Study Debunks Long-Held Myth Linking Nuts to Digestive Trouble

A study has debunked the long-held belief that nuts and seeds increase the risk of diverticulitis.

Published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the research found no link between consuming nuts, seeds, or popcorn and an elevated risk of diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches (diverticula) that form in the colon wall become inflamed or infected.

While these pouches are often asymptomatic, debris trapped inside can lead to inflammation. Traditionally, patients with diverticulitis have been advised to limit their nuts, seeds, and popcorn intake to manage digestive issues.

The researchers challenged this conventional wisdom, noting that many diverticulitis patients avoid these foods due to fears they might become stuck in the diverticula and trigger inflammation. To investigate, the team analyzed government survey data from roughly 30,000 American women, aged 35 to 74, who completed dietary and health questionnaires every 2-3 years between 2003 and 2022.

The findings showed no correlation between consuming seeds, nuts, popcorn, or fruits with seeds and diverticulitis risk. Interestingly, the study revealed that specific dietary patterns could actually reduce the risk of diverticulitis.

Following a DASH diet lowered the risk by 23%, while a Mediterranean diet decreased it by nearly 9%.

The researchers also noted that recent studies suggest that diet can influence the gut microbiome composition in diverticulitis patients.

In conclusion, the study found no evidence that nuts and seeds increase the risk of diverticulitis.