If you have diverticulitis, adjusting your diet is crucial. The specific dietary changes depend on whether you are experiencing a diverticulitis flare-up, recovering from one, or aiming to prevent future occurrences. The term “diverticulitis diet” generally refers to a flexible eating plan that adapts to these different stages, particularly emphasizing dietary recommendations during a flare-up as advised by healthcare professionals.
Diverticulitis is characterized by the inflammation of diverticula, small pouches that can form in the wall of the large intestine. These pouches bulge outwards from the intestinal wall. When these diverticula become inflamed or infected, it leads to diverticulitis. This condition can manifest suddenly with flare-ups, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits.
Managing diverticulitis effectively involves dietary adjustments tailored to your symptoms. During a flare-up, healthcare providers often recommend dietary modifications to allow the digestive system to rest and heal. As recovery progresses and you regain health, the diet gradually shifts to include foods that help prevent future flare-ups.
Here’s a breakdown of how your diet might evolve through the different stages of diverticulitis.
Diet Tips During a Diverticulitis Flare-Up
For severe diverticulitis requiring hospitalization, initial treatment may involve intravenous fluids and medications such as antibiotics. Diet progression typically starts with clear liquids, which are easily digestible, to give your digestive system a break. This is known as a clear liquid diet. Nutritional liquid supplements might also be provided to ensure adequate nutrient intake. Gradually, as tolerated, you can return to your regular diet.
For milder diverticulitis symptoms managed at home, healthcare providers may recommend a clear liquid diet for a few days to help alleviate discomfort.
Examples of clear liquids suitable for this diet include:
- Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth, providing essential electrolytes and hydration.
- Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple, cranberry, and grape juices, offering easily digestible carbohydrates.
- Water, crucial for hydration and bodily functions.
- Soda, in moderation, can provide calories but should not be the primary fluid source.
- Tea or coffee without cream or milk, offering hydration and can be consumed warm or cold.
Examples of foods allowed on a clear liquid diet:
- Ice pops without fruit pieces or pulp, offering a refreshing and hydrating treat.
- Ice chips, helpful for hydration, especially if oral intake is challenging.
- Gelatin, a source of protein in an easily digestible form.
- Hard candy, can help with dry mouth and provide a small amount of energy.
A clear liquid diet is not intended for long-term use as it lacks sufficient fiber and other essential nutrients. It is a short-term strategy to rest the bowel during acute inflammation.
As You Recover from a Diverticulitis Flare-Up
As your condition improves, your healthcare provider will guide you to slowly reintroduce low-fiber foods. This dietary phase aids in the healing of your digestive tract after a flare-up.
During recovery, you can consume canned or cooked fruits and vegetables without peels, skins, or seeds. Raw fruits and vegetables should be avoided temporarily. Similarly, cooked spinach and greens, peas, and corn are best avoided initially. Strained vegetable juice or pulp-free fruit juice is acceptable. Diluting fruit juice with water (50/50) can reduce potential discomfort. Fruit drinks fortified with vitamin C might be better tolerated than 100% fruit juice.
Protein intake during recovery can include lean, well-cooked fish and poultry, as well as lean, slow-cooked red meat. Other suitable protein sources are well-cooked eggs, tofu, and smooth nut butters.
Many dairy products are generally well-tolerated during recovery. Fat-free, low-fat, or reduced-fat milk, yogurt (without high-fiber toppings like nuts or granola), mild cheeses, cottage cheese, sherbet, and low-fat ice cream are often acceptable options.
Low-fiber grains such as white bread, rice, and pasta can be included. Cream of Wheat, finely ground grits, and cereals made from white or refined flour are also suitable choices.
Aim for 5 to 6 small meals throughout the day. Each meal should include about 1 to 2 ounces of protein along with another low-fiber food. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also important. Consult your healthcare provider about when to transition back to a high-fiber diet, which usually involves gradually increasing fiber intake over several weeks.
Symptoms of mild diverticulitis often improve within 2 to 3 days of starting a clear liquid or low-fiber diet. If you do not notice improvement within a few days, or if you experience a fever, worsening abdominal pain, or inability to keep down clear liquids, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Hospital treatment or medication might be necessary.
It’s crucial not to extend a clear liquid diet beyond a few days unless specifically directed by your healthcare provider, as prolonged use can lead to weakness and nutritional deficiencies due to insufficient nutrient intake. Your healthcare provider will guide you to gradually resume your regular diet as soon as your symptoms begin to subside.
Typical Diet to Prevent Diverticulitis
For long-term management and prevention of diverticulitis recurrence, gradually increase the fiber content of your diet by incorporating high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Adequate fiber intake promotes regular bowel movements and may reduce the risk of future diverticulitis episodes. Drinking plenty of water is essential to help fiber move smoothly through your digestive system.
If dietary fiber intake is insufficient, your healthcare provider may recommend a fiber supplement.
Historically, individuals with diverticula were advised to avoid nuts, seeds, and popcorn, based on the theory that these foods could become lodged in diverticula and cause inflammation. However, current evidence suggests that these foods are not harmful and do not need to be restricted.
In addition to a balanced, high-fiber diet, regular physical activity is beneficial. Moderate exercise like water aerobics or brisk walking is associated with improved gut health. If you are currently inactive, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on starting an exercise regimen.
