WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is a diverticulitis diet? A diverticulitis diet includes foods that allow your intestines to rest while you have diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is a condition that causes diverticula (small pockets) along your intestine to become inflamed or infected. This is caused by hard bowel movement, food, or bacteria that get stuck in the pockets.

What foods can I eat while I have diverticulitis?

• A clear liquid diet may be recommended for 2 to 3 days. A clear liquid diet is made up of clear liquids and foods that are liquid at room temperature. Your healthcare provider will tell you when you can start eating solid foods. Examples of clear liquids 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 fiber)
    
    
  • Flavored gelatin without fruit
  
  
• A low-fiber diet may be recommended until your symptoms improve. Your healthcare provider will tell you when you can slowly add high-fiber foods back into your diet.
  • 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
    
    
  • Yogurt, cottage cheese, and sherbet
    
    
  • Eggs, poultry (such as chicken and turkey), fish, and tender, ground, well-cooked beef
    
    
  • Tofu and smooth nut butters, such as peanut butter
    
    
  • Broth and strained soups made of low-fiber foods

What foods should I avoid while I have diverticulitis? Avoid foods that are high in fiber while you have symptoms of diverticulitis. Examples of high-fiber foods include the following:

• Whole grains and breads, and cereals made with whole grains
  
  
• Dried fruit, fresh fruit with skin, and fruit pulp
  
  
• Raw vegetables
  
  
• Cooked greens, such as spinach
  
  
• Tough meat and meat with gristle
  
  
• Legumes, such as pinto beans and lentils

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

• Your symptoms get worse or do not go away.
  
  
• You have questions about the foods you should eat.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.