Diverticular disease

Prevention

• Adequate intake of dietary fiber (1)

• A vegetarian diet may reduce the risk of symptomatic diverticular disease through decreasing inflammation and altering intestinal microbiota 3)

• Limiting intake of salt and red meat (1)

• Regular physical activity, particularly vigorous activity (1, 2)

• Avoid obesity (1)

NUTRITION

• Asymptomatic diverticulosis: Increasing dietary fiber may reduce the risk of developing symptomatic diverticulitis (1)

• Symptomatic mild diverticular disease: Increasing dietary fiber and hydration (1)

• Symptomatic divertilitis: A low residue (fiber) diet with minimal residues after digestion and absorption including refined bread, cereals, white rice, juice, dairy products (1)

SMOKING

• Smoking cessation is recommended as smoking increases the risk of diverticular disease and complications (1, 2)

WEIGHT

• Weight reduction if overweight or obese (1)