Natural Diverticulitis Diet

Diverticulitis is a condition in which the small, bulging pouches throughout the colon and large intestine, called diverticula, become inflamed and infected. These attacks must be treated with antibiotics, but according to the Mayo Clinic, some doctors have found that following a natural diverticulitis diet during and after the attack can help with recovery and prevent recurrences.

During Attacks

• When diverticula become infected, they need to be treated gently in order to heal properly. A special diet, in conjunction with medicine, allows the digestive system to take it easy during the healing process. Generally speaking, this type of diet is only prescribed to those with a mild attack; moderate to severe diverticulitis usually requires hospitalization.

  During a mild diverticulitis attack, a doctor may recommend that you stick to a clear liquid diet. Foods that are allowed in this diet include broth, pulp-free ice pops and juice, plain tea and coffee, ice chips, clear sodas and water. This diet will usually be required for a few days, until the worst of the infection has cleared. Though it is limited in terms of variety and caloric intake, this type of diet puts the least amount of stress on the digestive tract.

Recovery

• When recovering from an attack, the diverticulitis diet is modified slightly to include foods that contain a small amount of fiber. Natural foods included in this phase of the diet include smooth peanut butter, low-fiber cereals, dairy products that do not contain nuts or seeds, white rice, well-cooked vegetables (without skins), plain pasta, white bread, canned fruit and eggs. These foods allow you to get more calories and begin processing tougher foods without taxing the digestive tract too much.

Prevention

• When you have fully recovered from a diverticulitis attack, diet can be used to lessen the frequency of future attacks. According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors can recommend a high-fiber diet, which helps the digestive tract function more efficiently. It's important to gradually increase the fiber in your diet so that your body has time to adjust. Eventually, women with diverticulitis should be consuming 25 g of fiber daily, while men should eat 38 g.

  Common high-fiber foods that are recommended for a natural diverticulitis diet include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, legumes, brown rice and wild rice. Many doctors also recommend that those with diverticulitis consume plenty of fluids.