A patient with diverticulitis typically follows a low-residue or low-fiber diet until the colon has healed enough to relieve symptoms. A low-residue diet is one which leaves the least amount of fecal residue and is indicated since it slows down bowel movements allowing the gut to rest and heal, according to the book "Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care." MedlinePlus explains that a low-fiber diet allows for 10 to 15g of fiber each day.
Low-Fiber Breads and Grains
Refined bread products are appropriate to eat for diverticulitis since they have almost no fiber. These include white bread, white pasta, crackers and cereals such as Special K and corn flakes. Choose breads and grains with less than a 1/2g of fiber per serving.
Low-Fiber Fruits and Vegetables
You can eat some vegetables, as long as they are seedless and cooked well. These vegetables include squash, eggplant, spinach, peeled potatoes, green beans, beets and carrots. Lettuce, cucumbers and zucchini can be eaten raw. Canned fruit, applesauce and juices without pulp are appropriate to eat. Raw fruits which are OK include bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, watermelon, peaches, plums and nectarines. Avoid dried fruit, prunes, prune juice and fruit seeds.
Fats, Oils and Sauces
Some fats, oils and sauces are OK because they do not leave behind a great deal of residue. Butter, margarine, vegetable oils and mayonnaise are examples of foods to eat on a low-fiber diet. Sauces and condiments should be smooth, without spices and flecks of any other food. Avoid relishes and pickles.
References
- MedlinePlus: Low-Residue Fiber Diet
- "Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care"; Sylvia Escott- Stump; 2002.
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