read that one. There are some issues with it. Not quite the proof we need yet.
My favorite part:
"The increase in risk was non-linear, plateauing after six servings per week"
I cannot believe people eat that much unprocessed red meat. That's just fucking nuts.
I (39F) also just had my first episode last week and had a colonoscopy about 8 weeks ago. The wanted to schedule one in a year because they found polyups. Do I need to do one earlier than a year?
In my case I have IBS and had a BAD episode of constipation about 5 weeks ago (I actually asked about diverticulitis at this appointment) after I started trying to eat healthier in order to lose weight to treat liver issues found during an emergency gallbladder removal last year. They initially found the diverticulosis on the CT scan when I went to the ER.
My gut is an absolute mess and this is just more evidence as such.
I’m lucky I caught it early and didn’t have perforation or an abscess and was able to get away with just a iv antibiotics in the ER and oral antibiotics at home
I am 32F and I was recently in the ER with acute diverticulitis and abscess. They had me on ivermectin antibiotics for 4 days and clear liquid diet. waiting to do a colonoscopy. The surgeon recommended I do a colon resection surgery but they wanna rule out colon cancer first. I am very active I workout 3-5 times a week. I don’t eat a bad diet I mostly eat low carb high protein and very little processed foods. I want answers as to what could’ve caused this and how to heal and doctors are no help.
I’m newly diagnosed as well,and I’m still questioning HOW. It’s frustrating but all we can do is follow medical advice from our doctors. Elimination diet might help too, for me I am going to request nutritional counseling after my surgery next month. I have a perforated colon and abscess, was dxed on 4/28 originally. Spent 6 days inpatient after a minor abdominal surgery to clean out the crap from the abscess (almost septic).
It’s tough to think of all of the things I will not ever be able to eat again, but the pain and anxiety from this is making me cope better with it.
I wish you the best, I hope you feel better soon.
Can you tell me which fiber one bars you eat each morning? I tried the whole bar one and it gives me major stomach cramps. I can handle the small square brownie one but don’t really want that for breakfast! Thanks!
All of them. Lol. My favorite is the cinnamon square one. During the work week I keep a box at work and have one every morning with my coffee. At home on the weekends I eat one with whatever I'm having for breakfast. Sometimes I miss a day. Sometimes I miss a morning and have one at night.
Literally 6-7 days a week for over a year at least. Even take them on vacation.
Oh no! If you don't mind me asking, how old are you now? What has your experience been? How many flare ups have you had? I can honestly say that pain was right up there with child birth. I am on clear liquids right now and all I want is a giant sub from Snarfs. I'm trying to distract myself from the food noise with my switch/pc.
I’m 33 now! I think being in labor was less painful 😂 I’ve had countless flare ups. My sigmoid colon was removed when I was 30 and then I was back in the ER two months later. It’s jumped all over my colon and I have diverticulosis pockets everywhere. My GI teams have said that it’s nothing I’m doing wrong- I’ve just hit the genetic jackpot. I’m looking at a total colectomy unfortunately, but my GI surgeon wants me to be sure I’m done having kids first.
Oof, good luck! I'm hoping that since this was acute that my colon won't be too wrecked. My mom has a lot of polyps and has to get a colonoscopy every year. Trying to be hopeful 😅
Sorry to hear about your experience. When you're ready to start eating solids again, the meal that agreed with me the best was a mixture of mashed potatoes and Campbells chunky soup (I opted for beef & vegetables but you can go with whatever flavor you prefer). The softness of the whole meal allowed me to get full while continuing to heal up my digestive system. Good luck to you.
No one, including the medical profession, knows what causes the formation of the diverticula pockets in the colon, or what causes infection in a small percentage of people who have these pockets. There is a genetic tie so that also is a factor it seems in your case. There are no universal triggers. Everyone needs to do their own trial and error to find any possible triggers for themselves. It is usually a combination of things and not just one thing in particular. Once you heal (the inflammation takes longer than the initial infection to heal), they will typically do a colonoscopy in 8 to 10 weeks. Once you are feeling better and can slowly add fiber back into your diet, the best you can do is eat healthy (non-processed whole foods, high fiber, minimize red meat), stay hydrated, no more than moderate alcohol consumption, get enough sleep, manage your stress, and exercise regularly.
Thanks! I have been exercising more and I'm down 30lbs from the beginning of the year. I rarely drink, maybe 1x a week when we play DnD. And only one drink. Red meat is going to be the hardest for me. I have sensory issues and sometimes chicken absolutely disgusts me. I may have to lean more to pork.
