Foods for Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a condition in which small pouches called diverticula that form in the digestive tract become infected or inflamed. Diverticula can form anywhere along the digestive tract, but they are most commonly found in the large intestine. Not everyone develops diverticula, but they are quite common in people over 40. Common symptoms of diverticulitis include severe abdominal pain, nausea, changing bowel habits and fever. Several treatment options are available for people with diverticulitis, but most doctors also recommend following a specific diet to help prevent diverticulitis or to slow its progression.

During an Attack

• While you are suffering an attack of diverticulitis, your doctor will likely recommend that you avoid solids and stick to a liquid diet for at least two or three days. Although eating enough fiber is important for people with diverticulitis, it's more important to follow a liquid diet while suffering an attack. Some common foods you can eat while on a liquid diet include fruit juices, broths, popsicles, gelatin and water.

Post-Attack Diet

• In the days following a diverticulitis attack, it's important to slowly reintroduce fiber into your diet, starting with eating a variety of low-fiber foods. You should continue this diet for as long as you are suffering the symptoms of diverticulitis. Some examples of healthy, low-fiber foods to eat while recovering include eggs; tender meat or poultry; fish; peanut butter; canned fruits and vegetables; dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt; white rice; and pasta.

High-Fiber Diet

• Once you are no longer exhibiting any of the symptoms of diverticulitis, you can start eating a high-fiber diet. It's important to slowly reintroduce fiber into the diet. Men should try to eat 38 grams of fiber a day and women should consume 25 grams. Good examples of high-fiber foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, brown rice, wild rice, legumes and whole grains (including whole-grain breads and cereals). Although it is nutritionally best to get your fiber from foods naturally high in fiber, there are a variety of fiber-supplemented foods on the market today, including granola bars and yogurt.