A diverticulitis journal or food tracker can be a lifesaver for managing diverticulosis or flare-ups, known as diverticulitis. (I have attached one at the bottom of this post.)

Diverticulosis is a medical condition characterized by the formation of bulging pouches (diverticula) in the lining of the colon, which can catch and harbor small particles of food. These pouches are generally harmless, but the trapped food particles can sometimes become inflamed or infected, leading to a condition called diverticulitis, which in some cases can be deadly.

Managing diverticulitis involves a combination of dietary adjustments, medication, and in some cases, surgery. During a flare-up, your doctor may prescribe a clear liquid diet for a few days, followed by a transition to soft foods. Your doctor may also prescribe oral antibiotics to treat the infection.

Your doctor may also recommend pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), but your doctor may instruct you to avoid NSAIDS like ibuprofen, Advil, and aspirin.

Your doctor may also recommend a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil, in gummy, capsule, or powder form.

You should rely on your doctor to work with you to monitor the situation, taking into account your individual experience and the severity of your diverticulitis.

Long-term management focuses on preventing future attacks by maintaining a personalized diet, consistent hydration, adequate sleep, and a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, is crucial for staying on a healthy digestive track.

The best way to monitor any medical issue is to create a written record of your daily food intake, body pain, mood, and stress levels.

Using a food diary, pain tracker, or a symptom and digestive management workbook can provide a written record of which foods, stress levels, and drinks may be contributing to your flare-ups.

While there’s no evidence that specific foods cause diverticulitis, some individuals find that certain foods, such as nuts, seeds, popcorn, or corn, can worsen or trigger a digestive flare-up.

Unfortunately, determining which foods you can and cannot tolerate is often a matter of trial and error. To be safe when introducing new foods into your diet, start with small amounts and gradually increase them over time.

Find a journal or food tracker which offers ample space to record daily symptoms, the location of body pain, digestive activity, and any other additional personal notes.

During a diverticulitis flare-up, your doctor may recommend a temporary clear liquid diet (consisting of broth, clear juices, and lots of water) to allow the colon to rest and heal.

As symptoms improve, your doctor may suggest gradually introducing a soft or mushy food diet, followed by a low-fiber diet that you can tolerate, and eventually transition to a higher-fiber diet if possible.

Food intake is challenging because every patient has foods they can tolerate and others that can trigger a colon attack. Setbacks and triggers can occur unexpectedly, depending on stress and other factors, which is why a journal or food tracker/worksheet that allows you to track your food intake is so important.

In severe or recurrent cases of diverticulitis, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon if necessary.

If you experience new or worsening abdominal pain, fever, or blood in your stool, seek immediate medical attention. Take your digestive pain seriously.

Keeping a daily tracker can identify patterns and determine which foods or activities might be triggering diverticulitis flare-ups. A tracker also helps patients become more attuned to their bodies and empowers them to actively participate in managing their diverticulitis.

For a free copy of this food tracker, click here to contact me.

Or make a copy of the JPG image below: