Diverticular disease is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that creates small, bulging pockets along the inner lining of your colon, or large intestine. Diverticulosis, the chronic phase of diverticular disease, may cause abdominal cramping and other mild symptoms, or you may have no symptoms at all. However, the acute phase, known as diverticulitis, generally causes severe abdominal pain and cramping, changes in bowel habits, fever, chills and other significant symptoms. You can help control those symptoms by avoiding specific foods until your diverticulitis flare-up goes away.
Liquids
Once you notice the symptoms of diverticulitis, you should limit your oral intake to clear liquids, notes MayoClinic.com. By sticking with liquids that you can see through and foods that melt to form clear liquids at room temperature, you give your intestines a rest, and reduce inflammation in the pouches along your intestinal wall. Stay away from milk and milk-based products including ice cream, yogurt, milkshakes, chowders or cream-based soups. Avoid fruit juices that contain pulp and those that leave a residue for your bowels to digest including tomato or mixed vegetable juices, fruit nectars, fruit smoothies or citrus juices with pulp.
Grains and Cereals
After your diverticulitis symptoms improve somewhat, you can slowly add low-fiber, low-residue foods to your meals and snacks. You can safely enjoy plain white pasta, rice or bread, but you should avoid whole-grain breads, cereals, pastas and rice, such as brown or wild rice. Avoid high-fiber grains and cereals, including barley, quinoa, bulgur and oatmeal, which can make your diverticulitis worse.
Fruits and Vegetables
While you're still observing a low-fiber diet for diverticulitis, stay away from raw vegetables or the edible skins, membranes or peels of fresh fruit. You can cook vegetables until they're soft and eat them, but only after removing seeds and skins. It's fine to enjoy dairy products, including yogurt and cheese, but select brands that contain no nuts or seeds
Considerations
As you add low-fiber foods and beverages to your meals and snacks, be aware of the impact those additions have on your diverticulitis symptoms. If you notice more abdominal pain or cramping, experience new diarrhea or constipation or have a fever and chills, stop the new food. Contact your primary health care provider to discuss your symptoms and dietary restrictions. If your symptoms don't clear up on a low-fiber diet, your doctor may admit you to the hospital for intravenous fluids and medications.
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