Diverticulosis is a health condition characterized by the presence of small pouches that form in the inner wall of the large intestine. These pouches, called diverticuli, can become inflamed and infected, resulting in a condition called diverticulitis. During an acute diverticulitis flare, your doctor may prescribe a modified diet, beginning with clear liquids and progressing to soft foods that are low in fiber.
Purpose of a Soft Diet
While a soft diet will not cure your diverticulitis, it can decrease discomfort and give your digestive tract time to heal. Soft foods are easy to digest, lessening the workload for your large intestine. It is important to follow a soft, low-fiber diet while your body is healing. When all your diverticulitis symptoms have resolved, usually within 2 to 4 days, you may then start reintroducing small amounts of fiber back into your diet as tolerated, resuming a high-fiber diet over time.
Recommended Foods
To manage symptoms of a diverticulitis flare and allow healing, choose foods that are easy to digest. Good options include white bread, white rice, plain pasta, juice without pulp, milk, cheese, yogurt without fruit or seeds, ground or tender meats, poultry or fish, canned fruit and vegetables without seeds or skin, frozen ice pops and eggs. Try eating small frequent meals while on a restricted diet, giving yourself plenty of opportunities throughout the day to nourish your body.
Foods to Avoid
Foods that are high in fiber can hinder healing and increase discomfort associated with diverticulitis. Avoid whole grain breads, high-fiber cereals containing brain, oats or wheat, brown rice, wild rice, fruited yogurt with seeds, raw or frozen fruits and vegetables, tough meat with gristle, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, peas, corn and popcorn.
Preventive Nutrition
While it is important to follow a low-fiber diet during an acute flare of diverticulitis, eating a diet rich in fiber can actually help prevent diverticular inflammation. Straining with bowel movements can lead to diverticulitis. Eating a high-fiber diet can reduce constipation and pressure in the colon. When healed from a diverticulitis flare, begin reintroducing fiber slowly by adding 5 to 15 g of fiber to your diet each day as tolerated. Work toward a goal of consuming 25 to 35 g of fiber each day to help prevent future diverticulitis flares. If you experience gas or bloating when reintroducing fiber into your diet, decrease your fiber intake for a few days. High fiber foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, beans and legumes. Fiber supplements containing cellulose or methylcellulose are also good sources of fiber.
