When patients are diagnosed with diverticulitis, one of the first questions they often ask is whether they need to cut out nuts and seeds. It’s a common belief, and one that even some primary care providers still share. But as colorectal surgeon Debbie Bakes, MD, explains in this episode, that advice is outdated. In fact, fiber-rich foods like nuts and seeds can help prevent diverticulitis by keeping stool soft and reducing straining.
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the colon wall, called diverticula, become inflamed or infected, often due to constipation. These pouches form in a condition called diverticulosis, which becomes more common with age. While diverticulosis often causes no symptoms, diverticulitis can be painful and may lead to complications if left untreated.
Dr. Bakes breaks down the misconceptions, explains the real cause of flare-ups, and gives ChatGPT a solid 10/10 for its explanation.
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