Hey there! If you’re dealing with diverticulitis and wondering whether shrimp should be on your menu, I’ve got you covered. As someone who’s researched extensively about digestive health, I’ll break down everything you need to know about eating shrimp when you have diverticulitis.
The Quick Answer
Yes you can eat shrimp with diverticulitis but timing and preparation matter! During remission periods, shrimp is generally safe to eat in moderation. However, during active flare-ups, you’ll need to be more careful with your food choices.
Understanding Diverticulitis First
Before we dive deeper into the shrimp situation let’s quickly understand what we’re dealing with
Diverticulitis happens when small pouches (diverticula) in your intestine get inflamed or infected Common symptoms include
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
- Fever and chills
- Constipation or diarrhea
When Can You Eat Shrimp?
During Remission (No Active Symptoms)
- ✅ Shrimp is generally safe
- ✅ Part of a balanced anti-inflammatory diet
- ✅ Good source of lean protein
During Flare-ups
- ⚠️ Stick to low-fiber diet initially
- ⚠️ Only eat well-cooked, tender shrimp
- ⚠️ Remove shells and tails
- ❌ Avoid fried or breaded shrimp
Smart Tips for Eating Shrimp with Diverticulitis
-
Proper Preparation
- Cook thoroughly until pink and opaque
- Boil, steam, or grill (skip the frying!)
- Remove all hard parts (shells, tails)
-
Portion Control
- Stick to 3-4 oz servings
- Limit to 2-3 times per week
- Listen to your body’s response
-
Serving Suggestions
- Mix with well-cooked veggies
- Pair with white rice during flares
- Add to pasta dishes
- Include in soft tacos
What to Eat During Flare-ups
When diverticulitis acts up, focus on these foods:
Safe Foods During Flares
- White rice
- White bread
- Well-cooked tender proteins
- Canned fruits (no skins)
- Cooked vegetables (well-softened)
- Greek yogurt
- Cottage cheese
Foods to Avoid During Flares
- High-fiber foods
- Raw vegetables
- Seeds and nuts
- Whole grains
- Beans and legumes
- Popcorn
Preventing Future Flare-ups
Once you’re feeling better, here’s what we recommend:
-
Gradually Increase Fiber
- Aim for 25-35 grams daily
- Add fiber slowly to avoid discomfort
- Stay super hydrated (at least 64 oz water daily)
-
Focus on Anti-inflammatory Foods
- Fresh fruits and veggies
- Lean proteins (including shrimp!)
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats like olive oil
My Personal Tips
I always tell my readers – everyone’s different! What works for one person might not work for another. Here’s what I suggest:
- Keep a food diary to track reactions
- Start with small portions of shrimp
- Pay attention to how different cooking methods affect you
- Don’t be afraid to experiment (during remission)
When to Call Your Doctor
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- High fever
- Unable to keep liquids down
- Symptoms getting worse instead of better
Bottom Line
Yep, you can totally enjoy shrimp with diverticulitis – just be smart about it! During good times, feel free to include it as part of your healthy diet. During flares, either avoid it temporarily or stick to well-cooked, plain preparations.
Remember, these are general guidelines – your doctor knows your specific situation best, so always follow their advice first!
Have you tried eating shrimp with diverticulitis? What’s been your experience? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your story!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and isn’t meant to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific dietary needs.
Low-fiber diet for diverticulitis
For milder cases of diverticulitis flares, eat a low-fiber or GI soft diet. A low-fiber diet limits fiber intake to between 8 and 12 grams of fiber, depending on the severity of the flare-up.
Good low-fiber food options include:
- Grains: Lovers of white pasta and white bread, rejoice! These are good low-fiber options, along with white rice and white crackers.
- Low-fiber starches: Get your peeler out. Potatoes without skin can be on the menu. Mash, roast or bake them. Certain low-fiber cereals also get a thumbs-up, including cornflakes and puffed rice cereal.
- Proteins: Choose eggs and egg whites, tofu, and meat or seafood. “It should be tender, so shredded chicken, lean ground turkey and soft baked fish work best,” Taylor recommends.
- Fruits: Use caution, as fruits have lots of fiber. Good options include canned fruits such as peaches or pears, applesauce, ripe bananas, and soft, ripe cantaloupe and honeydew. “It’s not a lot of fiber because you’re not eating the skin,” clarifies Taylor. “The skins are the source of insoluble fiber, which can irritate inflamed diverticula.”
- Dairy: “Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are real winners if you’re recovering from a flare-up. They’re high in protein, calcium and other nutrients and don’t have any fiber,” says Taylor. “They’re also soft, moist and easier to get down if you’re not feeling well.” You can also have milk and cheese.
Foods to avoid with diverticulitis include high-fiber options such as:
- Whole grains.
- Fruits and vegetables with the skin and seeds.
- Nuts and seeds.
- Beans.
- Popcorn.
You’ll want to follow this low-fiber diet until your diverticulitis symptoms subside. “Usually, someone starts to improve after several days of being on antibiotics,” Taylor says.
If you do, your provider will have you gradually increase your fiber intake over several days to weeks to avoid constipation and bloating.
“The goal is getting back to a high-fiber diet to decrease your risk for future bouts of diverticulitis,” she adds. “But if you’re not feeling better within a few days, talk to your provider.”
Dietary differences between diverticulosis and diverticulitis
When you have diverticulosis, little pouches or pockets form on the inside lining of your intestines and your colon. These pockets, called diverticula, are relatively harmless on their own. You can think of them as freckles or skin tags. They’re usually not a problem unless they get irritated or infected — and when this happens, it’s called diverticulitis.
When these pockets become infected or injured, it can cause inflammation to build up inside those pockets that can then spread to other areas of your colon. During these flare-ups, you’ll likely experience:
- Abdominal cramping.
- Pain or tenderness in the area.
- Swelling.
- Bloating.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
It’s possible to have diverticulosis without ever developing diverticulitis. So, the key to preventing flare-ups is making sure your diet doesn’t cause any additional inflammation or injury when you have diverticulosis. And when you’re having a flare-up because of diverticulitis, your diet should change to decrease the severity of your symptoms and allow your intestines to recover.
Diverticulitis And MEAT? Watch This…
FAQ
Can I eat seafood with diverticulitis?
What’s the worst thing for diverticulitis?
The worst thing for diverticulitis is a flare-up combined with eating foods that are difficult to digest, especially high-fiber foods during that time.
Can shrimp aggravate diverticulitis?
No specific foods are known to trigger bouts of diverticulitis symptoms, also called attacks.
Can I eat bananas with diverticulitis?