Diverticulitis Dietitian
Diverticular disease affects the bowel, more specifically the large intestine. Diverticula are bulges in the lining of the intestine. Most often these do not cause any symptoms, and it is called diverticulosis. When there are symptoms associated with this condition, such as pain in the lower abdomen, maybe constipation or diarrhoea, blood in the poo; it is called diverticular disease. Diverticula can become inflamed and even infected causing more severe symptoms. This is called diverticulitis and symptoms can be severe tummy pain, temperature, diarrhoea or constipation, mucus or blood in the poo.
Diet and Diverticular disease
If you have diverticular disease and have experienced flares, you will probably have spent time trying to understand which foods might be triggering problems or stopping the infection from healing. Some people with diverticular disease end up on very restrictive diets in their attempts to prevent flare ups.
How We Can Help: Meet Our Specialist Dietitians
Dr. Bridgette Wilson
Dr. Wilson is a gut specialist clinical and research dietitian with a wealth of clinical dietetic experience both in the NHS and private healthcare. Her award-winning PhD research on the Low FODMAP diet and Prebiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Ulcerative Colitis has given her a great depth of knowledge to help you attain good symptom control.
Sophie Medlin
Sophie has worked with people with diverticular disease for over 10 years. She can help you to understand which foods are likely to exacerbate symptoms during a flare and how to eat when you’re well to optimise your long term healthy and help your body to cope better with the inflammation.
Pooja Dhir
Pooja Dhir is a registered specialist dietitian who has worked as a senior manager in the NHS, specialising in upper gastrointestinal and surgery. She has worked in acute hospitals, both inpatients and outpatients and has written articles for the leading medical nutrition CN magazine and is published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.
What to Expect From Your Diverticular Disease consultation
Our dietitians will take time to thoroughly understand your medical history and will assess your diet. We will work with you to find a diet that manages your current symptoms while promoting good long-term health.
Typically, this will involve three sessions, for example:
Session 1: Assessment and dietary modifications
Session 2: Assessment of progress and reintroduction of foods to establish tolerance
Session 3: Long term nutritional management and healthy eating
If tests or treatments are needed, Sophie will liaise with your consultant or GP. For people with diverticular disease, we offer three appointments for £330, saving £30.
Read our frequently asked questions.