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Foods to avoid for a diverticulitis diet are in two categories. They include foods which can promote painful bloating of the abdominal area, and those which increase the risk of inflammation of the diverticula. A bland, high-fiber diet which is also plentiful in water and other fresh liquids will usually produce the healthiest results for the person who has this condition.

One of the trickiest aspects in managing diverticulitis is that some foods which may be beneficial can also cause bloating and cramping. Cabbage, and other similar foods which often lead to bloating and cramping should be avoided. While a high-fiber diet is generally recommended, increasing your intake of fiber too quickly or too much can cause problems. Dietary fiber should be increased slowly, following your physician's advice. The purpose of fiber is to facilitate the digestive process. However, if your intake of fiber is too extreme, it can make you ill.

Although some in the medical community today disagree, people who suffer from diverticulitis should avoid eating nuts, seeds, and other foods which contain small seeds. Whenever these products are not digested properly and completely, they can become lodged in the diverticula. This in turn can lead to the diverticula becoming inflamed, and even cause an infection. These complications have the potential to become very serious. An infected diverticula can result in the person needing emergency surgery.

Consuming alcohol should also be avoided. As alcohol can irritate the lining of the intestines, it can also increase the risk of inflammation. A person who has diverticulitis will have a healthier digestive system if he does not use alcohol. Instead of consuming alcohol, it is recommended that you drink plenty of fresh water and fruit juices. In addition to being healthier beverages, they also assist the digestive process in working more efficiently.

Diverticulitis can be aggravated by the use of spicy, rich, and fatty foods. If you have a taste for highly-spiced food, you can learn to appreciate a bland version. This includes eliminating peppers and other hot foods as well as traditional spices. Your cooking method should be one which does not include using fat or grease. Fatty meat, butter, and similar products should be used at a minimum, if at all. Keeping your digestive tract in its best possible condition by eliminating these kinds of food from your diet can lower your risk of complications from diverticulitis.

While the bloating and cramping associated with improper eating may be no more than an unnecessary annoyance, a diet which increases the risk of inflammation and infection can be much more serious. If you do not adhere to a proper diet, you are increasing your risk of needing surgery. Many people can cope with diverticulitis throughout the rest of their lives without requiring surgery. In order to accomplish this goal, taking your condition into consideration for everything you consume is essential. Emergency surgery for diverticulitis can be difficult, unpleasant, and even have life-altering results. Taking special precautions with your diet to avoid it is a better option.