Diverticulitis is a digestive condition that affects the large intestine. It occurs when small pouches called diverticula become inflamed or infected. This can lead to severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms.
Diverticulitis is quite common, especially in Western countries. It’s estimated that up to 60% of people over the age of 60 have some form of diverticular disease. However, only around 10-25% of those with diverticula will develop painful inflammation or infection.
One of the most important aspects of managing diverticulitis is diet. Certain foods are known to aggravate symptoms, while others may help relieve inflammation. This article provides a detailed overview of diverticulitis, and whether salmon is a suitable food choice for this condition.
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticula are small outpouchings that can form in the colon wall, often as a result of increased pressure. Having diverticula itself is called diverticulosis. It’s painless and most people won’t even know they have it.
Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become inflamed or infected. The main symptoms include:
- Left lower abdominal pain, usually quite severe
- Fever and chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
- Bloating and gas
There are two main types of diverticulitis:
Uncomplicated diverticulitis: This is inflammation of one or more diverticula. It’s usually treated at home with rest, medications and dietary changes.
Complicated diverticulitis: This is when infection spreads and leads to complications like abscesses, fistulas, perforation or blockages. Hospitalization is often required.
Diverticulitis is usually diagnosed based on symptoms, physical examination and medical imaging tests like CT scans or ultrasound.
Treatment focuses on clearing infection, managing symptoms and preventing recurrent attacks through diet and lifestyle changes. For severe or repeated cases, surgery may be recommended to remove damaged sections of the colon.
What Causes Diverticulitis?
The exact cause is unknown, but some factors that can increase your risk include:
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Age: The risk rises substantially after age 40. More than half of people over 60 have diverticulosis.
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Diet low in fiber: A low fiber diet increases colonic pressure and can promote diverticula formation.
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Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure in the abdomen.
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Smoking: Impairs blood flow and tissue healing.
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Certain medications: Such as steroids and NSAIDs.
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Lack of exercise: Can lead to constipation and increased colonic pressure.
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Genetics: Susceptibility can run in families.
Dietary Treatment For Diverticulitis
Diet plays a major role in managing diverticulitis. When symptoms flare up, a liquid or low fiber diet is often recommended to give the colon a rest. After the inflammation subsides, a high fiber diet can help prevent future attacks.
Here are some general dietary guidelines:
During a Flare-Up
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Clear liquid diet for 1–2 days – allows the bowel to rest. Only clear fluids like water, broth, juice and tea.
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Low fiber diet for up to 2 weeks after symptoms resolve – to ease back into normal eating. Contains 10-15 g fiber per day. Foods like white bread, pasta, eggs, tender meat and cooked fruits/veggies without skins or seeds.
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Avoid trigger foods that may irritate, such as nuts, seeds, dried fruit, raw veggies, fried foods and alcohol.
After Recovery
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High fiber diet – aim for 25-35 g fiber per day from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. May help prevent future diverticulitis.
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Drink plenty of fluids – helps prevent stool dehydration and constipation.
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Limit red meat – some research links high red meat intake with increased diverticulitis risk.
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Maintain a healthy weight – obesity is a risk factor.
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Supplements like probiotics and magnesium may also be beneficial. Check with your doctor.
Is Salmon Good For Diverticulitis?
Salmon is generally well tolerated and a healthy choice for most people with diverticulitis. Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons:
Potential Benefits
Rich in omega-3 fats – Salmon provides high amounts of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids called EPA and DHA. These have strong anti-inflammatory effects that may help relieve diverticulitis symptoms.
High quality protein – Salmon is an excellent source of protein, containing all the essential amino acids. Protein helps maintain muscle mass which tends to decline when flare-ups cause poor appetite and weight loss.
Low fiber – Compared to other fish like sardines, salmon is low in fiber. This makes it less likely to irritate an inflamed colon.
Contains vitamin D – Farmed salmon has high vitamin D content. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with increased diverticulitis risk.
No irritating small bones – Salmon flesh is tender with few small bones, unlike some other fish. This lowers the risk of aggravating diverticula.
Potential Concerns
Moderate fat – While healthy, salmon does contain a moderate amount of fat. Around 50% of its calories come from fat. This may be tolerated poorly during severe flare-ups.
