Diet Restrictions for Diverticulitis

A bulge in the digestive tract, usually in the large intestine, called a diverticulum, causes diverticulitis when it becomes inflamed or infected. Many people never realize they have diverticula until diverticulitis causes nausea, bowel discomfort, and fever. A diverticulitis diet works with medication and, in some cases, surgery, to resolve symptoms.

Diverticulitis Diet

• When you are having a mild or moderate flare-up of diverticulitis, a doctor may prescribe a special diet to rest the digestive system and then gradually build it back up to full strength. The diet alone cannot treat diverticulitis, but it may improve symptoms in conjunction with medical treatment. When diverticulitis symptoms become severe enough that you cannot digest even liquids, you may need hospitalization to get better.

  The first stage of the diet restricts all solids to rest the digestive system and hopefully calm symptoms. For two or three days, drink only clear liquids such as clear sodas, diluted fruit juices with no pulp and plain water. Eat only ice pops and gelatin. Broth is acceptable, but don't eat soup with noodles, vegetables, or meat.

  When some of the symptoms of the diverticulitis flare-up have passed, don't go immediately back to a regular diet. Ease the digestive system back into its regular functioning by eating bland foods low in fiber. Eat plain pasta and white rice, white bread, eggs, eggs, and very tender meat and poultry. Avoid seeds and nuts. Eat canned fruit and well-cooked vegetables, without their skins or seeds. Do not eat high-fiber foods like granola bars and cereals.

  After the diverticulitis flare-up has passed, gradually increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Add in small portions of higher-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain carbohydrates at each meal, gradually increasing their amounts over several days. Over time, eating a high-fiber diet may decrease your diverticulitis symptoms because it helps move food more easily and quickly through the digestive system.

  To keep diverticulitis at bay, avoid junk food, eat a high-fiber diet, and exercise regularly. These steps prevent constipation, which puts unnecessary pressure on the colon. If you are having trouble with ongoing constipation, ask a doctor about adding a stool softener or fiber supplement to your diet.