Nutrition and healthy eating

Definition

A diverticulitis diet is something your doctor might recommend as part of a short-term treatment plan for acute diverticulitis.

Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of the digestive system. They're found most often in the lower part of the large intestine (colon). This condition is called diverticulosis.

In some cases, one or more of the pouches become inflamed or infected. This is known as diverticulitis.

Mild cases of diverticulitis are usually treated with antibiotics and a low-fiber diet, or treatment may start with a period of rest where you eat nothing by mouth, then start with clear liquids and then move to a low-fiber diet until your condition improves. More-severe cases typically require hospitalization.

Purpose

Nutrition therapy for diverticulitis is a temporary measure to give your digestive system a chance to rest. Eat small amounts until bleeding and diarrhea subside.

Diet details

Your diet starts with only clear liquids for a few days. Examples of items allowed on a clear liquid diet include:

• Broth
• Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple juice
• Ice chips
• Ice pops without bits of fruit or fruit pulp
• Gelatin
• Water
• Tea or coffee without cream

As you start feeling better, your doctor will recommend that you slowly add low-fiber foods. Examples of low-fiber foods include:

• Canned or cooked fruits without skin or seeds
• Canned or cooked vegetables such as green beans, carrots and potatoes (without the skin)
• Eggs, fish and poultry
• Refined white bread
• Fruit and vegetable juice with no pulp
• Low-fiber cereals
• Milk, yogurt and cheese
• White rice, pasta and noodles

Results

You should feel better within two or three days of starting the diet and antibiotics. If you haven't started feeling better by then, call your doctor. Also contact your doctor if:

• You develop a fever
• Your abdominal pain is worsening
• You're unable to keep clear liquids down

These may indicate a complication that requires hospitalization.

Risks

Nutrition therapy for diverticulitis has few risks. However, continuing a clear liquid diet for more than a few days can lead to weakness and other complications, since it doesn't provide enough of the nutrients your body needs. For this reason, your doctor will want you to transition back to a normal diet that includes foods with fiber as soon as you can tolerate it.