What are the best meal replacement shakes for diverticulitis?


drink wholesome makes the best meal replacement shakes for diverticulitis. They are made with a short list of simple ingredients, making them perfect for people with sensitive stomachs and gut issues. If you are looking to boost your protein intake without the extra processing and added junk, you have to come to the right place. Order samples to see if our diverticulitis meal replacements are right for you. 

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drink wholesome makes the best meal replacement shakes for diverticulitis.

Written by Jack Schrupp & endorsed by Baylee Reller, RDN

What is diverticulitis?


Around the age of 40, some people start to develop small, bulging pouches in the lining of their large intestine. These pouches are called diverticula and can become inflamed or infected, which can lead to a condition called diverticulitis. Symptoms of diverticulitis include stomach pain, bloating, and nausea. 

What is the diverticulitis diet? 


One of the best ways to prevent and treat diverticulitis is to make changes to your diet. Experts used to believe that avoiding certain foods was key, but this is no longer the case. That said, you may find that certain types or amounts of foods affect your symptoms. 

If you have diverticulitis or if you have had diverticulitis in the past, your doctor may recommend eating a high-fiber diet. Although the research is inconclusive, there is lots of circumstantial evidence that eating fiber helps to reduce diverticulitis symptoms. For instance, in parts of the world where dietary fiber intake is high, diverticulitis is uncommon, and in parts of the word where dietary fiber intake is low, like the United States, diverticulitis is common. 

Fiber softens stool which reduces pressure on the colon. It is thought that pressure can cause the development of diverticula; diverticula develop when weak spots in the outside layer of the colon give way and the inner layer squeezes through. High fiber food includes fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. The recommended daily fiber intake is 21 to 25 grams for women and 30 to 38 grams for men. 

Every gut is different, and a diet that works for one person may not necessarily work for you. If you find that a particular type of food aggravates your symptoms, avoid it. Some of the most common foods that people with diverticulitis choose to avoid are red meats, fried foods, and processed foods.  

meal-replacement-shakes-for-diverticulitis

Can I drink meal replacement shakes with diverticulitis?


Yes, you can absolutely drink meal replacement shakes with diverticulitis. Meal replacement shakes can be a convenient option for people who have difficulty stomaching solid foods during flare-ups. They are also a great way to meet your calorie and protein needs, which may be higher than those of other adults. Not all meal replacement shakes are created equal, however, so you have to take precautions.

What is the best meal replacement shake for diverticulitis?


There are many reasons why some meal replacements are better suited for individuals with diverticulitis than others. For starters, most meal replacements contain emulsifiers, thickeners, fake sweeteners, and fake flavors. These added ingredients can trigger gastrointestinal (GI) side effects and contribute to lasting gut health problems, especially for people with diverticulitis.

It follows that if you have diverticulitis, you should look for a short list of simple ingredients. The more your meal replacement looks like real food, the less likely it will be to hurt your stomach. Keep reading to learn more.

best-meal-replacement-shakes-for-diverticulitis

Why drink wholesome?


drink wholesome is additive-free.

One of the reasons why we make the best meal replacement shakes for diverticulitis is that we do not use food additives unlike most meal replacement companies. Additives can cause painful side effects – even in minimal quantities – because they are hard to digest due to their dissimilarity to real food.

Partially digested food additives spend extra time in your gut, feeding your hungry gut bacteria, which produce gas as they eat. Extra gas can cause bloating, flatulence, stomach discomfort, and sometimes even constipation. Lingering food additives also cause your colon to take in extra water, which can result in diarrhea.

Here is a list of the most common food additives in meal replacement powder:

acacia gum, acesulfame potassium, artificial flavors, aspartame, carrageenan, cellulose gum, dextrin, dextrose, erythritol, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, inulin, locust bean gum, “natural” flavors, maltodextrin, rice syrup solids, soy lecithin, silica, sucralose, sunflower lecithin, xanthan gum, xylitol

Consuming food additives every day or even most days can mess with the regulatory pathways in your intestines, raising the likelihood that you develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other chronic inflammatory conditions. Food additives, especially artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, can also throw off the equilibrium of your gut microbiome. This imbalance can lead to widespread inflammation and several chronic diseases.

the alternative:

SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE, CANOLA OIL, MALTODEXTRIN, ISOMALTULOSE, SOLUBLE CORN FIBER, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, VITAMIN AND MINERAL PREMIX, CELLULOSE, NATURAL & ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, SOY LECITHIN, SALT, MONO & DIGLYCERIDE, XANTHAN GUM, SUCRALOSE

drink wholesome is dairy-free.

