Diverticulitis Diet

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

• Care notes
• Aftercare
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

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.

Which foods may be recommended while I 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 fiber)
  • Flavored gelatin without fruit
• Low-fiber 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
  • 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

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

What do I need to know about high-fiber foods?

High-fiber foods can help prevent diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Your healthcare provider will tell you when you can add high-fiber foods back into your diet. Examples 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 call my doctor?

• 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 healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer