Dear Dr. Hibberd:
I have diverticulitis and have long had stomach problems. But I love to eat nuts. Can I still eat them?

Answer:
There were confusing reports that persons with diverticultis should avoid nuts. Earlier, many doctors recommended that people with diverticulosis avoid seeds and nuts, including foods with small seeds, such as tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries. The reason being, that very small portions could lodge in the diverticula and cause inflammation (diverticulitis). However, at present, there is no scientific evidence that seeds and nuts cause diverticulitis flares. In fact, eating a high-fiber diet — which may include nuts and seeds — may reduce the risk of diverticular disease.
However, if you have diverticulitis and nuts and seeds trigger your attacks, avoid these foods.