What to Eat During a Diverticulitis Flare-Up

Diverticulitis can often be treated at home with diet and antibiotics (if needed).  More severe cases may require hospitalization.

If you're recovering at home, you'll follow a clear liquid diet then slowly add in other foods.   Listen to your body during this phase - everyone advances their diet at a different speed.

During this time:

• Take your usual medications but talk to us or your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
• If you have diabetes, reach out about how to adjust your medications or insulin while you're on this diet.

For the first 1 to 2 days of symptoms, drink only clear liquids such as:

• Water
• Clear vegetable, chicken, or beef broth. Make sure they are free of solids.
• Clear fruit juices like apple or grape.
• Clear, non-caffeinated soda like ginger ale or lemon-lime soda.
• Soothing herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint.
• Clear, unflavored gelatin desserts (like Jello) without added fruit.
• Plan don-dairy and non-fruit popsicles. They can help relieve thirst and discomfort.

You can also:

• Suck on clear hard candy to keep your mouth moist.
• Chew on ice chips. This can be soothing, especially if your mouth is dry.

Since this isn't a balanced diet, you'll only be on it for a few days.

As you start to feel better, slowly add regular food back to your diet using the steps below.  Remember to stay hydrated.

Pay attention to how your body responds.  If your symptoms get worse, consider going back a step for a couple days.

Step 1: Full Liquid Diet

Slowly add in non-clear liquids like:

• Broth-based soups
• Cream-based soups (if you can eat dairy)
• Milk (or dairy-free alternatives if you're lactose intolerant)
• Yogurt or pudding
• Smoothies

Step 2: Soft Diet

If you feel okay after adding non-clear liquids, you can start eating some softer foods, such as:

• Cooked cereals (oatmeal or cream of wheat)
• Mashed potatoes
• Applesauce
• Scrambled eggs
• Steamed or boiled vegetables

Step 3: Low-Fiber Diet

Continue to avoid high-fiber foods like:

• Whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat pasta, etc.)
• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• High-fiber cereals

Step 4: High-Fiber Diet

Over time, you can add high-fiber foods back into your diet. They're important for preventing repeat episodes of diverticulitis.

Once you've recovered, follow the diet outlined here.

It can help:

• Prevent frequent diverticulitis flare-ups.
• Relieve constipation and abdominal (belly) discomfort
• Improve gut health.