If you have diverticular disease, you are at risk for developing diverticulitis -- an infection or inflammation of one or more of the intestinal pockets or diverticula --according to the Cleveland Clinic. Some cases of diverticulitis respond to treatment with antibiotics at home, but active, more severe diverticulitis requires hospitalization for antibiotics, fluids and pain management. Whether in the hospital or at home, you need to make some dietary changes to allow your intestines time to rest and heal.
Start with a Clear Liquid Diet
A diverticulitis diet starts with clear liquids to allow your gastrointestinal tract the opportunity to rest while still providing fluids and limited calories. Examples of clear liquids include water, pulp-free juices, ice pops, coffee or tea without cream, and broth, according to the Mayo Clinic website. However, since a clear liquid diet severely limits the number of nutrients you consume, your physician will try to get you on a regular diet as soon as possible. Once you are able to tolerate solid foods, you can begin to advance your diet.
Incorporate Low Fiber Foods
Start to advance your diet by adding low-fiber foods, according to the Mayo Clinic website. A low-fiber diet is not a long-term plan; you should follow this diet only until the acute diverticulitis resolves itself, according to the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. Low-fiber foods include cereals made from refined flour like Rice Krispies or corn flakes, breads made of refined or rye flour, canned or cooked fruits and vegetables that do not have skins or seeds, white rice and well-cooked meats, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. You can eat some dairy products, but you should limit your intake of milk to 2 cups per day during this time.
Avoid Irritating Foods
Certain foods may irritate your gastrointestinal tract during an episode of acute diverticulitis. During an acute episode, you should avoid foods like grains, seeds and nuts, coconut, beans and peas, corn and popcorn, and the skins on fruits and vegetables. While coffee and tea are acceptable drinks once you start a low-fiber diet, drinking too much of these beverages can cause constipation and further issues.
Increase Fiber Gradually
A low-fiber diet is not the most appropriate for people with diverticular disease over the long term, so you should advance your diet to a high-fiber one as soon as you can tolerate it, according to the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. Your doctor can help you gradually incorporate high-fiber foods into your diet; women should consume at least 25 grams of fiber each day, and men should consume at least 38 grams, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Gradually adding whole-grain breads, brown rice, vegetables and cereals like oatmeal into your diet can help you increase your fiber intake and lower your risk for diverticulitis.
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