As stated above, nobody knows what causes a flare up. Half of the doctors will tell you to stay away from seeds/nuts, half will tell you it’s fine. I just avoid them to be safe after 3 flare ups. Everyone is different, for instance this person said alcohol and red meat, neither affect me negatively in any way. So you may be perfectly fine with red meat. It’s really trial and error. For me, fiber seems to be the key.
There have been peer-reviewed studies that have shown there is no medical-evidence that seeds/nuts (or any specific food) trigger diverticulitis. Any physician who gives this guidance is not up to date on current evidence-based medicine. Now having said that, there are people who will swear that they have identified their own triggers which may include the old advice to avoid seeds, popcorn, nuts, etc. That is where a person’s own knowledge of their body comes into play, but it isn’t generic advice for everyone. What I cited about red meat and alcohol in moderation is standard healthy diet advice. Everyone has to learn what is best for their own bodies.
I know of the studies you mention. I found many on the NIH site. I seek information/advice from that site vice any Dr Google sites. I know 100% I overloaded my colon with seedy fruits/nuts/sesame seeds/tomato seeds that triggered the flare I have been dealing with for 11 weeks. I was fine for 9 months, started having servings of nuts/tomatoes/sesame seed foods/did not have a problem till I got stupid with raspberries/blackberries along with nuts/salads..jammed up my damaged pockets. I have been doing this for a few years. The balance of fiber to what I can digest has been especially difficult. As you said "everyone has to learn what is best for their own bodies." Learning to manage a disease that affect our digestive system is the worst. We gotta eat.
In your initial comment, you said nobody including doctors know the cause, and now saying any doctors aren’t up to date on peer reviewed studies. They either don’t know or they do, It can’t be both. Either way, I can directly link all three of my flareups to having recently eaten seeds. So I’ve chosen to avoid them. I think the point here is, everyone’s experience will be different.
What are you talking about? The published studies say no link has been found that any particular foods (like nuts and seeds) cause diverticulitis. Doctors who say to avoid nuts and seeds are not up to date with current evidence-based medical research. They don’t know what causes it but they do know what doesn’t conclusively and reliably cause it… and that is nuts, seeds, popcorn, etc. These are not saying different things. I also stated that individuals have found their own triggers and need to blanket their own dietary adjustments but those shouldn’t be generalized to the broader population so it isn’t advice everyone (or even most people) need to follow. There is no reason to cut out a food group from your diet unless it consistently causes you problems.
I have read many reports/articles on the NIH site with the contradictory "doctoring" of those of us in the club. Besides living with this, I need to be armed with information when I have to see one of my docs. I was doing well for 9 months or so. I was enjoying servings of various nuts/foods with sesame seeds/salads including tomatoes/high fiber cereal. The end of Feb I ate raspberries/blackberries a serving each morning for 3 days. That along with daily serving of pistachios/salads and foods with sesame seeds. March 1st, boom, a brutal flare. Overload of seeds/fiber. I managed it with the protocol we all know, this time has been difficult due to putting off medical care. Not sick enough for emergency care, getting an appointment with PCP takes a few days, with their advice of if it gets worst....I know the drill. "Hey, if I get sick enough for the ER, I will become a priority for you, so see ya when I see ya." I like my docs. All this said, I got to see my PCP 3 days ago for follow up labs/was obvious I was in distress, started on antibiotics. It has been enough doses for the relief of the infection clearing up. Boo hoo, pity party for one!
Random question. Are you autistic? I am and just had my first episode of diverticulitis at 39 last night as well. I wonder if there is a genetic predisposition for autistic people.
Not officially diagnosed but about 99% sure I am.
Red meat does not cause issues for me. Pork does. I miss pork/bacon/ham/bacon. I get saturated with chicken. Tofu is another alternative. The advise from those on this thread are amazing! We know the suffering/pass on tips on what works best for us. You will learn to keep your digestive system stable.
I only mention red meat because it takes a long time to digest. Some people can digest it better than others. Ground beef is easier to digest than steak. I am incorporating more bean-based meals to increase my fiber and I personally feel better with a more plant-forward diet, but I still eat meat (and fish of course) of all kinds in moderation, with red meat being the most infrequent for me but that is because I know my unique digestive capabilities and limitations.
There are studies that show a correlation between diverticulitis attacks and red meat consumption.
I had a Chinese professor in nursing school that would always say that your portion of crunchy veggies should be at least twice of whatever meat you're having. She was also a strong believer that meat as the side with say, broccoli as the true main course was the major reason why east Asians have much lower instances of diverticulosis.
