Diverticulitis Diet PDF: Summary

  • Researchers need to conduct more studies to determine which foods are beneficial for people with diverticulitis.
  • Currently, researchers are looking at how beneficial gut bacteria can support general health, and this may show promising results for diverticulitis. But, at the moment, there is not enough good quality evidence to make recommendations.
  • Fibre intake seems to be a vital component. Consuming a high fibre diet may reduce the risk of diverticulitis and improve digestive health in general. But people experiencing a flare-up may be better off avoiding high fibre foods.
  • Limiting red and processed meat may also reduce risk and symptoms. Replacing them with poultry, fish, and plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes may be a sensible approach.
  • Being active, eating a balanced diet, reducing alcohol intake, and stopping smoking can support overall health and minimize a person’s risk of obesity and disease.
  • A person living with diverticulitis should always consult their healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to discuss how best to manage their symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes.

Foods that may be recommended while you have diverticulitis:

A clear liquid diet may be recommended for 2 to 3 days.

A clear liquid diet includes clear liquids and foods that are liquid at room temperature. Examples include the following:

  • Water and clear juices (such as apple, cranberry, or grape), strained citrus juices or fruit punch
  • Coffee or tea (without cream or milk)
  • Clear sports drinks or soft drinks, such as ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, or club soda (no cola or root beer)
  • Clear broth, bouillon, or consommé
  • Plain popsicles (no popsicles with pureed fruit or fibre)
  • Flavoured gelatin without fruit

Low-fibre foods may be recommended until your symptoms improve.

Examples include the following:

  • Cream of wheat and finely ground grits
  • White bread, white pasta, and white rice
  • Canned and well-cooked fruit without skins or seeds, and juice without pulp
  • Canned and well-cooked vegetables without skins or seeds, and vegetable juice
  • Cow’s milk, lactose-free milk, soy milk, and rice milk
  • Yoghurt, cottage cheese, and sherbet
  • Eggs, poultry (such as chicken and turkey), fish, and tender, ground, well-cooked beef
  • Tofu and smooth nut butter, such as peanut butter
  • Broth and strained soups made of low-fibre foods

Diverticulitis Diet PDF UK: Causes

The causes of diverticulitis are poorly understood, with approximately 40 percent due to genes and 60 percent due to environmental factors. Conditions that increase the risk of developing diverticulitis include arterial hypertension and immunosuppression.

Obesity is another risk factor. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis.