Diverticulitis is an uncomfortable and potentially serious medical condition that requires you to avoid certain foods while ill. Doctors began to notice this digestive disease around the early 1900s. The disease emerged at the same time processed foods became available to the American consumer, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (reference 1). While not proven, most experts believe a low-fiber diet consumed over a lifetime causes diverticulitis.
Whole Grains
Do not eat whole grain breads and bread products, like whole wheat bagels and bran muffins, while you are experiencing symptoms of diverticulitis. Avoid whole grain cereals and cereal bars. These foods are high in fiber, which may irritate already inflamed intestines. When the abdominal cramping associated with diverticulitis is completely gone, you may increase the whole grains in your diet.
Insoluble Fiber
A diet high in insoluble fiber can reduce your risk for developing diverticulitis, but you should avoid these high-fiber foods while you feel the symptoms of diverticulitis, such as abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Fruits with edible skins, like apples, berries and pears, contain insoluble fiber. You may eat canned versions of these fruits while you are ill.
Legumes
Don't eat legumes like lentils and dried beans while you are sick with diverticulitis. Legumes are seeds that grow within pods, like peas and beans, and are high in fiber. Choose well-cooked meat for sandwiches instead of peanut butter.
Rice
Avoid wild rice and brown rice, as they are high in fiber and will aggravate acute diverticulitis. Eat white rice until you feel better. Once you have recovered from diverticulitis, gradually increase your intake of dietary fiber until you are consuming the recommended amount. Men should get about 38 g of fiber each day, according to MayoClinic.com. Women should strive for 25 g of fiber daily.
Vegetables
Avoid vegetables high in fiber while you are experiencing the abdominal discomfort from diverticulitis. Don't eat avocados, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, lima beans or greens, such as kale, collard or turnip greens. Canned pumpkin, fresh and canned mushrooms, and sweet potatoes are also high in fiber.
Trigger Foods
Avoid food that irritates your digestive system. For example, don't consume milk if you are lactose intolerant. Spicy or fatty foods may aggravate your symptoms. Don't eat foods that cause constipation, like cheese or tofu. Do not drink alcohol while you are sick with diverticulitis. Stay away from food that gives you gas as they may cause increased abdominal pressure and pain.
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