Diverticulitis Diet

We have selected the following expert medical opinion based on its clarity, reliability and accuracy. Credits: Sourced from the website Mayo Clinic, Minnesota. Please refer to your own medical practitioner for a final perspective, assessment or evaluation.

What is the diverticulitis diet?

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 diverticulitis diet, which includes clear liquids and low-fiber foods. More-severe cases typically require hospitalization.

Purpose

A diverticulitis diet is a temporary measure to give your digestive system a chance to rest. Oral intake is usually reduced until bleeding and diarrhea subside.

Diet details

A diverticulitis 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

The diverticulitis diet 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 as soon as you can tolerate it.

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