Will you please give me some information on how to eat for diverticulitis - do I really have to 'seed' a can of tomatoes? Can I still be a spontaneous cook?
Dr. Gourmet Says...
There's a lot of controversy about this, and the answer from the research right now indicates that you don't need to worry.
For years doctors have told their patients with diverticulosis to not eat seeds, nuts or foods that contain seeds, such as those found in tomatoes and cucumbers. Because those with diverticulosis have small out-pouching of the colon, the theory has been that the seeds might become stuck in the small diverticula (pouches) and create a setting for infection.
There's never been any proof of this theory and some recent research indicates that eating seeds is not a problem. Guidelines no longer make this recommendation, and I do not for my patients. The studies have shown that the only dietary change that will make a difference for those with diverticulosis is a high fiber diet (of course, this is the recommendation for all of us).
Eat the tomatoes and do be a spontaneous cook again!
Thanks for writing,
Timothy S. Harlan, M.D.
Dr. Gourmet