Diverticulitis diet: Should I avoid nuts and seeds?

Can you please tell me whether people with diverticulitis can eat nuts and seeds? I've heard so much conflicting advice.

- Peggy / Colorado

Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Michael Picco, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

In the past, many doctors recommended that people with diverticulosis avoid seeds and nuts, including foods with small seeds, such as tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries. It was thought that these tiny particles could lodge in the diverticula and cause inflammation (diverticulitis). But there is no scientific evidence that seeds and nuts cause diverticulitis flares. In fact, eating a high-fiber diet — which may include nuts and seeds — reduces the risk of diverticular disease.

However, if you have diverticulitis and you believe that nuts and seeds trigger your attacks, avoid them. Just make sure you get enough fiber from other dietary sources.