Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are medical conditions that affect the digestive tract. Diverticulosis is characterized by the presence of small pouches in the colon. Inflammation, irritiation, or infection of these pouches results in diverticulitis. Symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain, which is often severe and sudden, as well as nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. A low fiber diet, which lessens the workload of the colon, can be an effective part of a treatment plan for diverticulitis.
Clear Liquid Diet
During a diverticulitis flare, following a clear liquid diet for a few days can allow the colon to rest and heal. Clear liquids include water, tea, coffee, clear soda, apple juice, cranberry juice, grape juice, sports drinks, gelatin, ice chips and frozen ice pops. If you are experiencing abdominal pain or other symptoms of diverticulitis, avoid solid foods that place stress on the colon and lengthen the healing process. While a clear liquid diet helps the colon heal, it does not provide adequate calories or protein for long-term use. Do not follow a clear liquid diet for more than a few days without close medical supervision.
Low-Fiber Diet
As your diverticulitis symptoms resolve, begin reintroducing low-fiber solid foods into your diet. Examples include white bread, white rice, noodles, canned or peeled and cooked fruits and vegetables, low-fiber cereals, milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, fish and poultry. Avoid high-fiber foods including whole grain breads and pasta, high-fiber cereals, brown rice, legumes and raw fruits and vegetables as your body continues to heal.
Diverticulitis Prevention
After your body has healed completely from a diverticulitis flare, your doctor may recommend a diet rich in fiber, which can help prevent future diverticulitis flares. A high-fiber diet keeps stools soft, allowing them to easily move through the colon for excretion. The American Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 35 g of fiber each day. Increase your fiber intake slowly until you reach your daily intake goal. In addition to preventing diverticulitis, a diet high in fiber has many other health benefits including lowering cholesterol levels and aiding in weight loss.
Professional Resources
If you have questions about a diet for diverticulosis or diverticulitis, consult a registered dietitian. A registered dietitian can assess your nutritional status and help you design an eating plan to nourish your body while managing your medical conditions. A dietitian can guide you in limiting your fiber intake as you heal from a diverticulitis flare, and can also help you reach your fiber goals to help prevent further episodes of diverticulitis.
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