Diverticulitis is a painful condition where small pouches called diverticula in the lining of the colon become inflamed or infected. During flare-ups, diverticulitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. If you’ve been diagnosed with diverticulitis, you may be wondering if you can still enjoy pork, or if you need to cut it from your diet.
Pork is a favorite meat for many, appearing in everything from bacon and ham to pork chops and roasts. If you have diverticulitis, the answer on whether pork needs to be avoided isn’t straightforward While cured or processed pork is discouraged, minimally processed fresh pork may be fine for some in moderation. Let’s take a closer look at the nuances around eating pork with diverticulitis.
Understanding Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis develops when small pouches called diverticula form in the wall of the colon. In most cases, these pouches cause no issues and the condition is called diverticulosis. But in some people, the pouches become inflamed, leading to diverticulitis. Diverticulitis symptoms include:
- Left lower abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Urinary symptoms
There are a few factors believed to raise diverticulitis risk. These include:
- Age over 50 years old
- Family history
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Long-term use of NSAID pain medications
While the exact causes are unknown, a low fiber diet is potentially involved, as fiber keeps stools soft and prevents straining during bowel movements. Anything that increases pressure in the colon, like straining, may allow pouches to form.
The Potential Role of Pork in Diverticulitis
Research on how pork affects diverticulitis is limited. However, there are a few ways pork may impact the condition:
Higher Red Meat Intake May Raise Diverticulitis Risk
A large study found men who ate the most red meat per week were 58% more likely to develop diverticulitis than those who ate the least. Substituting poultry or fish for one red meat serving daily lowered risk by 20%.
Nitrates/Nitrites in Processed Pork May Be an Issue
Cured meats like bacon and deli ham contain sodium nitrate and nitrite to prolong shelf life and add color. Some research links nitrates and colorectal cancer risk.
Fatty Pork Could Exacerbate Symptoms
Greasy foods may worsen abdominal pain and diarrhea during a flare-up. Leaner pork may be better tolerated.
So while the role of pork in diverticulitis development and symptoms isn’t fully proven, there are some theoretical reasons to limit intake, especially with processed pork.
Can You Eat Pork During a Diverticulitis Flare-Up?
When you’re experiencing an acute bout of diverticulitis, the recommended diet is very low in fiber to give your colon a rest. Low fiber foods help reduce irritation of the inflamed pouches and prevent gas. They also create less bulky stool to allow pouches time to heal.
During this clear liquid or low fiber phase of a diverticulitis diet, pork is permitted, with some qualifications:
✔️ Lean Fresh Pork – Pork tenderloin, pork chops, roasted pork loin are allowed. Avoid fatty cuts like ribs.
✔️ Cured Pork – Limit bacon, deli ham, smoked pork. Opt for reduced sodium versions.
✔️ Well-Cooked – Ensure pork reaches safe internal temperature to kill bacteria.
✔️ Portion Control – Stick to 3-4 oz portions; avoid large fatty meals that could worsen symptoms.
So in moderation, lean fresh pork and small amounts of cured pork can be part of an acute diverticulitis diet. Just be mindful of fat and sodium content.
Prevention Diet for Diverticular Disease
When not experiencing an active bout of diverticulitis, the diet recommendations change. To help prevent diverticula from forming and reduce chances of diverticulitis developing, a high fiber diet is recommended to keep stools soft.
With a diverticulitis prevention diet, pork intake should focus on the following:
❌ Limit Processed Pork – Minimize bacon, sausage, ham, hot dogs, deli meats.
❌ Limit Fatty Cuts – Choose lean over ribs and other fatty pork.
✔️ Enjoy in Moderation – Have no more than 1-2 three ounce servings of fresh pork weekly.
✔️ Include High Fiber Foods – Eat plentiful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
If you already follow a healthy high fiber diet with minimal processed meats, enjoying some fresh lean pork in moderation is unlikely to raise diverticulitis risks substantially.
Helpful Tips for Managing Pork with Diverticulitis
If you choose to include pork in your diet, here are some tips to prevent aggravating diverticulitis symptoms:
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Stick to 1-2 three ounce lean portions per week.
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Trim visible fat and skin to reduce greasiness before cooking.
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Opt for grilling, roasting, or baking over frying in oil.
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Flavor pork with fresh herbs, spices, mustard, or salsa rather than salty marinades.
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Increase fiber gradually under a dietitian’s guidance to prevent gas pains.
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Chew pork thoroughly to aid digestion.
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Avoid eating right before bedtime.
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Stay well hydrated to prevent constipation.
Being mindful of portions, cooking methods, and pairing pork with high fiber sides can allow you to work it into your diet plan for diverticular disease.
What If Pork Triggers Your Diverticulitis?
Despite precautions, some find even modest amounts of pork will trigger diverticulitis symptoms. Factors like high fat intake, lack of fiber, and food sensitivities may still come into play.
If you repeatedly experience diverticulitis flare-ups after eating pork, it’s best to avoid it. Focus on getting lean protein from:
- Chicken and turkey breast
- Fish like salmon, tuna, halibut and cod
- Eggs and egg whites
- Beans, peas and lentils
- Tofu
For the best diet tailored to your specific health status, work with a registered dietitian knowledgeable about diverticulitis. Be sure to let them know if you find pork, or other foods, consistently worsen your symptoms.
The Bottom Line on Pork and Diverticulitis Diets
Incorporating some fresh, lean pork in your weekly menu may be fine if you follow a generally high fiber diet, have minimal other risk factors, and pay attention to your body’s responses. But a diet high in red and processed meats may worsen odds over the long-term.
During acute diverticulitis flares, stick to just modest portions of lean pork and minimize cured meats and fatty cooking methods. Plant-based proteins, fish, poultry, and eggs may be healthier alternatives if pork seems to aggravate your diverticulitis. Work closely with your healthcare providers to find your optimal diverticulitis diet that minimizes symptoms while still allowing you to enjoy a variety of nutritious foods.
Can you eat red meat with diverticulitis?
FAQ
What kind of meat can you eat with diverticulitis?
Is pork chops good for diverticulitis?
Can you have pork and beans with diverticulitis?
Can you eat meat if you have diverticulitis?
Meat and poultry are low-fiber foods that are among the safe ones to eat when you are dealing with a diverticulitis flare-up. However, a high red meat diet might not be good if you don’t already have diverticulitis and don’t want to develop it. What Is Diverticulitis?
Can a high fiber diet prevent diverticulitis?
Although a lower fiber diet has its place in treating acute diverticulitis flare-ups, the NIDDK recommends that, conversely, for people who already have diverticulosis and want to try to prevent diverticulitis developing, a high fiber diet could potentially help.
Can you eat a healthy diet if you have diverticulosis?
The good news is your food choices can make a difference. “Although there is not one specific diverticulosis diet, a healthy diet full of fiber-rich foods can help lower that risk,” Cater says. Cater says people with diverticulosis can benefit from eating fiber-rich foods, including: Go slow at first.
Can red meat cause diverticulitis?
Red meat and diverticulitis may be linked, but during a disease flare-up, meat is a safe food. The Mayo Clinic diverticulitis diet may help acute symptoms.