Do Nuts and Seeds Trigger Diverticulitis? Discover the Science Behind the Myths!

Managing diverticulitis can be tricky, particularly regarding diet. Recent studies have brought to light new insights regarding foods traditionally deemed problematic, like nuts, seeds, and corn. These findings challenge the long-held belief that these small, hard foods could trigger diverticulitis flare-ups. In fact, incorporating such fiber-rich foods can significantly contribute to a healthier digestive system.

A recent research study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that the consumption of nuts, seeds, and corn did not correlate with an increased risk of diverticulitis in women. Instead, factors like overall dietary patterns, smoking habits, heavy alcohol use, and excess weight were more significant contributors to diverticulitis risk.

Diverticulitis arises when pouches, called diverticula, form in the colon and become inflamed, leading to uncomfortable symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Changes in bowel habits

The findings of this study fundamentally challenge the long-standing belief that small, hard foods can exacerbate diverticulitis. Previous studies focused primarily on men, leaving a gap in understanding how these findings relate to women. According to Dr. Anne Peery, an associate professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, “This study has never been replicated. Although many providers no longer make this recommendation, many patients with a history of diverticulitis continue to limit these foods in their diet.”

The Role of Nuts and Seeds in Diverticulitis

For years, avoiding small, hard foods has been standard advice for individuals suffering from diverticulitis. Foods including nuts, seeds, and corn were often considered risky due to the belief that these particles might become lodged in diverticula, leading to inflammation or infection. However, recent evidence, including the 2008 study, has refuted this notion.

The current study analyzed data involving over 29,000 women aged 35 to 74. Participants completed questionnaires regarding their dietary habits from 2003 to 2009 and continued this reporting every two to three years until 2022. The statistical analysis demonstrated that women consuming nuts, seeds, and fruits with seeds had no elevated risk of developing diverticulitis compared to those who consumed these foods less frequently. This research also indicated no correlation between the consumption of these foods and the need for surgical intervention or hospitalization due to diverticulitis.

Nevertheless, the study’s authors noted several limitations. They included participants who reported having diverticulitis or diverticulosis (where diverticula are present but not inflamed). Since diverticulosis often goes unnoticed, some cases may have been overlooked, complicating interpretations. Additionally, the study was correlational, meaning other unknown factors could have impacted the results.

What Actually Increases Diverticulitis Risk?

While nuts, seeds, and corn are no longer considered “off-limits,” other lifestyle and dietary factors are indeed linked to a higher occurrence of diverticulitis. The study noted that women with diverticulitis were more likely to be:

• Current or former smokers
• Heavy alcohol consumers
• Overweight or obese

Moreover, being postmenopausal and undergoing menopausal hormone therapy were associated with increased risk. Dr. Sandhya Shukla, a gastroenterologist at Atlantic Coast Gastroenterology Associates, emphasized that broad dietary patterns, rather than isolated “forbidden” foods, could be leading indicators of diverticulitis risk. “Dietary patterns, such as the Western diet—which is high in red meats, processed foods, and high-fat dairy—are linked to a greater risk,” she noted. A 2021 review of eight studies further confirmed that individuals consuming a Western diet rich in red meat had a higher likelihood of experiencing diverticulitis.

Following a Healthy Diet for Diverticulitis

This new research also explored how four healthy eating plans—the Mediterranean diet, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, the Healthy Eating Index 2015, and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010—could influence diverticulitis risk. The findings showed that adhering to any of these diets could reduce the risk. Kim Kulp, RDN, owner of Gut Health Connection, stated, “Diet patterns like the Mediterranean diet, which incorporate a variety of plant foods, can decrease the risk of diverticulitis.” She noted that consuming a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes provides essential fuel for beneficial gut microbes that protect the intestinal lining from inflammation, which can lead to diverticulitis.

Indeed, recent studies indicate that the gut microbiome’s health plays a crucial role in diverticular disease development. As fiber is vital for maintaining a healthy microbiome, increasing fiber intake can be beneficial in lowering diverticulitis risk.

Always consult with your healthcare provider for tailored advice regarding digestive health. Ultimately, the outdated dietary recommendations to avoid certain foods are contrary to today’s understanding of managing diverticulitis. As Kim Kulp emphasized, ” Since corn, nuts, and seeds contain fiber and haven’t been shown to cause more diverticulitis, these foods should be included, not avoided.”