The long-held belief has been shattered.
People with diverticulitis have traditionally avoided nuts, seeds, and popcorn, fearing these foods could trigger flare-ups. However, a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine challenges this long-standing belief, finding no connection between the consumption of these foods and an increased risk of diverticulitis.
The research, led by Dr. Anne Peery of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, analyzed data from nearly 30,000 women aged 35 to 74 over a 19-year period. Participants regularly reported their dietary habits and health status. Contrary to popular advice, the study found that eating nuts, seeds, popcorn, and even fruit containing seeds did not elevate the risk of developing diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the colon wall become inflamed or infected, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and digestive issues. Although many patients have tried to manage the condition by avoiding certain foods, the new findings indicate that such restrictions may be unnecessary.
Instead, the research highlights that following a healthy diet can significantly lower the risk of diverticulitis. Women whose eating habits aligned with the DASH diet experienced a 23% lower risk, while those following the Healthy Eating Index and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index saw risk reductions of 22% and 19%, respectively. The Mediterranean-style diet also showed benefits, with a 9% reduced risk.
Researchers believe that high-quality diets may reduce inflammation and prevent other health conditions like type 2 diabetes that are associated with diverticulitis. They also noted that the gut microbiome might play a role, suggesting a broader relationship between diet and digestive health. Additionally, individuals who developed diverticulitis tended to be older, overweight, or had lifestyle risk factors such as smoking and heavy alcohol use.
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