The best diet for diverticulitis is clear liquids like fruit juices, vegetable broth, ice pops without fruit pulp, water, and tea or coffee without cream.
Morning drink |
Grape juice |
Breakfast |
Broccoli omelet |
Soup |
Pea and pesto soup |
Salad |
Lentil cherry tomato salad |
Lunch |
Cottage crunch wraps |
Evening snack |
Citrus glazed carrots |
Dinner |
Turkey and barley casserole |
Best Nutritionist in Bangalore
Consult 19-year-experienced Chief Nutritionist Vasanthi, in person at HSR, Koramangala, Bellandur, Haralur, Electronic city, or online across India.
Consume a small amount of food until the diarrhea and bleeding stop.
Diet starts with only clear liquids for a few days.
After recovery, we recommend slowly adding low-fiber foods like canned or cooked fruits without seeds and vegetables such as green peas, carrots without skin, eggs, fish and poultry, milk, white rice, noodles, pasta, and low-fiber cereals, fruits, and vegetable juices without pulp.
Eating high-fiber foods will help people with a speedy recovery.
Table of Contents
Diverticulitis
In the lining of the digestive system, the formation of one or more small and bulge pouches that are inflamed indicates Diverticulitis. They are most commonly found in the colon of the large intestine, especially after the age of 40, and rarely cause problems. It causes severe abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and a marked change in your bowel habits.
Mild diverticulitis can be treated with rest, antibiotics, and some changes in the diet. Recurring or severe diverticulitis may be treated with surgery. In some cases, it occurs as an infection, and in the rest when diverticula tore results in inflammation. It is not cancerous and contagious.
This disease occurs if the products that are broken down from food move slowly through the colon. Pressure will happen in the colon that causes weak spots and sacs. This disease can be diagnosed through physical examination, blood tests, medical history, and CT scans. It is treated with antibiotics and a liquid diet.
Diverticulitis Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Constipation
- Severe pain on the left side of the abdomen
- Abdominal tenderness
Preventing Diverticulitis Flare Ups
- Drink plenty of water
- Be physically active
- Eat a high fiber, low salt, low-fat diet, and clear liquid diet to avoid constipation.
- Maintain appropriate weight.
- Maintain good bowel habits.
- Call your physician if you get a fever and abdominal pain.
- Take the prescribed medicines promptly till the infection subsides.
- Call your health provider if you have blood in your stools and experience unexplained weight loss.
- Maintain a regular bowel movement once or twice a day.
Diverticulitis What To Avoid
- Do not use laxatives
- Do not strain with bowel movements.
Diverticulitis Diet Recipes
Diet For Diverticulitis: Citrus Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
- 2 cups of Pineapple-orange juice
- 3 medium Carrots, peeled
- Salt a pinch
- ¼ tsp Black pepper powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter
- Parsley, a few sprigs
Method
- Cut carrots into thick round slices and put them into a pan.
- Add pineapple-orange juice and cook.
- Add salt and pepper powder and cook for 5-10 minutes.
- Add butter and mix. Chop curly parsley and add.
- Mix well and serve.
Diverticulitis Foods To Avoid
Foods like popcorn, seeds, and nuts are to be avoided. But there are also other foods to avoid eating by people with diverticulitis. Hard-to-chew foods are to be avoided.
Bread and cereals
- Roll with nuts and seeds
- Coarse and dry cereals
- Any bran and raisins
- Whole seeds
- Bread containing cracked wheat particles
Meat or meat substitutes
- Fried meats, fish, poultry
- Highly seasoned and spicy meat
- Sausages and frankfurters
Miscellaneous
- Jam
- Marmalade
- Fruit preserves
- Curry powder
- Cloves
- Seed spices
- Popcorn
- Sesame
- Caraway
- Chutney
- Relish
- Pickles
- Salsa
- Poppy seeds
- Horseradish
- Strong cheese
- Dried beans and peas
- Chunky peanut butter
Vegetables
- Chili peppers
- Corn
- Cucumber
- Green peppers
- Tomato
Fruits
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Coconut
- Figs
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Whole cranberries
- Grapes with seeds
- Kiwi
- Pomegranate
What Foods Trigger Diverticulitis Attack
There are no specific foods and diets that aggravate the attacks of diverticulitis, but some foods trigger the risk of diverticulitis. Foods like
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Whole grains
- Beans
- Fruits and vegetables with seeds and skin.
- Red meat
- Processed meat
- Sugary foods
- Juices with pulp
Liquid Diet For Diverticulitis
A clear liquid diet should be followed. No solid foods are to be taken. Juices without pulp can be recommended. Clear liquid foods like
- Broth
- Clear juices like apple, cranberry, grapes
- Popsicles
- Jelly, honey
- Avoid orange juice.
