Diverticular disease and diet
As nurses, it is vital that we take the time to educate patients fully on the disease they have and how they can manage it. Those who have diverticular disease need thorough instruction on the diet that they should stick to in order to prevent inflammation and infection (diverticulitis). In addition, there are some foods, specifically seeds, that these patients must stay away from. Verbal education about the diet plan for these patients can be overwhelming. Therefore, a simple handout with foods that the patient should eat and possible meal plans can greatly decrease a patients anxiety and stress and hopefully help them maintain their disease and prevent further progression towards diverticulitis. While the patient’s diet will have to adapt to their disease, it does not mean they cannot enjoy good meals.
Here is a link for a handout that can be given to the patient in addition to verbal education. It explains what diverticular disease is, what foods are high in fiber, and suggests possible meal plans (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and diet the patient can eat.
