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What Foods to Avoid While Having an Attack of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the lining of the lower portion of the large intestine, known as the sigmoid colon, become inflamed and irritated. Follow a special diet during a diverticulitis attack to rest the intestines and to give the irritated pouches time to heal. Avoid foods that stimulate bowel movements or contribute to intestinal irritation.

  1. Avoid High-Fiber Foods

    • Eating a diet rich in fiber sources may help stave off a diverticulitis attack, but once the attack has occurred it is important to limit such foods. The intestines must rest and heal from an attack, and fiber stimulates the intestinal system and may interfere with a recovery from diverticulitis or even worsen the symptoms. High-fiber foods to be avoided include vegetables, fruits, cereals, whole grains, pastas, beans, nuts and seeds. If your doctor has placed you on a liquid diet, you may be able to drink vegetable broth and fruit juices without the pulp.

    Avoid Foods High in Sugar

    • Sugar may irritate the intestinal tract, causing additional inflammation during an attack. Foods high in sugar include vegetables and fruits, salad dressings, ketchup, some processed foods, candies and desserts. Read the labels carefully to find hidden sugary ingredients such as corn syrup, evaporated cane juice, dextrose, fructose, honey, lactose, maltodextrin, malt syrup, saccharose, sorghum and sucrose. If you have a sweet tooth, your doctor may include small amounts of clear soda and ice pops in your liquid diet.

    Avoid Foods High in Fats

    • Fatty foods can cause severe irritation and inflammation of the lining of the intestines during an attack. Foods from animal sources, such as beef, pork and poultry, are high in saturated fats; foods that contain plant oils, such as coconut, coconut oil, cocoa butter and palm kernel oil, are also high in saturated fats. Dairy foods and margarine spreads are often high in hydrogenated fat and saturated fat as well. Foods high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats include fish, vegetable oils and olives.

    When to See Your Doctor

    • If you have limited your diet for a few days yet are still experiencing diverticulitis symptoms, see your doctor. You'll need an examination and, possibly, tests to determine the severity of your attack. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics and a special liquid diet. If you experience severe symptoms such as fever or nausea, see your doctor at once.

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