Mild laxative effect – Fish oil and omega-3s may have a mild laxative effect. While normally beneficial, this could worsen diarrhea symptoms.
Smoked varieties may be irritating – The spices and smoke flavoring used in smoked salmon may exacerbate diverticulitis for some people.
Higher cost – Fresh salmon can be expensive compared to other protein foods. Canned salmon is more affordable.
High mercury levels (for some types) – Certain varieties like king mackerel have very high mercury content and should be eaten sparingly. Salmon has moderate mercury levels.
How To Include Salmon In A Diverticulitis Diet
Here are some tips for safely incorporating salmon into your diet with diverticulitis:
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Stick to fresh, wild-caught or sustainably farmed salmon. These have more omega-3s than canned.
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Opt for salmon fillets or steaks over smoked salmon. Smoked varieties often contain extra preservatives and salt.
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Grill, bake or poach salmon to retain moisture and tenderness. Fried salmon may be harder to tolerate.
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Start with small serving sizes of around 3-4 ounces to see how your body handles it.
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Eat salmon as part of a balanced low-fiber or anti-inflammatory diet. Combine it with cooked grains, vegetables and broth-based soups.
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Canned salmon can be an affordable alternative. Use it to make salmon patties, mixed into pasta, on salad or in sandwiches.
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If tolerating poorly, limit intake to once or twice a week. Avoid altogether if it appears to trigger symptoms.
Sample Diverticulitis-Friendly Salmon Recipes
Here are a few anti-inflammatory salmon recipes suitable for a bout of diverticulitis:
1. Baked Salmon with Zucchini Noodles
- Skinless salmon fillet
- Zucchini spirals
- Lemon juice
- Dill
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Bake salmon drizzled with lemon juice and top zucchini noodles with olive oil, salt, pepper and dill.
2. Canned Salmon Salad
- Canned salmon
- Chopped cucumber
- Greek yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Dill
Mix canned salmon with cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice and dill. Serve on lettuce leaves.
3. Salmon Chowder
- Canned salmon
- Potatoes
- Low-fat milk
- Frozen corn
- Celery
- Onion
- Thyme
Make a creamy, soothing salmon chowder with potatoes, milk, corn, veggies and herbs.
4. Salmon & Farro Bowl
- Salmon fillet
- Farro
- Kale
- Lemon dressing
- Avocado
Bake salmon and farro. Serve on a bed of kale dressed with lemon and topped with avocado.
Should You Avoid Salmon With Diverticulitis?
For most people with diverticulitis, there is no need to completely restrict salmon. It provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s, protein and several nutrients that support healing. However, some may find it irritating during severe flare-ups.
Pay attention to your individual tolerance. Salmon, and fish in general, are recommended as part of a balanced diverticulitis diet. But as with any specific food, your experience may vary.
Aim for two to three servings of salmon or other oily fish per week as
How To Treat Diverticulitis – NEW DATA
FAQ
What kind of meat can you eat with diverticulitis?
What foods irritate diverticulitis?
Can I eat scrambled eggs with diverticulitis?
Can a healthy diet reduce diverticulitis risk?
The researchers found that a reduced risk of diverticulitis may be associated with an anti-inflammatory diet that includes higher amounts of leafy green vegetables, dark yellow vegetables, coffee, and tea, and lower amounts of red meat, processed meat, refined grains, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
What foods can help heal diverticulosis?
Foods that can help heal diverticulosis are the ones low in fiber, such as: canned or cooked fruit without seeds or skin, such as applesauce and melon, canned or well cooked vegetables without seeds and skin, dairy products such as cheese, milk and yogurt, eggs, meat that is ground or tender and well cooked, pasta, white bread and white rice.
What fruits are good for diverticulitis?
Fresh fruits, like apples and pears, have the most fiber when eaten with the skin. However, if you’re having symptoms of diverticulitis, look for lower-fiber options, like applesauce. Bananas are another good source of fruit fiber. They also have a lot of potassium and can be especially helpful if you’re recovering from a stomach upset.
Can food help prevent diverticular disease & treat flare-ups of diverticulitis?
What you eat can play a role both in the prevention of diverticular disease and in the treatment of flare-ups of diverticulitis . In diverticular disease, the large intestine (colon) develops small bulges, or sacs, called diverticula. It may have no symptoms. When diverticula become infected or inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis.