Diverticulitis diet

By Mayo Clinic Staff
Definition

A diverticulitis diet is something your doctor might recommend as part of a treatment plan for a mild case of acute diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) in your digestive tract become infected and inflamed. Mild cases are usually treated with antibiotics and a diverticulitis diet, which includes clear liquids and low-fiber foods. More severe cases typically require hospitalization.

Purpose

A diverticulitis diet can't treat or prevent diverticulitis. Rather, it's intended to give your digestive system a chance to rest. A diverticulitis diet is typically recommended along with antibiotics for mild or uncomplicated cases of diverticulitis.

Diet details

A diverticulitis diet starts with only clear liquids for a few days. Examples of beverages allowed on a clear liquid diet include:

• Broth
• Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple juice
• Ice chips
• Ice pops without bits of fruit or fruit pulp
• Gelatin
• Water
• Tea or coffee without cream

As you start feeling better, your doctor will recommend that you slowly add low-fiber foods. Examples of low-fiber foods include:

• Canned or cooked fruits without skin or seeds
• Canned or cooked vegetables such as green beans, peas and potatoes (without the skin)
• Eggs, fish and poultry
• Refined white bread
• Fruit juice with little or no pulp
• Low-fiber cereals
• Milk, yogurt and cheese
• White rice, pasta and noodles