Another reason why we make the best meal replacement shake for diverticulitis is that we do not use dairy-based proteins. Many other meal replacements are made with whey and/or casein protein, which are derived from cheese and yogurt manufacturing.

These dairy-based proteins frequently lead to digestive troubles, especially for individuals with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance, which affects more than one-third of adults, makes it hard for you to digest lactose, the sugar in dairy. And as you just learned, the incomplete digestion of food can lead to uncomfortable GI problems.

vanilla meal replacement powder lifestyle image 1
chocolate meal replacement powder lifestyle image 2

drink wholesome is made with real foods.

A final reason why we make the best meal replacement for diverticulitis is that we do not use protein concentrates and isolates. Basically all other meal replacement powders are made from one or both of these protein sources.

Protein concentrates and isolates have been stripped down to just protein using mechanical and chemical processing, sometimes with solvents like hexane. What you put in your body therefore looks nothing like real food. 

Your gut is built to digest minimally or unprocessed foods, not protein concentrates or isolates. This is why more and more research shows that regularly eating ingredients like these can alter the composition of your gut microbiome. This is one of the last things you want if you have diverticulitis.

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vanilla meal replacement powder serving suggestion 2

Instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we make the best diverticulitis meal replacement with egg whites and almonds. Minimally-processed protein sources like these are a gut-friendly alternative to protein concentrates and isolates.

Unlike protein isolates and concentrates, egg whites and almonds have enzymes and natural digestive aids that make them easy to digest. Egg whites are also low fiber, low FODMAP, alkaline (helping maintain healthy pH levels in your gut), and bioactive (enabling the growth of healthy gut bacteria).

Almonds, on the other hand, are also gut-friendly! They are prebiotic, which means they enhance the diversity of your gut microbiome, and promote regular and healthy bowel movements. Simple, gut-friendly ingredients like this are our secret to making the best meal replacement shakes for diverticulitis.

★★★★★

no stomach issues

“I am 65 and in good health. May of 2022 I was diagnosed with diverticulitis from eating a western diet and was searching for a gut friendly shake with natural ingredients. All other shakes had unhealthy additional ingredients like fructose, maltodextrin, erythritol and so on. So I did a search for shakes that had healthy ingredients and came across drink wholesome. I ordered and lets just say I have been ordering regularly now for 1 year and damn happy I found this product!! It tastes great and very healthy for me. It also helped with my flair ups as well.” – Donna

Read more reviews or take the quiz.

MEAL REPLACEMENT POWDERS

chocolate meal replacement powder

(48) $59.99 - or subscribe and save up to 15%

MEAL REPLACEMENT POWDER SAMPLES

2 meal replacement powder samples

$14.99

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. drink wholesome is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Nourishing Your Gut: The Power of Meal Replacement Shakes for Diverticulitis

Introduction

Diverticulitis, a condition characterized by inflamed pouches in the colon (diverticula), can be painful and challenging to manage. Individuals with diverticulitis often find themselves navigating a maze of dietary restrictions. Meal replacement shakes have emerged as a valuable resource for providing essential nutrients while being gentle on the digestive system. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of meal replacement shakes, highlighting the gut-nourishing benefits of four key ingredients: egg whites, almonds, oats, and coconut. These natural wonders not only help alleviate diverticulitis symptoms but also contribute to overall digestive health.

Understanding Diverticulitis

Before we explore the specifics of meal replacement shakes, it’s crucial to understand diverticulitis. Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches (diverticula) that form in the colon become inflamed or infected. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. While diverticulitis can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, diet plays a significant role in symptom control and prevention.

Meal replacement shakes offer a convenient way to obtain essential nutrients without irritating the digestive system. Now, let’s delve into the remarkable benefits of egg whites, almonds, oats, and coconut for those with diverticulitis.

