Diverticulitis is the inflammation and infection of small pouches, or diverticuli, in the colon. These pouches are common, but many people may not even know they have them unless they experience a diverticulitis attack, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, or NIDDK. Treatment for an acute attack requires antibiotics and diet therapy.
Function
The diet for diverticulitis is meant to help to alleviate symptoms while still meeting nutritional needs. During an acute attack, people with diverticulitis are initially started on a clear liquid diet, and then transitioned to low-fiber solid foods.
Clear Liquid Diet
The clear liquid diet for a diverticulitis attack provides hydration while allowing the digestive tract time to heal. The diet is a short-term diet because it is not an adequate source of calories, protein, vitamins or minerals. Most people suffering from a diverticulitis attack follow a clear liquid diet for two to three days. A clear liquid diet consists of broth, gelatin dessert, clear soft drinks, juice without pulp, fruit ice, tea, water and coffee without milk.
Low-Fiber Diet
As tolerated, the person suffering from diverticulitis is transitioned to a low-fiber diet. The low-fiber diet is nutritionally adequate but is still easily digested, producing smaller bowel movements, according to the University of Virginia Health System. The low-fiber diet consists of canned fruits, applesauce, soft cooked vegetables without the skin, enriched white bread, low fiber cereals, white pasta, white rice, soft cooked meats and fish, ground meats, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt without nuts or seeds, cakes and cookies.
Warning
Following treatment for diverticulitis, most people should feel relief from their symptoms within two to three days. If, after an acute diverticulitis attack a person is unable to transition to a low-fiber diet within three days, he should consult with a physician. Prolonged use of the clear liquid diet is unsafe and can lead to weakness and other complications, warns MayoClinic.com.
Prevention/Solution
A high fiber diet is recommended to prevent further diverticulitis attacks. A high fiber diet contains about 25g to 35g of fiber a day, according to the University of California at San Fransisco. Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Fiber supplements, such as psyllium, can also be used to increase fiber intake. It is important to drink adequate fluid when increasing fiber intake.
