As you age, your intestines often develop small pockets or pouches called diverticula. As many as 50 percent of people over age 60 have diverticulosis, the presence of diverticula, MedlinePlus reports. A small percentage of people develop diverticulitis, inflammation of the diverticula and bowel. During a diverticulitis attack, when the bowel is inflamed, following a low-residue or low-fiber diet decreases stool production, which allows the inflamed bowel to heal. Your medical practitioner may recommend avoiding raw, fibrous fruits for a month before starting a high-fiber diet to reduce chances of recurrence, The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library states.
Berries
Most berries contain fiber; avoid eating any type of berry during a diverticulitis attack until after the bowel heals. Blackberries contain 4.4 g fiber in 1/2 cup raw and 5 g if canned in fruit juice. Raw cranberries contain 4 g of fiber in 1/2 cup and as cranberry sauce. Raspberries contain 4.6 g in 1/2 cup serving whether fresh or frozen. Strawberries have less fiber, 3 g in 1 cup, Continuum Health Partners reports.
Fruits with Peels
Fruits with peels that contain larger amounts of fiber should be avoided while following a low-residue diet. Both a banana and an orange contain 3.1 g of fiber, MayoClinic.com says. Oranges also contain pulp, which should be avoided as well on a low-residue diet.
Fruit with Skins
Apples, peaches and pears all contain fiber. A medium raw apple contains 4 g of fiber, compared to 2.3 g for a peach and 4 g for a pear, according to Continuum Health Partners. At one time, doctors though fruits with seeds could increase the risk of another diverticulitis attack, but this hasn't proven true, MedlinePlus reports.
Dried Fruits
Some dried fruits can contain large amounts of fiber. Three dried figs contain 10.5 g of fiber. A tbsp. of raisins contains 1g of fiber. Three prunes contain 1.9 g, the Continuum Health Partners state.
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