Diverticulitis Diet
Overview
Diverticulitis is a digestive condition where small pockets called diverticula in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. Many people want to know how what they eat can help manage symptoms or prevent future flare-ups. A well-planned diverticulitis diet can reduce discomfort during flare-ups and help keep the digestive system healthier over time.
Having a clear plan for what foods to eat and avoid is important for anyone dealing with diverticulosis or diverticular disease. This diet changes depending on whether someone is having a flare-up or trying to prevent one. Making smart food choices can have a real impact on daily comfort and long-term digestive health.
Understanding Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a type of digestive disorder that happens when small pouches called diverticula form in the walls of the colon and become inflamed or infected. These pouches can develop due to pressure in the digestive tract.
When a person has many of these pouches but no symptoms, the condition is called diverticulosis. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become irritated or swollen. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain (often on the lower left side)
- Fever
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Changes in bowel movements
Diverticular disease affects the large intestine, which is a main part of the digestive system. The inflammation can be mild or more severe, sometimes leading to complications if not treated.
Doctors are not exactly sure what causes diverticula to form, but it may be linked to aging, diet, and issues with bowel movements over time. People with diverticulitis may notice sharp or cramping pain in the belly, along with other digestive symptoms. These may get worse during a flare-up.
Principles of a Diverticulitis Diet
A diverticulitis diet aims to reduce irritation in the digestive tract, especially during flare-ups. The approach changes based on whether the person is having symptoms, recovering, or trying to prevent future issues.
During a diverticulitis flare-up, bowel rest is important. Doctors usually recommend a clear liquid diet for one to three days. Approved options often include water, clear broths, and plain gelatin. These allow the bowel to heal without working too hard.
As symptoms improve, people can move to a low-fiber diet. This means choosing foods that are easy to digest, like white bread, eggs, and well-cooked vegetables without skin. The goal is to avoid bloating and prevent constipation while allowing the digestive tract to recover.
After recovery, most dietary recommendations focus on increasing fiber intake over time. High-fiber foods help make bowel movements easier and may lower the risk of future diverticulitis flare-ups. Good choices include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. General dietary changes for diverticulitis include:
- Eating regular meals.
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Slowly adding more fiber to the diet after recovery.
- Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms.
| Stage | Suggested Foods |
|---|---|
| Flare-ups | Clear liquids |
| Transition phase | Low-fiber, soft foods |
| Recovery/Prevention | High-fiber foods |
Liquid and Low-Fiber Diet Phases
When someone has a flare-up of diverticulitis, doctors often recommend starting with a clear liquid diet. This helps give the bowel time to rest and heal. Common clear liquids include:
- Water
- Clear broths
- Apple juice
- Lemon-lime soda
- Plain gelatin
This type of diet does not include solid foods, but offers fluids with some calories and nutrients. Once symptoms improve, people usually move to a low-fiber diet. This phase is important because high-fiber foods can irritate the bowel during an active flare.
Sample Low-Fiber Foods
| Food Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Breads | White bread, plain bagels |
| Grains | Plain white rice, pasta |
| Fruits | Canned peaches, applesauce |
| Vegetables | Cooked carrots, potatoes without skin |
| Protein | Eggs, tender meats, fish |
People should avoid raw fruits and raw vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, and nuts during this phase. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is sometimes suggested for easing back into eating solids, but it may not have enough nutrients for long-term use.
Health professionals usually suggest adding fiber back slowly after symptoms go away. Drinking plenty of water is also important during both the liquid and low-fiber phases.
High-Fiber Diet for Recovery and Prevention
A high-fiber diet helps people recover from diverticulitis and may prevent new flare-ups. Fiber keeps the digestive system moving smoothly and can lower the risk of future problems.
Dietary fiber comes from plant foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and legumes. These foods add bulk to stool and make it easier to pass. Fiber also helps lower pressure in the colon. High-fiber foods include:
- Whole wheat bread and pasta
- Oats, barley, and brown rice
- Apples, pears, and berries (with skin)
- Carrots, broccoli, spinach
- Lentils, black beans, chickpeas
- Almonds and walnuts
People can add fiber-rich foods slowly to reduce gas or bloating. Drinking more water also helps the body use fiber better. Some people use a fiber supplement if they cannot get enough fiber from food alone. Experts suggest that most adults should aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day. Reading nutrition labels can help track fiber intake.
| Meal | Example Foods |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Oatmeal with berries, whole wheat toast |
| Lunch | Lentil soup, whole grain crackers |
| Snack | Apple with skin, handful of almonds |
| Dinner | Brown rice, steamed spinach, black beans |
Foods to Avoid with Diverticulitis
People with diverticulitis should avoid certain foods to lower the risk of flare-ups. Foods that are hard to digest, high in fat, or low in fiber can increase irritation in the colon. Processed foods like chips, frozen meals, and snack cakes often contain added sugars and unhealthy fats. These foods may trigger symptoms or make them worse. Avoid processed meats such as hot dogs, bacon, and sausage. These meats are high in fat and salt, which can stress the digestive system.
Red meat, especially when eaten in large amounts, can be hard to digest. People with diverticulitis are often advised to eat less red meat and choose lean proteins instead. Refined grains—like white bread, white rice, and regular pasta—lack fiber. It’s better to choose whole grains, especially when not experiencing a flare-up.
Some foods are high in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs), which are types of sugars that can cause gas and bloating in some people. Onions, garlic, beans, and certain fruits fall into this group and may be best limited. A list of foods to avoid during diverticulitis
- Spicy foods
- Processed foods
- Processed meats
- Red meat
- Refined grains
- Added sugars
- High-FODMAP foods
Some people avoid nuts and seeds during a flare-up, but recent studies suggest they might not be harmful for everyone.
Potential Complications and When to Seek Help
Diverticulitis can sometimes cause complications if you don’t get proper treatment. Some possible issues include abscesses (pockets of pus), perforation (a hole in the intestine), and fistulas (abnormal connections between organs). Other complications may include an intestinal blockage or ongoing inflammation. These problems can be serious and may need urgent care.
If you have mild diverticulitis, you may feel better with rest, a special diet, and antibiotics. If you have a digestive disorder or severe symptoms, watch for certain warning signs. Call a doctor or visit a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
- Severe pain in the lower left side of your abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blood in your stool
- Difficulty passing stool or gas
- Signs of infection, such as chills or weakness
If any of these symptoms appear, seek help right away. Quick medical attention can help prevent more dangerous problems, such as a perforation. Doctors may recommend surgery if complications don’t improve with medicine. Report new symptoms quickly and follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
