Diverticulosis is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that causes small pouches, or diverticula, to bulge outward at weak spots along the lining of the large intestine, or colon. Caused by a low-fiber diet that creates hard, constipated stools, diverticulosis generally responds well to a high-fiber diet high. When the diverticula become inflamed, however, this more acute medical problem is known as diverticulitis. Your doctor will prescribe a clear liquid diet for the first two to three days of your diverticulitis attack.
Rationale
A clear liquid diet reduces the amount of undigested food that enters your large intestine. The liquid waste passes easily through your colon, reducing the pressure on the diverticula and giving them a chance to heal. If you stick with the liquid diet, you should notice an improvement in your diverticulitis symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, chills and fever.
Beverages
While you're on a clear liquid diet, you can drink most beverages that you can see through. These include plain or carbonated water, sports drinks, clear sodas such as lemon-lime and club soda, weak tea and coffee and clear juices such as grape, cranberry or apple. Avoid darker sodas such as cola and root beer, juice that has pulp or sediment, alcohol and dairy products, including milk and cream.
Soups
Your doctor will allow you to eat clear soups such as broth, consommé and bouillon while you're on a clear liquid diet but will forbid any soups with solid pieces of pasta, meat or vegetables. Since milk leaves a residue in the colon, stay away from creamy chowders and soups.
Solid Foods
You can also enjoy some solid foods on a clear liquid diet, as long as they melt to form clear liquids at room temperature. You can enjoy fruit ices without pulp, plain flavored gelatin and frozen pops without any solid chunks of fruit. Stay away from whipped cream and other dairy products, and consult your doctor before ingesting any questionable foods.
Tips
If you have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea during your diverticulitis attack, it can be challenging to stay well-hydrated. Take small, frequent sips instead of drinking a full glass of liquid, and stay in bed to give your intestinal tract a chance to rest. Your symptoms should start to resolve within two to three days. Contact your health care provider if your pain persists or gets worse, if you have a fever or if you can't keep down enough fluids to stay hydrated.
