Diverticulitis is a digestive condition that affects the large intestine. It occurs when small pouches called diverticula become inflamed or infected. This inflammation can cause abdominal pain, bloating, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits. While diverticulitis can be painful and disruptive when it flares up, you may be able to prevent symptoms and complications by making healthy lifestyle choices. One question that often comes up is whether you can eat shrimp if you have diverticulitis. Let’s take a closer look.
An Overview of Diverticulitis
Before we dive into the shrimp question, let’s review some key facts about diverticulitis.
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Diverticula are small bulges or pockets that can form in the lining of the intestine. It’s estimated that more than half of adults over 60 have diverticula although only about 4-25% will develop complications like diverticulitis.
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Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula become inflamed or infected, This causes irritation and swelling of the intestinal wall
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Symptoms of a diverticulitis flare-up include abdominal pain and tenderness, usually in the lower left side; fever; chills; nausea; vomiting; constipation; and diarrhea.
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Treatment focuses on clearing up the inflammation and infection. Doctors often recommend a liquid diet to give the colon a rest. Antibiotics, pain relievers, hydration, and probiotics may also be used.
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After symptoms subside, the goal is preventing future flare-ups. Diet and lifestyle changes are key, as we’ll discuss next.
Dietary Recommendations for Diverticulitis
Diet can play an important role in managing diverticulitis. Here are some common recommendations:
Limit Fiber Intake
Fiber keeps digestion regular and promotes gut health. But too much insoluble fiber from foods like nuts, seeds, corn, beans, cabbage, and broccoli could irritate inflamed pouches. That’s why doctors advise lowering fiber intake during symptom flare-ups.
Progress to a High-Fiber Diet
Once symptoms subside, gradually reintroduce high-fiber foods. Fiber supports digestion and may help prevent pouches from forming. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes are great sources. Increase fiber slowly over weeks to prevent gas and bloating. Be sure to stay hydrated.
Reduce Inflammation
Chronic inflammation worsens diverticulitis. Limiting red meat, fried foods, processed carbs, and sugar may help control inflammation. Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like oily fish, olive oil, vegetables, and spices like turmeric. Probiotic foods to nourish gut bacteria may also help.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Proper hydration is vital for digestion. Water, herbal tea, broth, and diluted juices are great choices. Limit sugary drinks and alcohol, which can contribute to inflammation.
Can You Eat Shrimp With Diverticulitis?
Now let’s look specifically at whether shrimp is suitable for a diverticulitis diet.
The good news is that shrimp is considered a smart choice if you have diverticulitis. Here’s why:
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Shrimp is low in fat and calories. It provides protein without excess saturated fat that can worsen inflammation.
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It’s naturally low in fiber. The small amount of fiber in shrimp shouldn’t irritate sensitive pouches.
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Shrimp has anti-inflammatory omega-3s. These healthy fats can help reduce swelling in the intestines.
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It contains key vitamins and minerals. Shrimp provides nutrients like selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 to support immune health.
Some tips for enjoying shrimp with diverticulitis:
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Eat it cooked. Raw or undercooked shrimp may contain bacteria that can worsen diverticulitis. Thoroughly cook shrimp until opaque and flaky.
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Avoid added fat. Go easy on butter, oil, or creamy sauces, as excess fat may increase irritation. Instead, try cooking techniques like grilling, steaming, or baking.
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Control portions. Stick to a 3-4 ounce serving. Too much shrimp could lead to constipation due to its low fiber content.
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Remove shells. The chitin in shells is fibrous and may be difficult to digest. Peel shrimp before eating.
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Try probiotic dishes. Make shrimp salad, shrimp ceviche, or shrimp cocktail with probiotic ingredients like yogurt and kimchi.
The Takeaway
Shrimp can be a great addition to an anti-inflammatory diet for diverticulitis. Its high protein, low fat, and low fiber content make it unlikely to exacerbate inflammation or irritate sensitive pouches in the colon. Just be sure to cook shrimp thoroughly, avoid added fats, control portions, and eat as part of an overall healthy diet. Check with your doctor about specific diet tips to manage your condition. With the right lifestyle choices, you can keep diverticulitis symptoms at bay and enjoy dishes like succulent garlic shrimp.
What Foods Trigger Diverticulitis?
What can I eat if I have diverticulitis?
On a clear liquid diet, you can eat: Clear broths (not soup). Clear, pulp-free juices (such as apple and cranberry juice). Popsicles. Water. For milder cases of diverticulitis, eat a low-fiber, or GI soft, diet. A low-fiber diet limits fiber intake to between 8 and 12 grams of fiber, depending on the severity of the flare-up.
Can you eat a liquid diet if you have diverticulitis?
A liquid diet is meant to allow your bowels to rest and heal. It is generally recommended to follow a liquid or low-fiber diet only until your diverticulitis symptoms improve. Afterward, you may gradually add solid foods back into your diet along with slowly increasing your fiber intake.
Should I eat a low-fiber diet if I have diverticulosis?
Depending if you have diverticulosis (no flares) or are experiencing a diverticulitis flare-up, your diet recommendations will be different. For instance, while a high-fiber diet may help prevent diverticulitis, a low-fiber diet is often recommended during flare-ups.
What foods should I avoid if I have diverticulitis?
Foods to consider avoiding include red meat and high-FODMAP foods. Diverticulitis is one of the most common gastrointestinal diagnoses in United States clinics, possibly due to the prevalence of a lower fiber diet. Medical treatment may include antibiotics or surgery.