Diverticulitis Diet
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What is a diverticulitis diet?
A diverticulitis diet includes foods that allow your intestines to rest while you have diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is a condition that causes diverticula (small pockets) along your intestine to become inflamed or infected. This is caused by hard bowel movement, food, or bacteria that get stuck in the pockets.
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Which foods may be recommended while I have diverticulitis?
- A clear liquid diet may be recommended for 2 to 3 days. A clear liquid diet includes clear liquids, and foods that are liquid at room temperature. Examples include the following:
- Water and clear juices (such as apple, cranberry, or grape), strained citrus juices or fruit punch
- Coffee or tea (without cream or milk)
- Clear sports drinks or soft drinks, such as ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, or club soda (no cola or root beer)
- Clear broth, bouillon, or consommé
- Plain popsicles (no popsicles with pureed fruit or fiber)
- Flavored gelatin without fruit
- Low-fiber foods may be recommended until your symptoms improve. Examples include the following:
- Cream of wheat and finely ground grits
- White bread, white pasta, and white rice
- Canned and well-cooked fruit without skins or seeds, and juice without pulp
- Canned and well-cooked vegetables without skins or seeds, and vegetable juice
- Cow's milk, lactose-free milk, soy milk, and rice milk
- Yogurt, cottage cheese, and sherbet
- Eggs, poultry (such as chicken and turkey), fish, and tender, ground, well-cooked beef
- Tofu and smooth nut butters, such as peanut butter
- Broth and strained soups made of low-fiber foods
What do I need to know about high-fiber foods?
High-fiber foods can help prevent diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Your healthcare provider will tell you when you can add high-fiber foods back into your diet. Examples include the following:
- Whole grains and breads, and cereals made with whole grains
- Dried fruit, fresh fruit with skin, and fruit pulp
- Raw vegetables
- Cooked greens, such as spinach
- Tough meat and meat with gristle
- Legumes, such as pinto beans and lentils
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When should I call my doctor?
- Your symptoms get worse or do not go away.
- You have questions about the foods you should eat.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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Further information
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