A patient with diagnosis of diverticulosis is advised to eat a diet high in fiber. What should nurse recommend that patient eat to best increase bulk and fecal material?

Correct Answer: D. Kale

Kale is an excellent source of dietary fiber. A serving of 3 1/2 ounces of kale contains 6.6 g of dietary fiber. Fiber is a very important component of our diet and comes from plant-based food sources (fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains). Different food sources contain different types of fiber and resistant starches and the side effects depend on the individual’s microbiome (gut bacteria). Instead of avoiding fiber altogether, you may want to identify the certain types of food that cause the distress.

• Option A: One slice of whole wheat bread contains only 1.5 g of dietary fiber. Whole wheat bread is made from flour that contains the entire wheat kernel, including the bran and germ. It’s here that wheat packs the most nutrients, such as fiber, B vitamins, iron, folate, potassium, and magnesium. Leaving the wheat kernel intact makes for a less processed, more nutritious bread.
• Option B: A serving of a 1/2 cup of white rice contains only 0.8 g of dietary fiber. White rice is mostly a source of “empty” calories and carbs with very few essential nutrients. 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of cooked brown rice provide 1.8 grams of fiber, whereas 100 grams of white provide only 0.4 grams of fiber (1, 2). Bottom Line: Brown rice is much higher in nutrients than white rice.
• Option C: A serving of 3 1/2 ounces of cooked pasta contains only 1.6 g of dietary fiber. Whole-wheat pasta is usually made from whole-wheat durum semolina, or flour made from the whole grain rather than the striped grain. For about 175 calories, a 1-cup serving of cooked whole-wheat spaghetti delivers 6.3 grams of fiber, or 25 percent of the daily value.