From the Guidelines
A clear liquid diet is advised during the acute phase of uncomplicated diverticulitis, with the goal of advancing the diet as symptoms improve, as recommended by the AGA clinical practice update on medical management of colonic diverticulitis 1. When managing diverticulitosis, it's essential to focus on high-fiber foods to prevent complications and manage symptoms. The recommended daily fiber intake is 25-35 grams, which can be achieved by consuming whole grains, fresh fruits with skins, vegetables, and legumes.
- Gradually increase fiber intake over several weeks to avoid gas and bloating.
- Drink plenty of water, at least 8 glasses daily, to help the fiber work effectively.
- Recent research suggests that foods previously thought to irritate diverticula, such as nuts, seeds, popcorn, and tough, fibrous foods, may not be as problematic as once thought 1. During acute diverticulitis episodes, it's crucial to follow the doctor's advice, which may include a temporary liquid or low-fiber diet until inflammation subsides.
- Regular physical activity helps maintain bowel regularity.
- A high-quality diet, achieving or maintaining a normal body mass index, routine physical activity, and not smoking can help reduce the risk of recurrence 1. The benefits of a high-fiber diet in reducing the risk of recurrent acute diverticulitis are extrapolated from studies examining patients without a prior history of diverticulitis, and the evidence is considered very low quality 1. However, the intake of a high-fiber diet is unlikely to pose a substantial risk to patients, and patient preferences and side effects of fiber should be considered when counseling a patient.
- A prudent dietary pattern, high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, and low in red meat and sweets, is associated with decreased risk of incident diverticulitis 1.
From the Research
Diverticulitosis Diet
The diet for diverticulitosis, also known as diverticular disease, has been studied in various research papers.
- A high dietary fibre diet is recommended to improve reoccurrence and gastrointestinal symptoms 2.
- Foods that are high in fibre, such as fruits and cereals, have been associated with a decreased risk of diverticulitis 3, 4, 5.
- A high intake of red meat has been associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis 4, 5.
- Alcohol use has been linked to diverticular bleeding, but not to recurrent diverticulitis or diverticular complications 5.
Key Components of a Diverticulitosis Diet
- High dietary fibre intake, particularly from fruits and cereals 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Limited intake of red meat 4, 5.
- Moderate alcohol consumption 5.
- A generally healthy eating pattern, avoiding a Western dietary pattern 5.