- Plain water
- Fruit punch
- Strained lemonade
- Tea or coffee without cream
- Bouillon
- Strained vegetable broth
- Fat-free consomme
Diverticulitis Diet Menu Plan
Morning drink |
1 glass of water |
Breakfast |
One cup broth One bowl gelatin |
Mid-morning snack |
Plain jelly |
Lunch |
One glass of fruit juice One cup broth One glass water One bowl gelatin |
Evening snack |
One ice pop without pulp |
Dinner |
One glass of juice, one cup of fat-free consomme. |
Bedtime |
Calming blends tea |
Recipes For Diverticulitis Sufferers
Diet For Diverticulitis: Vegetables Broth
Ingredients
- 1 cup roughly chopped Carrots
- 1 cup roughly chopped Celery (includes leafy greens)
- 1 cup roughly chopped Tomato
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped Zucchini
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped Broccoli
- 1/2 cup chopped Mushrooms, optional
- 2 tbsp chopped Onion
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp roughly chopped Fresh Parsley
- 1 tbsp roughly chopped Fresh Basil
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 10 cups of Water
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Method
- Place the chopped vegetables in a stockpot.
- Add garlic, onion, fresh basil, fresh parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper, pour water, mix well and allow the mixture to boil on medium heat.
- When the broth starts to boil, simmer and cook for an hour stirring it well in the middle.
- Switch off the flame, strain, and discard vegetable pieces.
- Let vegetable broth cool to room temperature.
- Use it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for any time use.
- It can also be stored in a container or ice tray in the freezer for up to 1 month.
30+ Diverticulitis Recipes
There are different kinds of diet recipes for diverticulitis.
Diet For Diverticulitis: Breakfast recipes
- Apple raisin pancakes
- Banana breakfast smoothie
- Broccoli Omelet
- Carrot and zucchini bread
- Sunrise Burrito wrap
- Zucchini and bean scramble
- Pumpkin pie oatmeal
- Santa Fe Omelet
Diet For Diverticulitis: Main course recipes
- Broccoli and mushroom brown rice
- Cottage crunch wraps
- Beef and penne pasta toss
- Easy turkey chili
- Grilled fish tacos
- Shrimp and black bean nachos
- Turkey and barley casserole
Diet For Diverticulitis: Salad recipes
- Mango black bean salad
- Zesty bean and tomato salad
- Lentil tomato salad
- Salmon and potato salad
- Spinach and apple salad
Diet For Diverticulitis: Soup recipes
- Cannellini butter bean soup
- Creamy squash soup
- Mushroom barley soup
- Smooth broccoli soup
- Pea and pesto soup
Diet For Diverticulitis: Side dish recipes
- White bean puree
- Kidney bean salsa
- Baked artichoke dip
Diet For Diverticulitis: Snack recipes
- Baked sweet potato fries
- Honey-baked apples
- Greek lettuce wraps
- Oatmeal Choco chip cookies
- Citrus carrots
Diverticulitis Diet Menu
Morning drink |
Apple pear carrot smoothie |
Breakfast |
Apricot Oatmeal |
Soup |
Mushroom Barley soup |
Salad |
Green bean tuna salad |
Lunch |
Beef and penne pasta toss |
Evening snack |
Banana bran muffins |
Dinner |
Asparagus and bean frittata |
Diverticulitis Food Recipes
Diet For Diverticulitis: Apple Pear Carrot Smoothie
Ingredients
- One ripe green apple
- 2 ripe sweet pears
- 3 carrots
- A small wedge of lemon
Method
- Wash the produce thoroughly and remove the top ends of the carrots.
- Weigh out the ingredients.
- Quarter the lemon and place the lemon into the mix
- Grind the remaining ingredients together and press.
Recipes For Diverticulitis And Diabetes
Diet For Diverticulitis: Asparagus And Bean Frittata
Ingredients
- 100g baby potatoes, cut into small pieces
- 100g frozen edamame peas
- 140g asparagus
- 100g low-fat soft cheese with garlic and herbs
- 4 medium eggs
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 radishes, sliced
- ½ tsp vinegar
Method
- Take a pan of water to a boil and add the sliced potatoes.
- Cook for five minutes, then add the beans and asparagus to the pan and cook for a further five minutes. Drain well.
- Beat the low-fat soft cheese along with the eggs until a creamy consistency is reached.
- Heat the oil in a wide frying pan.
- Spread the vegetable mixture over the base of the pan, then pour the egg mixture over it.
- Cook on low flame for 10 minutes until the egg sets around the edges.
- Place the pan in the grill for five minutes so the top sets.
