What is the best food to eat when you have diverticulitis?

October 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a low-fiber and high-fat diet may increase the risk of developing diverticulitis. Learning what is the best food to eat when you have diverticulitis is crucial for managing symptoms and promoting long-term gut health.

Quick Summary

Managing diverticulitis requires a dynamic dietary approach. During a flare-up, consume clear liquids and low-fiber foods to rest the bowel. For long-term prevention, transition to a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes to promote healthy digestion.

Key Points

Dietary Strategy Varies: The best diet for diverticulitis depends on whether you are experiencing a flare-up or are in long-term remission, requiring different approaches for each phase.
During a Flare-up: Start with a clear liquid diet for a few days to rest the colon, then transition to a low-fiber diet with easily digestible foods.
For Long-Term Prevention: Focus on a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to promote soft, regular bowel movements.
Nuts and Seeds: Recent research indicates that nuts, seeds, and popcorn do not need to be avoided for most people, as they don't increase the risk of diverticulitis flare-ups.
Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of fluids, especially when increasing fiber intake, to help soften stool and prevent constipation.
Limit Processed Foods: Reducing red meat and highly processed, high-sugar foods is recommended to decrease inflammation and overall diverticulitis risk.

Understanding the Diverticulitis Diet: Flare-up vs. Remission

Diverticulitis is a condition where small, bulging pouches in the digestive tract, known as diverticula, become inflamed or infected. A successful diet for managing this condition depends heavily on whether you are experiencing an acute flare-up or are in remission. The dietary strategy changes significantly between these two phases to prioritize either resting the colon or promoting long-term gut health.

The Clear Liquid Diet for Acute Flare-ups

For a severe flare-up, a healthcare provider may initially recommend a clear liquid diet for a few days to give the colon a complete rest. This temporary diet significantly reduces stress on the digestive system and helps calm the inflammation. Foods consumed during this phase are easily digestible and leave very little residue in the intestines.

Allowed Liquids: Clear broths, water, clear juices (like pulp-free apple or white grape juice), clear electrolyte drinks, gelatin, and popsicles without fruit pieces.
To Avoid: Any solid food, milk, or juices with pulp.

Transitioning to a Low-Fiber Diet

As symptoms begin to subside, typically after a few days on a liquid diet, you can gradually introduce low-fiber, soft foods. This transitional phase is crucial for reintroducing nutrients without overwhelming the sensitive colon. Portion sizes should be small, and foods should be well-cooked and easy to digest.

Grains: White bread, white rice, pasta, and low-fiber cereals like puffed rice or cornflakes.
Fruits: Ripe bananas, applesauce, and cooked or canned fruits without skin or seeds.
Vegetables: Cooked or mashed vegetables without skins or seeds, such as peeled potatoes, carrots, or zucchini.
Proteins: Skinless, lean poultry and fish, eggs, and smooth nut butters.
Dairy: Yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk, if tolerated.

The High-Fiber Diet for Long-Term Prevention

Once the flare-up has completely resolved, the long-term goal is to prevent future episodes by transitioning to a high-fiber diet. High fiber intake helps to soften and bulk up stool, reducing pressure within the colon and promoting regular bowel movements. This is considered the best food to eat when you have diverticulitis long-term. It is important to increase fiber intake gradually to avoid gas, bloating, and discomfort.

Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats, whole wheat bread and pasta.
Fruits: Apples, berries, pears, and oranges (all with skin).
Vegetables: Raw leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, and other fibrous vegetables.
Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and other beans.
Nuts and Seeds: Despite previous recommendations, studies show that nuts, seeds, and popcorn do not increase the risk of flare-ups and can be consumed safely.

Dietary comparison: Flare-up vs. Prevention


Feature	During a Diverticulitis Flare-up	For Long-Term Prevention
Primary Goal	Rest the bowel, reduce inflammation	Prevent future flare-ups
Fiber Content	Low to zero (clear liquids), then low-fiber	High-fiber (25-35 grams daily)
Example Grains	White bread, white rice, crackers	Whole-wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, oats
Example Fruits	Applesauce, peeled bananas, canned peaches	Whole apples, pears, berries, oranges
Example Vegetables	Peeled and cooked potatoes, carrots	Leafy greens, broccoli, beans, root vegetables
Key Consideration	Eat easily digestible, bland foods; hydrate	Eat a wide variety of fiber-rich foods; hydrate
Nuts & Seeds	Avoid during transitional low-fiber diet	Can be included as tolerated

Other Important Dietary Considerations

Beyond fiber, other dietary factors can influence diverticulitis. Staying well-hydrated is essential for helping fiber move through your system effectively. Limiting red meat and highly processed foods is also recommended, as they are linked to an increased risk of diverticulitis and inflammation. Paying attention to individual triggers is also important, as some people may find specific foods, such as spicy dishes or high-FODMAP items, worsen their symptoms. Keeping a food journal can help identify personal sensitivities.

Conclusion

The most effective diet for diverticulitis is a two-part strategy that addresses both acute flare-ups and long-term prevention. When an attack occurs, start with a clear liquid diet and slowly progress to a low-fiber diet to allow the colon to heal. In remission, the best diet is high in fiber from a variety of sources, including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, to maintain digestive health and prevent future inflammation. It is crucial to work with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to develop a personalized plan that meets your specific needs.

Get expert guidance

For personalized dietary management, a consultation with a registered dietitian is highly recommended. For those in Australia, Dietitians Australia can provide excellent resources and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

During an acute flare-up, you should start with a clear liquid diet, which includes clear broths, pulp-free juices, and water. As symptoms improve, transition to low-fiber foods like white bread, white rice, eggs, and cooked vegetables without skins.

For long-term management, focus on foods like whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa), fruits (apples, berries, pears), vegetables (broccoli, leafy greens), and legumes (beans, lentils).

No, current research suggests that you do not need to avoid nuts, seeds, and popcorn. These foods were once thought to cause flare-ups but are now considered safe for most people with diverticulosis or diverticular disease.

To increase fiber safely, do so gradually over several weeks. A sudden increase can cause bloating and gas. Start with a few extra grams per day and be sure to drink plenty of water to help the fiber work effectively.

Yes, diets high in red meat and processed foods are associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis and inflammation. Limiting these foods is recommended for long-term gut health.

A diet rich in high-fiber foods and low in red meat, combined with adequate hydration and regular exercise, can significantly lower the risk of developing diverticulitis.

Proper hydration is crucial, especially with a high-fiber diet. Fluids help the fiber absorb water, which softens stool, promotes regular bowel movements, and reduces pressure on the colon.