List of Foods for Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a disease found in the colon and develops from a condition known as diverticulosis, according to Medline Plus 1. Diverticulosis involves the formation of pouches known as diverticula on the outside of the colon. Diverticulitis results if one of these diverticula becomes infected and inflamed 1. Patients with diverticulitis experience fever, nausea and severe abdominal pain 1. Diverticulitis diet gives the colon time to recover from inflammation 1.

Clear Liquid Diet

During an active diverticulitis attack, patients are often advised by the doctor to stick to a clear liquid diet for two or three days, according to MayoClinic.com 1. Clear liquid diet prevents further inflammation of the colon. Examples of clear liquid foods include:

• fruit juice without pulp
  
• broth
  
• clear soda
  
• plain gelatin
  
• tea or coffee without cream
  
• ice pops without bits of fruits or fruit pulp

Continuing clear liquid diet for more than three days can lead to extreme weakness. Patients should transition to a low-fiber diet after three days on clear liquid diet.

Low-fiber Diet

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Patients should slowly introduce a low-fiber diet as they recover from diverticulitis, according to MayoClinic.com 1. Low-fiber foods include:

• fruit juice with little or no pulp
  
• eggs
  
• enriched white bread
  
• canned fruits
  
• desserts without seeds or nuts
  
• low-fiber cereals
  
• milk
  
• yogurt or cheese without seeds or nuts
  
• smooth peanut butter
  
• tender meat
  
• white rice
  
• plain pasta
  
• well-cooked vegetables without seeds or skins

High-fiber Diet

After the acute infection has improved, eating high-fiber foods and using bulk additives such as psyllium may help reduce the risk of diverticulitis, according to MayoClinic.com 1. High fiber should slowly be increased to avoid excessive gas. Patients should ensure that they drink plenty of liquids while on a high-fiber diet. Fiber works by absorbing water and increasing soft and bulky stool in the colon. Patients who fail to drink plenty of fluids may develop constipation.