Diverticular disease is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder with two distinct phases: the chronic condition known as diverticulosis and a more acute illness called diverticulitis. Diverticulosis begins when you eat a fiber-deficient diet that creates small, hard stools that you have to strain to pass. As you strain, the increased pressure inside your large intestine creates small pouches that bulge outward at weak points along the lining of your large intestine. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become irritated or inflamed. Your health care provider will recommend different diets for each phase of your disease.
Rationale
Once you develop abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, fever or chills that signify an acute attack of diverticulitis, you need to stop eating solid foods. A diet of clear liquids provides an opportunity for the inflamed diverticular pouches to rest and recover. Clear liquids move easily along your gastrointestinal tract on waves known as peristalsis, so you don't need to strain to pass bowel movements. After your symptoms get a little better, you can gradually add low-fiber foods to allow the diverticula to get used to the passage of solid foods once again.
Clear Beverages
A clear liquid diet allows you to drink most beverages you can see through, including plain, carbonated or flavored water. You can safely enjoy filtered fruit juices, such as cranberry, apple or grape. Fruit-flavored drinks, fruit punch, limeade or lemonade are good options when you're on a clear liquid diet, as are clear soft drinks such as lemon-lime or club soda. Avoid juices and beverages that contain bits of fruit, those with tapioca pearls and fruit nectars that contain a significant amount of fiber. You can also drink plain coffee or tea without milk products.
Clear Liquid Foods
Broths, consommés and bouillons are safe while you're on a clear liquid diet. If there are any bits of meat, vegetables or grains in the soup, strain it to remove those particles. Avoid soups made with dairy products, such as chowders or cream soups.
Foods That Melt Into Clear Liquids
Foods that melt to form clear liquids at room temperature are an important part of a clear liquid diet. By the time these products reach your large intestine, they are in liquid form and won't irritate the diverticular pouches. Good choices include flavored gelatin with no added fruits or vegetables, frozen pops or other frozen fruit bars that don't contain any chunks of fruit and hard sugar candies.
Low-Fiber Foods
When it's time to reintroduce fiber into your diverticulitis diet, start with plain rice or pasta, tender well-cooked cuts of meat or poultry, well-cooked vegetables without peels or seeds and fruit that's free from seeds, membranes or peels. You can also enjoy eggs, milk and low-fiber cereals.
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