WHAT FOODS/DRINK SHOULD I AVOID TO PREVENT EPISODES OF CONSTIPATION ASSOCIATED WITH DIVERTICULOSIS/IBS?
Answer Hi John – the dietary info for IBS (and similar dietary guidelines apply to diverticulosis) is really comprehensive, and for full details start here http://www.helpforibs.com/diet/ In a nutshell, you want to emphasize soluble fiber, avoid triggers (coffee, soda pop, red meat, dairy, fried foods, and others), and be careful with insoluble fiber. The diet link above will lead you to detailed info about the different kinds of fiber and they can help or hurt IBS. It’s important to note that you need to use soluble fiber as a foundation so you can safely add in insoluble fiber – you do NOT want to just eliminate insoluble fiber foods. For drinks, stick to fresh water or helpful herbal teas (such as peppermint and fennel). Those herbs can actively help IBS symptoms – there’s info here http://www.helpforibs.com/teas/peppermint.asp and here http://www.helpforibs.com/teas/fennel.asp Try and drink twice as much water as you think you need to – water is critical for constipation, and solub
