Diverticular Disease Explained: Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis

5. Prevention

To avoid diverticulitis, people with diverticulosis were told to avoid foods with undigestible parts, like popcorn or nuts. Studies now suggest that avoiding these foods does not impact whether or not diverticulitis develops, so this approach is no longer recommended. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, avoiding smoking, and eating a high fiber diet can prevent diverticulitis, as can minimizing the use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin. Corticosteroids and opiates also cause an increased risk of diverticulitis.