Let them eat nuts—this snack is safe for diverticulosis patients

Nuts have many health benefits, and we now know there's no reason for patients at risk of diverticulitis to avoid them.

Prasad, Shailendra MBBS, MPH
Ewigman, Bernard MD, MSPH

Department of Family Medicine, Cleveland Clinic
¹Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota. Minneapolis
²Department of Family Medicine, The University of Chicago

PURLs® INSTANT POLL Do you advise otherwise healthy patients with diverticulosis to avoid nuts, corn, or popcorn?

□ Never

□ Rarely

□ Often

□ Always

Go towww.jfponline.comand take our Instant Poll

PURLs methodology This study was selected and evaluated using FPIN's Priority Updates from the Research Literature (PURL) Surveillance System methodology. The criteria and findings leading to the selection of this study as a PURL can be accessed at www.jfponline.com/purls.

The Journal of Family Practice 58(2):p 82-84, February 2009.

Practice changer

Tell patients with diverticular disease that they can eat nuts, corn, and popcorn without fear. There is no truth to the long-held belief that these foods increase the risk of complications.

Strength of recommendation

B: A large cohort study

Strate LL, Liu YL, Syngal S, et al. Nut, corn, and popcorn consumption and the incidence of diverticular disease. JAMA. 2008;300:907-914.