Can Pepper Seeds Cause Diverticulitis? The Myth Debunked

January 2, 2026 •

2 min read

According to modern medical research, the long-held belief that nuts, seeds, and popcorn cause diverticulitis is considered a myth. This dispels the misconception that tiny, undigested food particles, like pepper seeds, can get lodged in diverticula and trigger inflammation.

Quick Summary

Current medical evidence refutes the outdated theory that seeds and nuts cause diverticulitis. Instead of avoiding these fibrous foods, a high-fiber diet is now recommended for long-term colon health and prevention. Temporary dietary changes are only advised during an acute flare-up to allow the colon to heal.

Key Points

Debunked Myth: There is no scientific evidence that pepper seeds or other seeds cause diverticulitis.
High-Fiber Diet is Key: For long-term prevention of diverticular disease, a high-fiber diet that includes seeds and nuts is recommended to promote colon health.
Different Diets for Flares: During an acute flare-up of diverticulitis, a temporary low-fiber or clear liquid diet is advised to rest the colon, not because of seeds.
Reintroduce Fiber Gradually: After a flare-up resolves, gradually reincorporate high-fiber foods, including seeds, into your diet to avoid discomfort.
Consider Other Risk Factors: Factors like obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle are more strongly associated with diverticulitis than seed consumption.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to a doctor or registered dietitian about the best dietary approach for managing diverticular disease.

The Origins of a Misconception

For decades, medical professionals commonly advised patients with diverticulosis to avoid small, hard foods like nuts, seeds, and popcorn. This was based on the theory that these particles could become trapped in the diverticula, leading to infection and inflammation known as diverticulitis. However, modern research has overwhelmingly found no evidence to support this claim. These fibrous foods are now seen as beneficial for long-term digestive health.

The Role of Fiber in Diverticular Disease

Diverticulosis is often linked to a low-fiber diet, which can lead to constipation and increased pressure in the colon. High fiber, found in foods like fruits, vegetables, and seeds, creates softer stools that pass more easily, reducing pressure and potentially lowering the risk of diverticulitis flare-ups.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Diverticulitis Diets

The diet for preventing diverticular disease (diverticulosis) is different from managing an acute flare-up (diverticulitis). A high-fiber diet is for long-term prevention, while a low-fiber approach is used during an active inflammatory episode.

Comparison of Diverticulitis Diets


Aspect	High-Fiber Diet (Long-Term Prevention)	Low-Fiber Diet (Acute Flare-Up)
Goal	Prevent constipation, reduce pressure on the colon.	Rest the colon, reduce stool bulk and frequency.
Pepper Seeds?	Encouraged as part of a high-fiber diet.	Avoided during a flare.
Other Seeds & Nuts?	Included as part of healthy fiber intake.	Avoided temporarily.
Fruits	Whole fruits with skin/seeds.	Cooked/canned without skins or seeds.
Vegetables	Raw and cooked vegetables.	Cooked, peeled without seeds/stems.
Grains	Whole grains.	Refined grains.

A Gradual Return to High Fiber

After a flare-up, gradually reintroduce high-fiber foods over a week or two, including nuts and seeds. Rapidly increasing fiber can cause discomfort.

Busting the Pepper Seed Myth with Evidence

Studies, including one analyzing data from thousands of women, have shown no link between consuming seeds, nuts, or popcorn and an increased risk of diverticulitis. The idea that small food particles cause diverticulitis is considered an outdated medical belief.

Beyond the Diet: Other Risk Factors

Besides diet, other factors increase diverticulitis risk:

Obesity: Linked to a higher risk, especially abdominal fat.
Smoking: Can damage the colon lining.
Lack of Exercise: Associated with increased risk.
Certain Medications: Regular NSAID use can increase risk.
Genetics: Family history increases susceptibility.

Conclusion: Embrace Healthy Fiber, Not Fear

The evidence does not support the myth that pepper seeds cause diverticulitis. A high-fiber diet, including seeds and nuts, is crucial for long-term colon health and preventing diverticular disease. A low-fiber diet is a temporary measure during a flare-up. Always consult a healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized advice, particularly when managing diverticular disease.

For more information, the Harvard Health blog discusses this modern understanding: Avoiding nuts and seeds for better gut health? You shouldn't.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a long-standing myth. Modern medical research has found no evidence to suggest that small, undigested food particles like pepper seeds cause diverticulitis.

While the exact cause is not fully understood, a low-fiber diet and the resulting constipation are considered major risk factors for developing diverticular disease. Other factors include obesity, smoking, and certain medications.

For those with diverticulosis (the presence of pouches without inflammation), a high-fiber diet including seeds and nuts is beneficial for preventing complications. Avoiding these foods is no longer recommended.

During an acute flare-up, a healthcare provider will likely recommend a clear liquid or temporary low-fiber diet to allow your colon to rest and heal. This excludes seeds and nuts.

After your symptoms have subsided, gradually reintroduce high-fiber foods over a week or two. This allows your digestive system to adjust and minimizes discomfort. Ensure you also drink plenty of fluids.

For long-term prevention, focus on a high-fiber diet and limit foods high in red meat and processed ingredients. There is no need to specifically avoid seeds or nuts.

Spicy foods can irritate the gut and cause discomfort for some individuals, especially during a flare-up. However, there is no strong evidence to suggest they cause or trigger diverticulitis in the long term.