If you’ve been told you have diverticulitis, your diet matters a lot. The food you eat can help reduce pain, avoid flare-ups, and support healing. Knowing what to eat during a flare-up can make managing this condition easier. Here’s a simple guide to the diverticulitis diet and a helpful meal plan to get you started.
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What Is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis happens when small pouches called diverticula form in the walls of your colon and become inflamed or infected. This can cause symptoms like:
- Belly pain (usually on the left side)
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Fever
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
Diet plays a key role in both recovery and prevention.
How the Diverticulitis Diet Works
There’s not one fixed diet forever. Your eating plan depends on whether you’re in the middle of a flare-up or in recovery.
There are two main stages:
1. During a Flare-Up (Acute Stage)
Stick to clear liquids or low-fiber foods to rest your digestive system.
2. After a Flare-Up (Recovery and Maintenance)
Gradually move to a high-fiber diet to prevent future problems.
Let’s look at what you can eat during each stage.
Stage 1: Flare-Up (Low-Fiber / Clear Liquid Diet)
This stage lasts about 2 to 3 days. You want to avoid anything that stresses your gut.
Best Foods:
- Clear broth (chicken, beef, or veggie)
- Water and electrolyte drinks
- Apple juice or white grape juice
- Ice pops (no chunks)
- Plain gelatin
- Tea or coffee without cream
- White rice or plain white toast (if allowed)
Foods to Avoid:
- Raw fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Dairy (if it upsets your stomach)
- Beans and lentils
- Seeds, nuts, or popcorn
- Anything spicy or greasy
Stage 2: Recovery (Low-Fiber to Regular Fiber)
Once symptoms start to improve, you can add soft, low-fiber foods, and then slowly increase fiber.
Good Transition Foods:
- Scrambled eggs
- Cooked carrots or squash
- Canned peaches or applesauce
- White bread or refined pasta
- Low-fat dairy like yogurt (if tolerated)
- Skinless baked chicken or fish
Stage 3: Maintenance (High-Fiber Diet)
After you’ve fully recovered, eating a fiber-rich diet helps prevent future flare-ups.
High-Fiber Foods to Add Slowly:
- Whole grains like oats, brown rice, and whole wheat bread
- Fruits with skin (pears, apples, berries)
- Leafy greens and cooked veggies
- Beans and lentils (if well-tolerated)
- Ground flaxseed or chia (start small)
Sample 3-Day Diverticulitis Diet Meal Plan
Here’s a simple meal plan that follows the recovery process.
Day 1: Liquid / Flare-Up
Breakfast:
- Warm herbal tea
- Clear apple juice
- Plain gelatin
Lunch:
- Clear chicken broth
- Ice pop
- Water
Dinner:
- Vegetable broth
- White toast (if allowed)
- Small glass of white grape juice
Day 2: Transition (Soft Low-Fiber Foods)
Breakfast:
- Scrambled eggs
- White toast
- Water or tea
Lunch:
- Plain white rice
- Cooked carrots
- Applesauce
Dinner:
- Skinless baked fish
- Mashed potatoes
- Canned peaches
Snack:
- Low-fat plain yogurt
Day 3: Maintenance (Start Adding Fiber)
Breakfast:
- Oatmeal with banana slices
- Herbal tea
Lunch:
- Whole wheat sandwich with turkey and lettuce
- Cooked green beans
Dinner:
- Brown rice
- Grilled chicken
- Steamed broccoli
Snack:
- Small handful of blueberries
- Water with lemon
Tips for Eating with Diverticulitis
- Introduce fiber slowly to avoid gas or bloating
- Drink plenty of water when increasing fiber
- Avoid seeds and nuts only if they trigger symptoms
- Chew food well to help digestion
- Avoid skipping meals, as it may cause irregular bowel movement
Final Thoughts
A smart diverticulitis diet helps your body heal and keeps future flare-ups away. Start with clear liquids, ease into soft foods, then work your way to a high-fiber diet over time.
Always talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before making big changes, especially if your symptoms are severe or ongoing.
