About 10 percent of people over the age of 40 have small pouches, also known as diverticuli, along their gastrointestinal tract, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, or NIDDK. This condition is known as diverticulosis. Diet plays a major role in managing diverticulosis and preventing the acute condition known as diverticulitis.
Function
The purpose of the diet for diverticulosis and diverticulitis is to manage the disease. In the chronic condition, diverticulosis, the goal is to prevent constipation, according to the University of California at San Francisco, and a high fiber diet is recommended. During an acute illness, diverticulitis, the goal is to rest the bowel to allow it to heal, and clear liquid and a low-fiber diet are recommended.
High Fiber Diet for Diverticulosis
The high fiber diet for diverticulosis recommends people consume 25 to 35 g of fiber a day, according to the University of California at San Francisco. The additional fiber helps to soften and bulk up stool to prevent constipation. Foods recommended on a high fiber diet include legumes, beans, bran, whole-grain foods, wild and brown rice, fruits, vegetables and whole-wheat pasta. When increasing fiber in the diet, do so slowly to allow the gastrointestinal tract time to adjust to prevent abdominal discomfort and gas. Adequate fluid intake is also recommended.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis occurs when the small diverticuli pouches become inflamed and infected. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and a two-step diet consisting of clear liquids and low-fiber foods. The goal of the diet for diverticulitis is to provide adequate nutrition while allowing the infection to heal.
Clear Liquid Diet for Diverticulitis
Initially, the person with diverticulitis will be placed on a clear liquid diet. The clear liquid diet is very easily digested and does not leave any residue in the digestive tract, according to MayoClinic.com. The clear liquid diet is a very low calorie diet and should be followed for only two to three days. Foods allowed include water, juice without pulp, tea, coffee without milk, clear soda, fruit ice and jello.
Low-Fiber Diet for Diverticulitis
After a few days on the clear liquid diet, the person with diverticulitis will begin to transition to a low-fiber diet. The low-fiber diet is nutritionally adequate but is still easily digested, allowing the digestive tract to continue to heal. Foods allowed on the low-fiber diet for diverticulitis include canned fruit, soft cooked vegetables without skin or seeds, fork-tender meats, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt without seeds such as raspberry or strawberry fruit-flavored yogurts, low-fiber cereals, pasta, white rice and enriched white bread.
