The National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) explains that the primary goal of treatment for diverticulitis is to clear up inflammation and infection, rest the colon and prevent further complications. Allowing the colon to rest means eating certain foods that are easier to digest, such as low-fiber foods. Medline Plus encourages a low-fiber diet of 10 to 15 g daily. Follow this diet only until symptoms resolve; reintroduce high-fiber foods, which aid in overall health, when healing is complete.
Breads, Cereals and Beans
Some breads, cereals and beans are especially high in fiber. Avoid navy, kidney and black beans, as one serving of each of these has at least 7.5 g of fiber. Whole-grain cereals typically have at least 5 g of fiber per serving, and whole-grain English muffins have at least 4 grams of fiber. Add these back into your diet slowly once symptoms have improved.
Fruits
Avoid certain fruits during diverticulitis treatment. Fruits with seeds, pulp and fiber are the most aggravating to symptoms. A medium apple or pear, or a 1/2-cup serving of raspberries or stewed prunes, contains at least 3 to 5 g of fiber, according to the NDDIC. Dried fruits are another choice to avoid.
Vegetables
Refrain from eating certain forms of vegetables during bouts of diverticulitis, particularly those with skins. A 1/2-cup serving of winter squash, sweet potato with skin, green peas, potato with skin, mixed vegetables or spinach each has at least 3 g of fiber.
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