We cannot forget the importance of FIBER! helps prevent diverticulitis.! (EXTREMELY painful, and often not found until then.)
quote: Fiber softens and adds bulk to stools, helping them pass more easily through the colon. It also reduces pressure in the digestive tract.
Many studies show that eating fiber-rich foods can help control diverticular symptoms. Women younger than 51 should aim for 25 grams of fiber daily. Men younger than 51 should aim for 38 grams of fiber daily. Women 51 and older should get 21 grams daily. Men 51 and older should get 30 grams daily.
Here are a few fiber-rich foods to include in meals:
Whole-grain breads, pastas, and cereals
Beans (kidney beans and black beans, for example)
Fresh fruits (apples, pears, prunes, avacodo)
Vegetables (squash, potatoes, peas, spinach)
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from: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/diverticulitis-diet#1