Which foods should you avoid with diverticulitis, and what can you eat?

Diverticulitis occurs when one or more diverticula become inflamed. The colon is the final section of the intestine, also known as the large intestine. Diverticula are small herniations of the mucosa – that is, the inner layer of the colon – through weaker areas of its wall.

In most cases, diverticulosis causes no symptoms. Diverticulitis, on the other hand, is an inflammatory flare-up that can lead to abdominal pain, most commonly in the lower left side of the abdomen, sometimes accompanied by fever, bowel problems or nausea.

This distinction makes all the difference when it comes to diet. Outside of a flare-up, the main aim is to prevent constipation and to maintain regular bowel movements. During a flare-up, the aim is rather to minimise digestive discomfort and to adjust food intake to what is actually tolerated. It is precisely this contrast that explains the frequent confusion surrounding fibre.

The available data show that there is no single diet that is suitable in all circumstances. During an acute episode, some medical teams recommend a clear liquid or low-fibre diet for a few days, followed by a gradual reintroduction of solid foods. The HAS, for its part, states that in cases of non-perforated diverticulitis, a non-restrictive diet is recommended if tolerated. In practice, this means that the key is not a blanket ban, but adapting to the stage of the disease and the patient’s actual digestive tolerance.

Before the inflammatory phase or outside a flare-up

Outside a flare-up, the approach is generally the opposite of that recommended during a flare-up. The aim is rather to move towards a varied diet, gradually increasing the fibre content, without systematic exclusion.

• Prioritise fibre-rich foods: fruit, vegetables, pulses and whole grains contribute to a higher fibre intake, which is associated with more regular bowel movements and softer stools

• Ensure you stay sufficiently hydrated: water complements an increased fibre intake and helps maintain good digestive tolerance

• Limit excessive consumption of red meat: several studies suggest that a high intake of red meat may be linked to an increased risk of diverticulitis

• Do not systematically exclude certain foods: no systematic exclusion of foods is necessary

• Increase fibre intake gradually: increasing it too quickly may lead to bloating, flatulence or abdominal discomfort

During the inflammatory phase

During the inflammatory phase, the diet should be approached with greater flexibility and caution. There is no single approach that applies to everyone, as recommendations vary depending on the source, the severity of symptoms and digestive tolerance.

• Do not apply the same restrictions to all cases: the HAS states that in cases of non-perforated diverticulitis, a non-restrictive diet may be considered if it is well tolerated

• Adapt the diet to the severity of symptoms: when pain, nausea or digestive discomfort are severe, some sources suggest starting temporarily with clear liquids or a low-fibre diet

• Temporarily reduce foods very high in fibre if they are poorly tolerated: at the onset of a flare-up, raw vegetables, pulses, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables with thick skins may sometimes be less well tolerated

• Opt for a gradual approach: once a restricted diet has been introduced, it should be short-term, and then gradually expanded as symptoms subside

• Avoid prolonged restrictions: maintaining a very restricted diet for too long can unnecessarily deplete nutritional intake

• Take actual tolerance into account: if a more varied diet is well tolerated, there is no need to impose a systematic exclusion of foods from the outset

• Take a case-by-case approach: during a flare-up, the key question is not just which foods to avoid, but above all which foods are tolerated at that precise moment, for that specific person.

Residue-free diet: example menu during a flare-up

During a diverticulitis flare-up, a temporary low-fibre diet, sometimes called a ‘residue-free diet’, may be recommended to improve digestive comfort. However, it is not necessary in all cases: in the case of uncomplicated diverticulitis, a normal diet may be maintained if it is well tolerated and the doctor gives the go-ahead.

Where symptoms warrant it and a solid diet is permitted, here is an example of a low-fibre menu:

Please note: this menu is for guidance only and is not suitable for all situations. Where an exclusively liquid diet is prescribed, the solid meals listed above are not appropriate. A highly restrictive diet must not be continued without medical supervision, as this may lead to insufficient nutritional intake.

Reintroducing fibre after the flare-up

Once pain and other symptoms have subsided, it is generally possible to gradually return to a varied diet, depending on your digestive tolerance and medical advice.

If fibre intake has been temporarily restricted, it can be reintroduced in stages:

• Start with easily digestible foods, such as cooked vegetables, peeled fruit or fruit purées.

• Gradually increase portion sizes, then diversify your sources of fibre with whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains and pulses.

• Drink plenty of water to support the increased fibre intake.

• Monitor your digestive tolerance, particularly if you experience bloating or abdominal discomfort.

Outside of flare-ups, a diet rich in fibre is generally recommended to promote regular bowel movements and support digestive health.

There is no universal timeframe for reintroducing fibre: this depends on how symptoms develop and each individual’s medical condition.

Alcohol and diverticulitis

Sources do not entirely agree on the exact role of alcohol in the pathophysiology of diverticulitis. The available data on the direct link between alcohol and diverticulitis remain incomplete and not entirely consistent.

In practice, during a flare-up, alcohol offers no digestive benefits and may be poorly tolerated. It can also complicate hydration, increase digestive discomfort or interfere with certain treatments. A prudent approach is therefore to avoid it during the inflammatory episode and to consume it in moderation thereafter.

Which foods should you avoid if you have diverticulitis? The answer depends primarily on the stage of the condition. During an acute flare-up, certain high-fibre foods may be temporarily less well tolerated. However, once the flare-up has passed or in cases of diverticulosis without inflammation, systematically excluding these foods is generally not recommended.

Here are the main categories of foods to adjust depending on the situation.

Important: none of the foods on this list are systematically prohibited for all people suffering from diverticulitis. The diet must be tailored to the severity of the flare-up, the symptoms and the healthcare professional’s recommendations. Temporary restrictions should not be prolonged unnecessarily.

For a long time, people with diverticula were advised to avoid seeds, nuts, sweetcorn and even popcorn. It was thought that small fragments of these foods could become lodged in the diverticula and cause inflammation.

Current scientific evidence does not support this hypothesis. For people with diverticulosis or a history of diverticulitis, it is therefore not recommended to systematically exclude nuts, seeds, sweetcorn or popcorn from their diet.

On the contrary, these foods can contribute to a varied diet, particularly due to their fibre content and, in some cases, their unsaturated fatty acids.

During an acute flare-up, however, their consumption should be adjusted to suit digestive tolerance and any medical advice. If a temporarily low-fibre diet is recommended, these foods may be limited during this period and then gradually reintroduced.

Outside of flare-ups, the key is to prioritise a balanced diet rather than making numerous unjustified exclusions.

Staying hydrated with herbal teas

Outside of periods of inflammation, staying well-hydrated is one of the key daily habits to adopt, particularly when aiming to maintain regular bowel movements as part of a suitable diet. Recommendations emphasise the importance of adequate fluid intake, alongside a balanced diet, rather than any specific drink. Herbal tea can therefore simply be used as a way to stay hydrated, provided it is well tolerated. In practice, drinking a beverage you genuinely enjoy often helps you spread your fluid intake more evenly, which is sometimes easier than thinking only of still water.

Organic Lemon Detox Herbal Tea

Directions: Shake your tea bag before use. Heat the water until it is simmering but not boiling. Pour the hot water over the herbal blend and leave to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your preference. For one cup, we recommend using 1 teaspoon of Organic Lemon Detox herbal tea.

Storage and precautions: Store away from heat and moisture. Close the sachet tightly after each use.

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Organic Zen Hemp Herbal Tea

Directions: Heat the water until it is simmering but not boiling. Pour the hot water over the blend of herbs and leave to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your taste. For one cup, we recommend using approximately 1 teaspoon of Organic Zen Hemp herbal tea.

Storage: Store away from heat and moisture. Close the sachet tightly after each use.

Precautions: Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. For adult use only.

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Increasing your fibre intake with superfoods

Increasing your fibre intake should be approached with caution and done gradually, once the inflammatory phase has passed. Once the acute episode has subsided, fibre can be reintroduced or increased gradually, depending on digestive tolerance and your overall dietary pattern. With this in mind, fibre-rich ingredients such as organic blond psyllium or organic chia seeds, may be considered, always introducing them gradually to minimise bloating or discomfort. The more fibre you consume, the more you need to drink, as these two factors go hand in hand in maintaining a healthy digestive balance.

Organic blonde psyllium

Directions for use: Take 1 teaspoon (approximately 3 g), stir well into a glass of water or another drink, and drink immediately. Then drink a large glass of water. If necessary, the dose may be increased to up to 6 g per day (approximately 2 teaspoons), to be taken in 2 to 3 doses with plenty of water.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Close the sachet tightly after opening.

Precautions : Not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Keep out of reach of children. For adult use only. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Not recommended in cases of undiagnosed rectal bleeding and inability to pass stools associated with the use of a laxative, in cases of abnormal narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract, in cases of oesophageal or cardia disorders, potential or existing intestinal obstruction, intestinal paralysis or megacolon, or in cases of swallowing difficulties. Risk of gastrointestinal obstruction. Do not take at the same time as medication (allow at least a 1-hour interval). If you are taking medication, seek advice from a healthcare professional. Do not take with medication that inhibits peristaltic movements.

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Organic chia seeds – a superfood

Usage: Add 1 to 3 teaspoons of chia seeds (whole or ground) per day (maximum 15 g) to your recipes: bread, biscuits, yoghurt, muesli, etc.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Close the packet tightly after opening.

Precautions: Do not exceed 15 g of chia seeds per day (approximately 1.5 to 2 tablespoons). Keep out of reach of children.

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Consider a dietary supplement

When it is difficult to achieve an adequate fibre intake through diet alone, a high-fibre dietary supplement may be considered outside of periods of inflammation. The ‘Probiotics for Gut Comfort’ supplement fits well with this approach, as it provides fibre in a form that is easy to incorporate into daily life, provided it is introduced gradually and with sufficient water. The aim is not to claim that a supplement will definitely prevent a relapse, as the evidence on this point remains mixed, but rather to support fibre intake when this seems appropriate during the maintenance phase. In practice, this strategy makes the most sense for people whose diet is low in fibre and who wish to increase their intake in a controlled and gradual manner, always outside of an inflammatory phase.

Probiotics for Gut Comfort – 30 capsules

Directions for use: Take one capsule a day, with a glass of water.

Storage: Store away from light, heat and moisture. Close the jar tightly after each use.

Precautions: Not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. For adults only. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Keep out of reach of children.

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In cases of simple diverticulosis, without an inflammatory flare-up, there are no ‘forbidden’ foods. No foods need to be excluded. As a reminder, there is no need for people with a history of diverticulitis to avoid seeds, nuts and popcorn. In other words, in cases of diverticulosis, the available evidence simply suggests a diet lower in highly processed foods and red meat, and higher in plant-based foods and fibre.

Here are a few tips to help you in your day-to-day life: 

• Gradually increase your fibre intake: several sources suggest that a diet higher in fibre is associated with a lower risk of diverticulitis, but the level of evidence varies depending on the recommendations

• Drink enough fluids: staying hydrated helps fibre to regulate stool consistency and bowel regularity

• Limit excessive red meat intake: several observational studies report an association between high red meat consumption and a higher risk of diverticulitis, although these studies alone do not allow us to confirm a direct preventive effect of a single dietary change

• Maintain regular physical activity: physical activity is one of the key preventive measures

• Do not unnecessarily exclude nuts, seeds or popcorn: recent recommendations do not support this systematic exclusion

• Avoid self-medicating with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: this is a necessary precaution for people with a history of diverticulitis.

There is no single timeframe that applies to everyone. An uncomplicated flare-up may improve within a few days, but the course of the condition depends on many factors: the severity of the inflammation, whether or not there are complications, dietary tolerance, general health, and whether or not hospitalisation is required.

This initial improvement does not always mean that everything is resolved. Returning to a normal diet is often a gradual process. If the pain worsens, if a fever persists, if the person is unable to drink, or if their general condition deteriorates, it is necessary to move beyond simple dietary advice and seek a medical assessment.

Diverticulitis is not simply a common digestive discomfort. Some forms remain uncomplicated, whilst others can progress to an abscess, perforation, fistula or bowel obstruction. This is why diet should never distract you from the warning signs. Severe abdominal pain, a fever, vomiting, an inability to drink, rapid deterioration, an immunocompromised state or a suspected complication all warrant prompt medical attention.

Furthermore, excessively prolonged dietary restriction puts the patient at risk of insufficient intake of energy, protein and micronutrients. Liquid diets or those very low in fibre must remain temporary and supervised. They do not constitute a long-term dietary regimen.

Outside of a flare-up, the general recommendations are for a varied diet, with a gradual increase in fibre if it is well tolerated, without automatically excluding seeds, nuts or popcorn. During a flare-up, the main consideration is digestive tolerance, with a temporary adjustment if necessary – sometimes a diet lower in fibre or more liquid – but without prolonging this restriction unnecessarily.

Gipsy is a graduate of ESJ Paris. After 10 years’ experience in general and women’s magazines, she decided to specialise in writing about health and wellbeing. With a certification in yin yoga under her belt, she now skilfully combines her writing with her yoga mat. Her aim goes far beyond mere words. Her commitment runs deep: to help readers incorporate small tips into their daily lives that help them look after themselves and their environment. Every word is an invitation to adopt a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.