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Diverticulitis Diet
Written by Gloria Tsang, RD of HealthCastle.com
Published in Jul 2006; Updated in Mar 2011
(HealthCastle.com) Diverticulitis occurs when pockets in the wall of the intestine, called diverticula, become inflamed or infected. Fortunately, sufferers can find diet relief by eating the right foods.
A low-residue diet, aka low-fiber diet, is usually recommended during the flare-up periods of diverticulitis to decrease bowel volume so that the infection can heal. An intake of less than 10 grams of fiber per day is generally considered a low residue diverticulitis diet. If you have been on a low-residue diet for an extended period of time, your doctor may recommend a daily multivitamin supplement.
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Diverticulitis Diet
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The following food products are low in fiber (less than 10 g per serving), and are mild enough to be eaten during a diverticulitis flare-up.
Grain Products:
- enriched refined white bread, buns, bagels, english muffins
- plain cereals e.g. Cheerios, Cornflakes, Cream of Wheat, Rice Krispies, Special K
- arrowroot cookies, tea biscuits, soda crackers, plain melba toast
- white rice, refined pasta and noodles
- avoid whole grains
Fruits:
- fruit juices except prune juice
- applesauce, apricots, banana (1/2), cantaloupe, canned fruit cocktail, grapes, honeydew melon, peaches, watermelon
- avoid raw and dried fruits, and berries.
Vegetables:
- vegetable juices
- potatoes (no skin)
- alfalfa sprouts, beets, green/yellow beans, carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, green/red peppers, potatoes (peeled), squash, zucchini
- avoid vegetables from the cruciferous family such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard etc
Meat and Protein Choice:
- well-cooked, tender meat, fish and eggs
- avoid beans and lentils
- Avoid all nuts and seeds, as well as foods that may contain seeds (such as yogurt)
Dairy:
- as directed by your healthcare providers
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Diverticulitis: After a Flare-UpWhen symptoms of diverticulitis improve, you may ease off of the low-residue diet and gradually add more fiber back into your diet. A high-fiber diet is very important in preventing future diverticulitis attacks. As you increase your fiber intake, don't forget to increase your fluid intake as well. |
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