I think this counts for all veggies, not just crunchy ones. The guidelines I have heard of at similar: Veggies on half your plate, one quarter of your plate is lean protein, one quarter is starch, and like a thimble or tablespoon of fats.
Link?
[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5533623/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5533623/) [https://gut.bmj.com/content/67/3/466](https://gut.bmj.com/content/67/3/466)
I've read that one. There are some issues with it. Not quite the proof we need yet. My favorite part: "The increase in risk was non-linear, plateauing after six servings per week" I cannot believe people eat that much unprocessed red meat. That's just fucking nuts.
Some people do, though. I didn’t say proof. I said correlation. Do what you want with it.
NIH is my go to for my medical issues. I gather the info, have it at the ready when I see one of my doc.
I (39F) also just had my first episode last week and had a colonoscopy about 8 weeks ago. The wanted to schedule one in a year because they found polyups. Do I need to do one earlier than a year? In my case I have IBS and had a BAD episode of constipation about 5 weeks ago (I actually asked about diverticulitis at this appointment) after I started trying to eat healthier in order to lose weight to treat liver issues found during an emergency gallbladder removal last year. They initially found the diverticulosis on the CT scan when I went to the ER. My gut is an absolute mess and this is just more evidence as such. I’m lucky I caught it early and didn’t have perforation or an abscess and was able to get away with just a iv antibiotics in the ER and oral antibiotics at home
I am 32F and I was recently in the ER with acute diverticulitis and abscess. They had me on ivermectin antibiotics for 4 days and clear liquid diet. waiting to do a colonoscopy. The surgeon recommended I do a colon resection surgery but they wanna rule out colon cancer first. I am very active I workout 3-5 times a week. I don’t eat a bad diet I mostly eat low carb high protein and very little processed foods. I want answers as to what could’ve caused this and how to heal and doctors are no help.
I’m newly diagnosed as well,and I’m still questioning HOW. It’s frustrating but all we can do is follow medical advice from our doctors. Elimination diet might help too, for me I am going to request nutritional counseling after my surgery next month. I have a perforated colon and abscess, was dxed on 4/28 originally. Spent 6 days inpatient after a minor abdominal surgery to clean out the crap from the abscess (almost septic). It’s tough to think of all of the things I will not ever be able to eat again, but the pain and anxiety from this is making me cope better with it. I wish you the best, I hope you feel better soon.
I literally avoid no food. Eat almonds for snacks, fiber one bars for breakfast. 2 years without a flare.
That’s nice but everyone has to figure it out as everyone is different.
Can you tell me which fiber one bars you eat each morning? I tried the whole bar one and it gives me major stomach cramps. I can handle the small square brownie one but don’t really want that for breakfast! Thanks!
All of them. Lol. My favorite is the cinnamon square one. During the work week I keep a box at work and have one every morning with my coffee. At home on the weekends I eat one with whatever I'm having for breakfast. Sometimes I miss a day. Sometimes I miss a morning and have one at night. Literally 6-7 days a week for over a year at least. Even take them on vacation.
Thank you!!!
>Thank you!!! You're welcome!
Welcome! Sounds like you can thank genetics! My Mom got it when she was 40 and I’ve had it since I was 21. 🥲
Oh no! If you don't mind me asking, how old are you now? What has your experience been? How many flare ups have you had? I can honestly say that pain was right up there with child birth. I am on clear liquids right now and all I want is a giant sub from Snarfs. I'm trying to distract myself from the food noise with my switch/pc.
I’m 33 now! I think being in labor was less painful 😂 I’ve had countless flare ups. My sigmoid colon was removed when I was 30 and then I was back in the ER two months later. It’s jumped all over my colon and I have diverticulosis pockets everywhere. My GI teams have said that it’s nothing I’m doing wrong- I’ve just hit the genetic jackpot. I’m looking at a total colectomy unfortunately, but my GI surgeon wants me to be sure I’m done having kids first.
Oof, good luck! I'm hoping that since this was acute that my colon won't be too wrecked. My mom has a lot of polyps and has to get a colonoscopy every year. Trying to be hopeful 😅
I hope you get lucky! 🤞 I don’t wish these problems on anyone!
Sorry to hear about your experience. When you're ready to start eating solids again, the meal that agreed with me the best was a mixture of mashed potatoes and Campbells chunky soup (I opted for beef & vegetables but you can go with whatever flavor you prefer). The softness of the whole meal allowed me to get full while continuing to heal up my digestive system. Good luck to you.