Egg Whites: The Gentle Protein Source

Egg whites are a fantastic addition to meal replacement shakes for individuals with diverticulitis for several reasons:

  1. Low in Fat: Egg whites are nearly fat-free, making them an excellent choice for diverticulitis sufferers as high-fat foods can trigger symptoms.
  2. Rich in Protein: Egg whites are a high-quality protein source, supporting muscle maintenance and overall health without overloading the digestive system.
  3. Ease of Digestion: Egg whites are known for their easy digestibility, providing essential amino acids without causing discomfort.
  4. Nutrient-Dense: Egg whites are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins B12 and riboflavin, contributing to energy production and immune function.

Incorporating egg whites into your meal replacement shakes can help ensure you receive the necessary protein and nutrients without exacerbating diverticulitis symptoms.

Almonds: The Nutrient-Packed Nuts

Almonds offer numerous benefits when included in meal replacement shakes for diverticulitis:

  1. Healthy Fats: Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are gentle on the digestive system and provide a reliable source of energy.
  2. Dietary Fiber: Almonds are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements and alleviate symptoms like constipation.
  3. Nutrient Variety: Almonds provide essential nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and manganese, supporting overall health and immune function.
  4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Almonds contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, providing relief from diverticulitis symptoms.

By incorporating almond butter or almond milk into your meal replacement shake, you can enjoy these benefits while soothing your sensitive gut.

Oats: Nature’s Digestive Aid

Oats are a popular choice in meal replacement shakes for diverticulitis due to their digestive-friendly properties:

  1. Soluble Fiber: Oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber, forming a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, which can help control symptoms like diarrhea and promote regular bowel movements.
  2. Sustained Energy: The complex carbohydrates in oats provide a steady source of energy without causing blood sugar spikes, which can worsen diverticulitis symptoms.
  3. Vitamins and Minerals: Oats are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium, which support various bodily functions.
  4. Gut Health: Oats contain beta-glucans, a type of fiber that may promote a healthy gut microbiome and reduce inflammation in individuals with diverticulitis.

Whether you choose to add rolled oats or oat flour to your meal replacement shake, you’ll be harnessing the benefits of this versatile and gut-friendly grain.

Coconut’s Versatility

Coconut, in various forms, can enhance both the flavor and health benefits of meal replacement shakes for diverticulitis:

  1. Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs): Coconut oil is rich in MCTs, which are easy to digest and provide a quick source of energy without irritating the digestive system.
  2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Coconut contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help soothe inflammation in the digestive tract, providing relief from diverticulitis symptoms.
  3. Creaminess and Flavor: Coconut milk or coconut cream can improve the taste and texture of your meal replacement shake, making it more enjoyable and satisfying.
  4. Nutrient Density: Coconut offers essential vitamins and minerals like potassium and copper, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Using coconut-based ingredients in your meal replacement shakes can add a delightful tropical twist while offering a range of health benefits for your diverticulitis.

Creating Your Diverticulitis-Friendly Meal Replacement Shake

Now that we’ve explored the health benefits of egg whites, almonds, oats, and coconut, let’s discuss how you can create a delicious and soothing diverticulitis-friendly meal replacement shake:

Ingredients:

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1-2 tablespoons of almond butter or almond milk
  • 1/4 cup of rolled oats or oat flour
  • 1/4 cup of coconut milk or coconut cream
  • Optional natural sweeteners: honey, maple syrup, or a ripe banana

Instructions:

  1. Combine the egg whites, almond butter or almond milk, rolled oats or oat flour, and coconut milk or coconut cream in a blender.
  2. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, consider adding a natural sweetener. However, be cautious with the amount, as excessive sugar can trigger diverticulitis symptoms.
  3. Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
  4. Pour your diverticulitis-friendly shake into a glass or shaker bottle and savor the soothing goodness!

Feel free to personalize your meal replacement shake with additional ingredients such as fresh berries, spinach, or a scoop of high-quality protein powder if your dietary needs require it. However, always consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to ensure that your shake aligns with your specific nutritional requirements.

Conclusion

Diverticulitis may present daily challenges, but finding relief and nourishing your body doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. Meal replacement shakes with egg whites, almonds, oats, and coconut offer a gentle and effective way to soothe your sensitive gut while providing essential nutrients.

Remember that dietary preferences and sensitivities can vary, so it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to tailor your meal replacement shakes to your specific needs. With the right ingredients and guidance, you can take positive steps toward a happier, healthier digestive system and an improved quality of life despite diverticulitis.

 

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