Can you eat watermelon with diverticulitis?

In this short article, we will provide an answer to the question “Can you eat watermelon with diverticulitis?” and the information on the diverticulitis diet in detail.

Can you eat watermelon with diverticulitis?

No, you should not wat watermelon with diverticulitis but may have its juice. There are many different kinds of canned fruits and fruit sauces, including applesauce, as well as fruit juices that do not contain the fruit’s pulp. Avoid eating canned fruits if the syrup is particularly thick. Raw fruits include examples such as apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, watermelon, nectarines, papayas, peaches, and plums that have reached their full ripeness potential. Avoid eating any raw fruits other than those listed here.

Which is true: watermelon is high in fiber or low in fiber?

There is a relatively modest amount of fiber in watermelon, with roughly 0.4 grams per 2/3 cup serving (100 grams). However, because it contains a lot of fructose, it has a high concentration of FODMAPs, which are fermentable short-chain carbohydrates.

What kind of an effect do watermelon seeds have on diverticulitis?

Patients who were diagnosed with having small pouches (diverticula) in the lining of their colon were originally recommended to stay away from foods such as nuts, seeds, and popcorn. The diverticula were expected to become clogged with these meals, which would then result in inflammation (diverticulitis). However, there is no evidence that these foods are associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis.

Diverticulosis vs. diverticulitis

Diverticular disease is distinguished by the presence of polyps, also known as diverticula, in the stomach. Polyps are tiny growths. It’s possible that these polyps are present in your body without causing any symptoms or drawing your attention to their presence. The medical term for this condition is diverticulosis.

If the polyps become inflammatory or infected, symptoms can include abdominal cramps, pain or soreness in the area, swelling, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Other symptoms can occur if the polyps rupture. Diverticulitis is the medical term for this condition.

How should one go about following a diet for diverticulitis?

One of the most prominent factors contributing to the development of diverticula is constipation. Polyps grow as a result of years of intense muscular contractions as the body tries to transport small, hard stools. This causes the body to go through years of extreme muscular spasms. 

A diet high in fiber can help relieve constipation because it softens stool, which makes it easier for it to go through the digestive tract without causing discomfort or difficulty. Flare-ups of diverticulitis are also prevented as a result of there being less strain placed on the polyps.

For a diet high in fiber, select plant foods that have undergone little processing, such as: (doctors recommend 25 to 35 grams per day).

  • Complete grains
  • Fruits.
  • Vegetables.
  • Beans.
  • Several kinds of legumes, such as nuts and lentils.

What exactly is a diet low in fiber for diverticulitis?

For less severe cases of diverticulitis, a diet that is low in fiber and easy on the digestive tract is recommended. On a low-fiber diet, the amount of fiber that you consume each day is limited to between 8 and 12 grams, depending on the severity of the flare-up.

The following are examples of foods that are low in fiber:

  • Grain: Good news for those of you who prefer white spaghetti and white bread! Options lacking in fiber content include these, in addition to white rice and white crackers.
  • Prepare your peeler for the starches that are low in fiber. There is also the option of potatoes that have been peeled. You can mash, roast, or bake them to prepare them. A good choice for breakfast would be corn flakes or puffed rice cereal, both of which are low in fiber.
  • Tofu, meat and seafood, eggs and egg whites, as well as eggs and egg yolks, are all excellent sources of protein. The finest options are shredded chicken, lean ground beef, and fish that has been cooked until it is flaky.
  • Be wary when eating fruits because they typically have a high fiber content. There are many tasty options available, including canned fruits such as peaches and pears, applesauce, ripe bananas, and soft, ripe cantaloupe and honeydew melons. There isn’t much fiber because you aren’t eating the skin. Insoluble fiber is found in the skin, which may exacerbate inflamed polyps. There isn’t much fiber since you aren’t eating the skin.
  • Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are excellent choices to make while you are recovering from an acute episode of your condition because they are rich in protein, calcium, and various other nutrients, and they do not include any fiber.

You should also establish a long-term strategy with your primary care physician. If you have recently been given a diagnosis of diverticular disease, you should speak with a nutritionist to obtain information regarding effective and long-term strategies for increasing the amount of fiber you consume.

Other FAQs about Watermelon that you may be interested in.

Can dogs eat watermelon rind?

How to know if the watermelon is good?

Why is watermelon a vegetable?

Why is watermelon called watermelon?

Conclusion

In this short article, we provided an answer to the question “Can you eat watermelon with diverticulitis?” and the information on the diverticulitis diet in detail.

Reference

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/diverticulitis-diet/faq-20058293

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/diverticulitis-diet

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