- Carefully loosen around the edge of the pan with a spatula and transfer to a board.
- Toss together the rocket, tomatoes, radishes, and balsamic vinegar.
- Pile on top of the frittata. Cut into wedges to serve.
Foods To Eat With Diverticulitis Flare Up
Easily digestible foods are prescribed for people suffering from diverticulitis.
- Whole grain carbohydrates- If rice and cereals are difficult to digest then add pasta, wheat noodles, instant oatmeal, whole bread, wraps, and muffins.
- Lean protein- Foods like eggs, shredded chicken, and baked fish are easy to digest.
- Cooked fruits and vegetables- All the fruits without seeds and vegetables without skin can be taken. Because the skin contains fiber which may irritate the digestive system.
- Starchy foods- High-starchy foods like potatoes and tapioca are recommended.
- Juice, Tea, and water- Consume 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. Tea without cream can be given and clear juices like apple, cranberry, and grapes can be given instead of citrus fruit juices like orange.
- Organic diverticulitis tea- An organic blended mixture of chamomile flowers, wild yam root, marshmallow leaves, and peppermint leaves gives a soothing effect to the digestive system.
Diverticulitis Fruits To Eat
Low FODMAP fruits are recommended for diverticulitis. Fruits like
- Apples
- Prunes
- Pears
- Avocados
- Banana
- Seedless grapes
- Mandarines
- Lime
- Oranges
- Cantaloupe
- Honeydew
- Star fruit
- Papaya
- Passion fruit
- Pineapple
- Rhubarb
Diverticulitis Vegetables To Eat
- Bamboo shoots
- Bean sprouts
- Bok choy
- Carrots
- Eggplant
- Ginger
- Lettuce
- Parsnips
- Okra
- Spring onions
- Turnips
- Potatoes
- Green chili peppers
- Red bell peppers
- Collard greens
- Arugula
- Butternut squash
Healing Diverticulitis Diet
Diet for Diverticulitis, low fiber foods
- Canned or cooked fruits without skin or seeds
- Milk without cream
- Yogurt
- Fruit and vegetable juices without pulp
- Low fiber cereals
- Eggs
- Fish
- Poultry
- White bread
- Low-fat Cheese
- White rice, pasta.
Diet For Diverticulitis High Fiber
Eat a high-fiber diet that is easily digestible. Fiber is an important part of the diet and it prevents flare-ups of diverticulitis. Fiber helps to prevent constipation and softens the stool. Some of the high-fiber foods are
- Beans and legumes
- Bran, whole wheat bread
- Whole grain cereals like oatmeal
- Brown rice
- Wild rice
- Whole wheat pasta
- Fruits and vegetables.
Diverticulitis Meal Recipes
Diet For Diverticulitis: Apple chicken pita pockets
Ingredients
- ½ cup small apple, chopped
- 1/2 cup small pear, chopped
- 1/4 Cup cottage cheese
- 1 whole wheat pita bread
Method
- Take a bowl and put the chopped apple, pear, and cottage cheese
- Slice the pita bread to make a pocket.
- Fill the pocket with the fruit mixture.
- Sprinkle some cinnamon or drizzle a little honey or agave syrup for added sweetness.
Healthy Snacks For Diverticulitis
A healthy snack includes foods that are rich in essential protein, healthy fats, carbs, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in saturated fat, and contain low sodium content and added sugars. They boost energy for several hours between each meal. A healthy snack prevents overeating at the next meal.
Diverticulitis Snack Menu
- Gingerbread baked oatmeal cups
- Low FODMAP Blueberry bars
- Low FODMAP Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Salmon Cakes And Lemon Herb Aioli
- Chocolate orange chia pudding
- Lemon curd
- Sugar-free pumpkin pie
Recipes For Diverticulitis Patients
Ingredients
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp grated lemon zest
Method
- Combine lemon juice, sugar, butter, eggs, and lemon zest in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles for about 6 minutes.
Diverticulitis Diet Plan Recipes
Diet For Diverticulitis: Chocolate Orange Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 240 ml dairy-free milk
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp juice from an orange
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1-2 tbsp maple syrup (for low FODMAP) or honey.
Method
- In a jar or container, combine all the ingredients. Whisk until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.
- Top it up with orange slices, chocolate chips, and orange zest.
Diverticulitis is a painful condition that results in high mortality and high morbidity. It can be managed by following dietary restrictions and some antibiotics.
A high-fiber diet will reduce the symptoms and prevent diseases. For milder cases, a low-fiber diet or GI soft diet can be recommended.
Fiber intake is based on the severity of the diverticulitis flare-up. Eating less red meat and processed foods may lower the risk.