Here are some of the most important questions you should ask your doctor.

What causes diverticulitis?

What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?

What type of diet should I be eating?

• How do I get more fiber in my diet?
• Are there foods that I should be eating?
• Is it okay to drink coffee or tea, or alcohol?

What should I do if my symptoms become worse?

• Do I need to change what I eat?
• Are there medicines that I should take?
• When should I call the doctor?

Is it safe to take natural remedies that help diverticulitis such as AloeElite, Primebiotics, or Powdered Barley Grass Juice, among others?

What are the complications of diverticulitis?

Will I ever need surgery?

Grain Products:

• enriched refined white bread, bagels, english muffins, buns
• plain cereals e.g. Cheerios, Rice Krispies, Special K, Cornflakes, Cream of Wheat
• arrowroot cookies, plain melba toast, tea biscuits, soda crackers
• white rice, refined pasta and noodles
• avoid whole grains

Fruits:

• fruit juices except prune juice
• applesauce, grapes, honeydew melon, peaches, watermelon, apricots, banana (1/2), cantaloupe, canned fruit cocktail
• avoid raw and dried fruits, and berries.

Vegetables:

• vegetable juices
• potatoes (no skin)
• alfalfa sprouts, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, green/red peppers, potatoes (peeled), squash, zucchini, beets, green/yellow beans, carrots, celery, cucumber
• avoid vegetables from the cruciferous family such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard etc

Meat and Protein Choice:

• well-cooked, tender meat, fish and eggs
• avoid beans and lentils
• Avoid all nuts and seeds, as well as foods that may contain seeds (such as yogurt)

Dairy:

• as directed by your healthcare providers

2. Diverticulitis can be mild with only slight discomfort in the left lower abdomen.  If the symptoms progress to severe lower abdominal tenderness, pain, and fever, this may involve serious infection and your doctor should be contacted immediately.

3. An inadequate diet is considered the leading cause of diverticulitis flare ups.  Most health experts agree that the lack of fiber and bulk in the diet is the major cause of chronic constipation and diverticular disease.  Slowly add foods rich in fiber such as bran cereals, whole wheat breads, a variety of bean and fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet to keep the stools soft and bulky.

4. Although there is no scientific prove that small seeds, such as apple seeds, orange pits, watermelon seeds, grape pits, etc may increase the chances of a diverticulitis flare up, it is best recommend to remove the seeds and enjoy the fruits.  Diverticulitis varies according to the individual, and certain diet components may irritate you more than others.

5. Due to the inflammation process involved with diverticulitis, home remedies containing anti-inflammatory benefits such as AloeElite can aid in healing and soothing the lining of your intestines and colon irritated by diverticulosis.