Actually, no specific foods are known to trigger diverticulitis attacks. And no special diet has been proved to prevent attacks.
In the past, people with small pouches (diverticula) in the lining of the colon were told to avoid nuts, seeds and popcorn. It was thought that these foods could lodge in diverticula and cause inflammation (diverticulitis). But there's no evidence that these foods cause diverticulitis.
If you have diverticula, focus on eating a healthy diet that's high in fiber. High-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, soften waste and help it pass more quickly through your colon. This reduces pressure within your digestive tract, which may help reduce the risk of diverticula forming and becoming inflamed.
If you think that you're having a diverticulitis attack, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may suggest that you follow a clear liquid diet for a few days to let your digestive tract rest and heal.
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Nov. 30, 2021
- AskMayoExpert. Diverticulitis. Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- Definitions and facts for diverticular disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diverticulosis-diverticulitis/definition-facts. Accessed Nov. 15, 2021.
- Diverticular conditions. Nutrition Care Manual. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. http://nutritioncaremanual.org. Accessed Nov. 15, 2021.
- Pemberton JH. Acute colonic diverticulitis: Medical management. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 15, 2021.
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FAQs
If you're having a diverticulitis flare-up, eating foods that are high in fiber may make it worse. During a flare-up, you should eat low-fiber foods, which are easier than high-fiber foods to digest. Giving your digestive system a chance to rest will help ease your symptoms.
What are the worst foods for diverticulitis? ›
Things not to eat with diverticulitis
- Seeds and nuts. Nuts and seeds have high amounts of fiber, which are a healthy part of a balanced diet, but this fiber content makes them hard to digest. ...
- Popcorn. ...
- Spicy foods. ...
- Fried foods. ...
- Red meat. ...
- Dairy products. ...
- Refined grains and sugars.
If you're having a diverticulitis flare-up, eating foods that are high in fiber may make it worse. During a flare-up, you should eat low-fiber foods, which are easier than high-fiber foods to digest. Giving your digestive system a chance to rest will help ease your symptoms.
What causes a sudden attack of diverticulitis? ›
As you get older, your colon wall can become weaker. This can cause small pockets or pouches to form in weakened areas of your colon. If these pouches get infected, it can cause a diverticulitis attack or flare-up.
How do you calm inflamed diverticulitis? ›
To calm down a mild diverticulitis attack:
- Drink plenty of fluids. ...
- A clear liquid diet for two to three days.
- Progress to a bland, soft diet as tolerated such as the BRAT diet: ...
- Use a heating pad to relieve mild cramps and pain.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain.
- Rest.
You can get some fluids from the foods you eat—especially foods with high water content, such as most fruits and vegetables. Water is the best beverage choice to stay hydrated. Avoid or limit sugar-sweetened beverages, including regular soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened coffee and tea.
Are bananas bad for diverticulitis? ›
Your healthcare provider may advise a liquid diet. This gives your bowel a chance to rest so that it can recover. Include these foods: flake cereal, mashed potatoes, pancakes, waffles, pasta, white bread, rice, applesauce, bananas, eggs, fish, poultry, tofu, and well-cooked vegetables.
Is salad bad for diverticulitis? ›
If certain foods high in roughage (insoluble fiber) give you twinges of discomfort-like corn, salads, nuts, very seedy foods-then you may find foods rich in soluble fiber to be more comfortable. Try foods like oatmeal, squashes, carrots, beets, mango, papaya and melon to boost your soluble fiber intake.
What are bowel movements like with diverticulosis? ›
Other long-term symptoms of diverticular disease include: a change in your normal bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhoea, or episodes of constipation that are followed by diarrhoea – a classic pattern is multiple trips to the toilet in the morning to pass stools like 'rabbit pellets'
What are the 10 foods to eat with diverticulitis? ›
Diverticulosis: What to Eat. Cater says people with diverticulosis can benefit from eating fiber-rich foods, including: Whole grains, such as quinoa, bulgur, teff, barley, popcorn, oats, shredded wheat or bran cereals, and whole grain breads. Beans and legumes, including black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils.
Diverticulitis is a gastrointestinal condition that can sometimes be confused with something called diverticulosis. These two conditions fall under the collective umbrella of diverticular disease, but there are differences between them.
Why do I keep getting bouts of diverticulitis? ›
While the cause of diverticular diseases is unknown, several studies have associated the conditions with low fiber intake, excessive alcohol use, anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, obesity, lack of exercise, and smoking.
How long does it take for the colon to heal after diverticulitis? ›
In about 95 out of 100 people, uncomplicated diverticulitis goes away on its own within a week. In about 5 out of 100 people, the symptoms stay and treatment is needed. Surgery is only rarely necessary.
What's the worst thing for diverticulitis? ›
Foods to avoid with diverticulitis include high-fiber options such as:
- Whole grains.
- Fruits and vegetables with the skin and seeds.
- Nuts and seeds.
- Beans.
- Popcorn.
Mild cases of diverticulitis are usually treated with antibiotics and a low-fiber diet, or treatment may start with a period of rest where you eat nothing by mouth, then start with clear liquids and then move to a low-fiber diet until your condition improves. More-severe cases typically require hospitalization.
Does drinking a lot of water help diverticulosis? ›
Proper hydration plays a significant role in managing diverticulosis and improving overall digestive health. Drinking enough fluids can transform your experience with this condition, making it more manageable and less disruptive to your daily life.
Are scrambled eggs good for diverticulitis? ›
Eggs. If you were sticking to a clear liquid diet during a flare-up, your diet likely lacked protein during this time. Eggs are protein-rich and easy to digest. And they won't irritate your diverticula.
Is cheese bad for diverticulitis? ›
Dairy. If you tolerate dairy, add non-fat or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese to your diet. (Even if you aren't lactose intolerant, full-fat dairy may be harder to digest.) When you're experiencing a flare-up, especially if you have diarrhea, you may prefer to avoid dairy until you're feeling better.
