Diet Guidelines for Diverticulitis: Recommended and Restricted Foods
Diverticulitis, a common gastrointestinal diagnosis in the United States, is a condition that affects many individuals. It occurs when small pouches in the intestine called diverticula become inflamed or infected [1]. Understanding the role of diet in managing this condition is crucial.
In the initial stages, a clear liquid diet may be recommended for 2 to 3 days. This includes water, clear juices like apple and cranberry, coffee or tea without cream, clear broth, and plain popsicles [1][3]. After the initial phase, low-fiber foods can be introduced to ease digestion. Examples include cream of wheat, white bread, white pasta, white rice, canned fruits and vegetables without skins or seeds, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, poultry, fish, and tender beef [1].
Later, incorporating high-fiber foods may help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are beneficial [2]. Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining digestive health [2]. Identifying and avoiding specific trigger foods that may exacerbate symptoms, such as spicy, fatty, or high-FODMAP foods, is also essential [2].
Consider using probiotics and prebiotics from fermented foods or supplements to support gut health [4]. A prudent diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, and fish can help manage diverticulitis [3]. Limit processed meats, refined grains, and sweets to reduce potential risks [3].
It is essential to note that high fiber foods, such as onions, mushrooms, cauliflower, garlic, apples, apricots, dried fruits, pears, peaches, dairy foods, legumes and pulses, bread and cereals, sugars and sweeteners, may worsen symptoms of diverticular disease in some people [1]. However, when combined with FODMAP foods, a high fiber diet may cause excess gas that could contribute to diverticulitis symptoms.
Avoiding high-FODMAP foods and adopting a low-fiber diet initially, followed by gradually reintroducing high-fiber foods, can be an effective strategy for managing diverticulitis symptoms through dietary changes. Additionally, maintaining a moderate weight, doing at least 2 hours of vigorous exercise each week, and never smoking may help prevent diverticulitis [5].
It is safe for people living with diverticulitis to eat nuts, popcorn, and seeds, including pumpkin and sesame seeds [6]. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalised dietary advice.
References: [1] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Diverticulitis. Retrieved from
- Diverticulitis, a common medical condition, often affects numerous individuals in the United States.
- The inflammation or infection of diverticula in the intestine is the basis of this diagnosis.
- A clear liquid diet may be recommended in the initial stages of diverticulitis, lasting 2 to 3 days.
- This diet includes water, clear juices, coffee or tea without cream, clear broth, and plain popsicles.
- After the initial phase, low-fiber foods can be introduced to ease digestion.
- Examples of such foods are cream of wheat, white bread, white pasta, white rice, canned fruits and vegetables without skins or seeds, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, poultry, fish, and tender beef.
- Gradually incorporating high-fiber foods may help alleviate diverticulitis symptoms and prevent complications.
- Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are beneficial high-fiber foods.
- Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining digestive health.
- Identifying and avoiding trigger foods, such as spicy, fatty, or high-FODMAP foods, is essential.
- Probiotics and prebiotics from fermented foods or supplements can support gut health.
- A prudent diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, and fish can help manage diverticulitis.
- Processed meats, refined grains, and sweets should be limited to reduce potential risks.
- High-fiber foods like onions, mushrooms, cauliflower, garlic, apples, apricots, dried fruits, pears, peaches, dairy foods, legumes and pulses, bread and cereals, sugars and sweeteners may worsen symptoms in some people.
- Combining high-fiber foods with FODMAP foods may cause excess gas contributing to diverticulitis symptoms.
- Avoiding high-FODMAP foods and adopting a low-fiber diet initially, followed by gradually reintroducing high-fiber foods, can be an effective strategy.
- Maintaining a moderate weight, doing at least 2 hours of vigorous exercise each week, and never smoking may help prevent diverticulitis.
- It is safe for people living with diverticulitis to eat nuts, popcorn, and seeds, including pumpkin and sesame seeds.
- Consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice is always advisable.
- Understanding the role of diet in managing diverticulitis is crucial, as science continues to evolve our understanding of workplace-wellness and medical-conditions like chronic-diseases, chronic-kidney-disease, diabetes, obesity, and respiratory-conditions.
- Cancel's impact on digestive-health and eye-health should also be considered when managing diverticulitis.
- There are numerous mental-health concerns associated with chronic-illnesses, such as depression, migraine, and autoimmune-disorders.
- Adequate nutrition, weight-management, and fitness-and-exercise can help manage these mental-health issues.
- Skin-care is an essential aspect of health-and-wellness, and it's crucial to remember tender skin can be affected by certain skin-conditions like psoriasis or eczema.
- Therapies-and-treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral-therapy or medication, may be necessary to manage specific mental-health concerns.
- Nutrition plays a vital role in managing weight, and it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist for a tailored plan.
- Cardiovascular-health is an essential aspect of overall health, and it's crucial to maintain balanced cardiovascular-health through diet and exercise.
- Medicare covers various diagnostic tests and treatments for diverticulitis, as well as preventative care such as screenings and vaccinations.
- CBD oil may provide relief from diverticulitis symptoms, but further scientific research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
- Managing diverticulitis can also involve lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet, stress-management techniques, and good skin-care practices.
- Learning about proper cooking techniques, like cooking global-cuisines with healthy-cooking methods, can help in maintaining a balanced diet.
- Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and practicing mindfulness, can help manage mental-health concerns like depression, anxiety, and stress.
- It's essential to consider mental-health when planning for goal-setting and personal-growth, addressing issues like depression, anxiety, and stress to achieve long-term success.
- Online-education platforms provide resources for learning about various topics, from nutrition and wellness to mindfulness and personal-development.
- In today's world, where mental-health is becoming increasingly recognized, it's crucial to prioritize mental-health and wellness, whether it's through dietary changes, exercise, or learning new hobbies and skills.
