Q. I have been told I shouldn’t eat nuts because of my diverticulosis. Is this true?

A. Alicia Romano, MS, RD, a dietitian at the Frances Stern Nutrition Center, answers: “Nuts are healthy foods that are good choices to incorporate into your diet for the long term, given their general healthy nutrient profile. They are a plant source of protein and naturally high in fiber and healthy fats (omega-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids). Nuts are an important dietary component in many healthy dietary patterns, such as the DASH diet and Mediterranean-style dietary patterns. They are associated with overall digestive health and lower risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and many other chronic diseases.
“It is a common misconception that nuts, seeds, and even popcorn should be avoided to help control diverticulosis, a fairly common condition in which little pockets form in the lining of the intestines. These pockets can become infected and inflamed, causing severe pain (diverticulitis).

“It has been suggested that undigested fragments of foods like nuts and seeds may reside in the colon and cause diverticular trauma and complications. There is no scientific evidence to back up this assertion. Unfortunately, there is not a great deal of research conducted in this area. However, some studies suggest consumption of nuts (at least twice per week) may actually result in a decreased risk of developing diverticulitis.
“If you are dealing with a flare of your diverticular condition (diverticulitis), fiber should be avoided. Nuts, seeds, and other high fiber foods should slowly be reintroduced back into the diet once your flare has resolved. And, as always, follow the advice of your healthcare provider.”