Diverticulitis disease red flag signs as experts explain what foods are banned

Experts have revealed the foods you should be avoiding if you are diagnosed with a painful digestive condition that affects the large intestine. Diverticulitis and diverticular disease, is where small pockets (diverticula) develop in the lining of the intestine, and become inflamed or infected.

NHS Inform experts outlined the more common symptoms of diverticular disease, which include lower abdominal pain and feeling bloated. The majority of people with diverticula that formed on the intestine will not have any symptoms - which is then known as diverticulosis.

However, experts have explained that diverticulitis can be more serious, and can require hospital treatment.

Symptoms of this condition include:

• More severe abdominal pain, especially on the left side
• High temperature (fever) of 38C or above
• Diarrhoea or frequent bowel movements

There are other red flag symptoms that can be long-term, and affect your overall life quality. People could see a change in their normal bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhoea, or episodes of constipation that are followed by diarrhoea.

Another possible symptom of diverticular disease is bleeding dark purple blood from your rectum (back passage).

This usually occurs after diarrhoea-like cramping pain, and often leads to hospital admission, but fortunately this is an uncommon complication.

Experts have confirmed that your diet can also put you more at risk of developing these conditions, as a diet low in fiber can increase the potential risk.

A study from VeryWellHealth noted the foods that people should be avoiding when it comes to preventing diverticulitis, or stop it from getting worse.

Read on below to find out more about what foods you should be avoiding while living with, or trying to prevent diverticulitis.

Foods that can trigger or worsen diverticulitis

The following foods should be avoided, if possible:

• Processed and red meat
• High FODMAP foods (Fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) - including dairy, onions, garlic, soy, fermented foods, cabbage, Brussels sprouts
• Fried foods and other foods high in fat or trans fats
• High-sugar foods

For more information, visit the NHS website for more advice on how to live with diverticulitis.

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