Diverticulitis: What diet should you follow, and which foods should you avoid?

More than half of French people over the age of 70 have diverticulitis, an inflammation of the colonic diverticula. Sometimes, colonic diverticula become complicated and develop into diverticulitis. Diet plays a key role in preventing these colon disorders.

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Diverticulitis: What to Eat and What Diet to Follow?

Scientific studies indicate that a high-fiber diet can help prevent the progression of diverticulosis (the presence of diverticula without symptoms) into a symptomatic form or diverticulitis (inflammation). This recommendation therefore remains relevant during the prevention phase, as fiber promotes healthy bowel movements and reduces pressure in the colon.

However, after an episode of acute diverticulitis, the benefit of quickly resuming a high-fiber diet to prevent recurrence remains a subject of debate. The resumption should be gradual and tailored to individual tolerance, under medical supervision.

Here are the highest-fiber foods to prioritize in your diet and meal plans:

  1. Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, and peas are excellent sources of fiber.

  2. Whole grains: Whole-grain products such as whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oats, and quinoa are high in fiber.

  3. Fresh fruits: Fruits, especially pears, apples, berries, oranges, and plums, are naturally high in fiber.

  4. Green vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green peas, and green beans are excellent sources of fiber.

  5. Dried fruits: Figs, dates, prunes, and dried apricots are high in fiber.

  6. Seeds: Chia seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are high-fiber options.

  7. Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and pistachios also provide fiber.

  8. Root vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets are fiber-rich root vegetables.

In cases of diverticulitis, it is also recommended to avoid strong spices, as they can irritate the already inflamed intestinal lining and worsen digestive symptoms such as pain, cramps, or diarrhea. Hot spices (chili peppers, excessive black pepper, very strong curry, etc.) can exacerbate local inflammation and disrupt digestive balance, which slows down healing.

During acute phases, it is best to opt for a mild, non-spicy, and easily digestible diet, gradually reintroducing stronger seasonings once the inflammatory phase has passed and depending on individual tolerance.

Diverticulitis and diet: the myths

For some time, it was believed that the seeds of certain fruits (tomatoes, peppers, kiwis, raspberries, strawberries) and nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, peanuts), as well as corn, wheat, or popcorn, could accumulate in the diverticula and trigger inflammation, namely diverticulitis. Current data no longer justifies their systematic exclusion in people with diverticulosis. They can therefore be consumed, unless there is an individual intolerance.

Diet: What foods should you avoid if you have diverticulitis?

In cases of confirmed diverticulitis (inflammatory phase), it is recommended to adopt a low-fiber diet, or even a liquid diet depending on the case, to allow the colon to rest. Although fiber is essential for prevention, during this phase it can irritate the already inflamed intestinal lining. It is therefore advisable to avoid raw fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and all seeds. Foods containing hard or irritating particles, such as popcorn, zucchini seeds, tomato and cucumber seeds, the grains found in cracked wheat bread, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, should also be temporarily avoided.

Once the inflammation is under control and with medical advice, fiber can be gradually reintroduced to prevent recurrence. To prevent diverticulosis, a high-fiber diet is indeed recommended to promote healthy bowel movements, reduce intestinal pressure, and limit the formation of new diverticula. The focus is on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts. Regarding foods containing seeds, which were once suspected of triggering flare-ups, recent studies suggest that they do not pose a problem for most patients, except in cases of personal intolerance (for example: walnuts, caraway seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, sesame seeds). It is therefore best to discuss this with your healthcare provider to tailor your diet on a case-by-case basis.

Diverticulitis: Helpful Tips to Follow

Here are some dietary and lifestyle tips to help prevent diverticulitis: 

  1. Make sure to stay properly hydrated by drinking enough water.

  2. Make sure to maintain a balanced, high-fiber diet.

  3. Stay physically active on a regular basis.

  4. Adopt a less stressful lifestyle, ensure you get enough sleep, and eat your meals in a calm environment.

  5. Never ignore the natural urge to have a bowel movement.

  6. Avoid frequent use of laxatives.

  7. Chew your food thoroughly before swallowing.

How long does a diverticulitis flare-up last?

The duration of a diverticulitis flare-up can vary depending on the severity of the inflammation and the response to treatment. Generally speaking, an acute diverticulitis flare-up can last from a few days to several weeks.

Learn more

What is diverticulitis and what are its risk factors?

Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula, small pouches that form in the wall of the colon. These diverticula, often found in older adults, result from a weakness in the intestinal muscle wall. In some cases, a microperforation can cause more widespread inflammation, known as peridiverticulitis. The risk of complications (abscess, perforation, fistula) is higher during the first episode. Certain medications, such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or opioids, as well as smoking, are known risk factors.

To learn more about diverticulitis, see our dedicated article: What is diverticulitis?

Are potatoes good for diverticula?

Yes, potatoes well-cooked (boiled, steamed, or baked without fat) are generally well-tolerated. They are a gentle, easily digestible source of energy, especially during or immediately after a flare-up. However, avoid fatty or spicy dishes (french fries, gratins), which can irritate sensitive intestines.

What vegetables should you eat if you have diverticula?

Outside of acute inflammatory phases, it is recommended to consume vegetables rich in soft fiber to promote healthy digestion and reduce pressure in the colon. Opt for steamed or pureed vegetables, which are easier to digest, such as carrots, zucchini, green beans, spinach, or pumpkin. Raw vegetables, which are more irritating, can be gradually reintroduced depending on individual tolerance.

Sigmoiditis: Which foods should you avoid?

Sigmoiditis, an inflammation of the sigmoid colon, requires a light, non-irritating diet during the acute phase. It is recommended to avoid tough fibers, raw vegetables, pome fruits or fruits with thick skins, spicy dishes, processed foods, and excessive amounts of fat. A gradual return to eating, starting with mild, easily digestible foods, is essential during the recovery phase.

Spotlight on our editor: Gipsy Dauge

Gipsy is a graduate of ESJ Paris. After 10 years' experience in the general and women's press, she decided to move into writing about health and well-being. With a certificate in yin yoga, she now puts her pen, as well as her yoga mat, to excellent use. She cares deeply about what she writes. She has a deep commitment to helping readers incorporate tips into their daily lives to take care of both themselves and their environment. She hopes to inspire you to follow a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle with her writing.

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Diverticulosis and diverticulitis

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What diet is best for colonic diverticula?

https://books.google.fr/books?id=XFArDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT10&dq=diverticulite+alimentation&hl=fr&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiN7aCeiNCDAxW3U6QEHQG-CcIQ6AF6BAgHEAI#v=onepage&q=diverticulitis%20diet&f=false