I don't think you're supposed to eat popcorn or nuts anymore
(from medicinenet.com)
What can be done to prevent diverticular disease?
Once formed, diverticula are permanent. No treatment has been found to prevent complications of diverticular disease. Diet high in fiber increases stool bulk and prevents constipation, and theoretically may help prevent further diverticular formation or worsening of the diverticular condition. Some doctors recommend avoiding nuts, corn, and seeds which can plug diverticular openings and cause diverticulitis. Whether avoidance of such foods are beneficial is unclear. Patients with known diverticular disease that develop unexplained fever, chills or abdominal pain should notify their doctor because of the possibility of the complication of diverticulitis. A better understanding of the way diverticula form and become infected will hopefully lead to discovery of more effective ways to manage these common conditions.
(from emedicine.com)
The etiology of diverticulitis remains unclear, but a low-fiber diet can be considered a predisposing factor. Diets that are low in fiber lead to low-bulk stool, which, in turn, causes an increase in segmentation of the colon during propulsion. Intraluminal pressure is increased, and diverticula are created. Diets that are high in fat and beef content are thought by some to cause increased intraluminal pressure.
In mild episodes, a clear liquid diet is advised.
Deterrence/Prevention:
A lifelong high-fiber diet for those with asymptomatic diverticular disease may reduce the incidence of diverticulitis GRH, some good high fiber foods:
Ezekial Bread
Kashi Cereals (most of them)
Apples, Pears
La Tortilla Factory tortillas
Here is a table I found at mayoclinic.com (the last number is the g of fiber content):
Pear 1 medium 5.1
Figs, dried 2 medium 3.7
Blueberries 1 cup 3.5
Apple, with skin 1 medium 3.3
Strawberries 1 cup 3.3
Peaches, dried 3 halves 3.2
Orange 1 medium 3.1
Apricots, dried 10 halves 2.6
Raisins 1.5-ounce box 1.6
Grains, cereal & pasta Serving size Total fiber (grams)
Spaghetti, whole-wheat 1 cup 6.3
Bran flakes 3/4 cup 5.1
Oatmeal 1 cup 4.0
Bread, rye 1 slice 1.9
Bread, whole-wheat 1 slice 1.9
Bread, mixed-grain 1 slice 1.7
Bread, cracked-wheat 1 slice 1.4
Legumes, nuts & seeds Serving size Total fiber (grams)
Lentils 1 cup 15.6
Black beans 1 cup 15.0
Lima beans 1 cup 13.2
Baked beans, canned 1 cup 10.4
Almonds 24 nuts 3.3
Pistachio nuts 47 nuts 2.9
Peanuts 28 nuts 2.3
Cashews 18 nuts 0.9
Vegetables Serving size Total fiber (grams)
Peas 1 cup 8.8
Artichoke, cooked 1 medium 6.5
Brussels sprouts 1 cup 6.4
Turnip greens, boiled 1 cup 5.0
Potato, baked with skin 1 medium 4.4
Corn 1 cup 4.2
Popcorn, air-popped 3 cups 3.6
Tomato paste 1/4 cup 3.0
Carrot 1 medium 2.0
