51 Foods to Avoid with Diverticulitis (2024 Update)

If you are looking for foods to avoid with diverticulitis, this giant food list of what not to eat will have you covered.

Managing Diverticulitis Through Diet

Living with diverticular disease, particularly during a diverticulitis flare-up, can be tough. I’ve dealt with this condition for years, and learning which foods to avoid with diverticulitis has been crucial to managing my symptoms. When inflammation strikes the large intestine, it causes pain, nausea, and changes in bowel movements. Thankfully, making the right dietary changes can reduce the intensity of these symptoms.

What Is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the intestinal wall become infected or inflamed. This can lead to severe symptoms like fever, nausea, and lower abdominal pain. If left untreated, it can result in complications such as abscesses or bleeding. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, about 10% of people over 40 develop diverticulosis, which can lead to diverticulitis if not managed properly. During a flare-up, it’s best to follow a low-fiber, clear-liquid diet to allow the colon to heal. Knowing which foods to avoid with diverticulitis is key to managing the condition.

Research suggests that a low-fiber diet during flare-ups reduces colon strain. Once symptoms improve, reintroducing high-fiber foods gradually helps prevent future flare-ups. Understanding which foods to avoid with diverticulitis is essential for maintaining long-term digestive health.

51 Foods to Avoid with Diverticulitis

Here’s an updated list of 51 foods to avoid during a diverticulitis flare-up. These foods are hard to digest and may increase the risk of worsening symptoms:

1. Nuts (almonds, peanuts)
2. Seeds (chia seeds, sunflower seeds)
3. Popcorn
4. Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa)
5. Raw vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower)
6. Corn
7. Bell peppers
8. Cucumbers
9. Tomatoes (including seeds)
10. Raw fruits with seeds (strawberries, raspberries)
11. Apples (with skin)
12. Pears
13. Pineapple
14. Corn on the cob
15. Dried fruits (raisins, apricots)
16. Legumes (lentils, chickpeas)
17. Beans (black beans, kidney beans)
18. Whole grain cereals
19. Wild rice
20. Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, kale)
21. Onions
22. Garlic
23. Spicy foods
24. Fatty meats
25. Dairy (full-fat milk, cheese)
26. Carbonated beverages
27. Alcohol
28. Fried foods
29. Sugary snacks
30. Artificial sweeteners
31. Red meat
32. Tough cuts of meat
33. Hard cheeses
34. Tough, fibrous vegetables
35. Processed meats
36. Shellfish
37. Butter and margarine
38. Cream-based sauces
39. Full-fat ice cream
40. Chips and crackers
41. Caffeinated beverages
42. Pickles
43. Hot peppers
44. Hard-boiled eggs
45. Pasta with heavy sauces
46. Processed sugar
47. Pies and cakes
48. Tough bread (bagels, baguettes)
49. Pineapple juice
50. Cottage cheese
51. White rice

Foods to Eat During a Flare-Up

While avoiding these foods is critical, focus on foods that are easier to digest. These can help your digestive tract recover while giving it the rest it needs. Start with a clear liquid diet and slowly transition to:

Long-Term Dietary Changes for Diverticulitis

Once you’ve recovered from a flare-up, it’s important to make long-term dietary changes to avoid future occurrences. A high-fiber diet helps to maintain regular bowel movements and supports the overall health of your digestive tract. Incorporating high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can lower the risk of diverticulitis by reducing pressure on the colon.

Studies have shown that eating a diet rich in dietary fiber (25-30 grams of fiber daily) is essential for maintaining colon health. Foods like whole grains, fresh fruits, and fiber-rich foods should be reintroduced slowly after your symptoms improve. Drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of fluids is crucial when increasing your fiber intake to avoid constipation.

🍽️ Related: Healthy Diverticulitis Breakfast Ideas

FAQs

1. Can I eat high-fiber foods after recovering from diverticulitis?

Yes, after recovering from diverticulitis, you can gradually reintroduce high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to help promote regular bowel movements. However, during a flare-up, it’s critical to avoid high-fiber foods and focus on the foods to avoid with diverticulitis, especially fiber-rich ones, to avoid straining the digestive tract.

2. What are the best foods to eat during a diverticulitis flare-up?

During a flare-up, stick to a clear liquid diet, which may include broths, clear juices, and water. Once symptoms improve, transition to low-fiber foods like white bread, plain pasta, and applesauce. These foods help rest the digestive system, but it’s essential to be mindful of the foods to avoid with diverticulitis to prevent worsening symptoms.

3. Should I avoid seeds and nuts with diverticulitis?

While there is little evidence supporting the need to avoid seeds and nuts altogether, it is best to avoid them during a flare-up, as they are often listed among foods to avoid with diverticulitis. Seeds and nuts may irritate the digestive system, worsening symptoms. After recovery, you may be able to safely reintroduce them into your diet as part of a high-fiber plan.

4. How can I prevent diverticulitis flare-ups long-term?

To prevent future flare-ups, follow a high-fiber diet that includes whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Drink plenty of water to aid digestion. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce flare-ups. Additionally, knowing which foods to avoid with diverticulitis during flare-ups can help you manage symptoms effectively. Consult your healthcare provider for tailored advice, particularly if you have other underlying health conditions.

5. Can dairy trigger diverticulitis?

Full-fat dairy products, such as whole milk and cheese, may be hard to digest during a flare-up and are often among the foods to avoid with diverticulitis. Low-fat or non-fat dairy products, like plain yogurt, can be easier on the digestive system. It’s best to avoid all dairy during a flare-up and slowly reintroduce it afterward, focusing on how your body reacts to such foods.

6. What Types of Foods Should I Avoid on a Diverticulitis Diet?

During a diverticulitis flare-up, solid foods are among the primary foods to avoid with diverticulitis. Stick to clear liquids to rest the digestive system. In severe cases, a low-fiber or low-residue diet may be required. Avoid fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, seeds, and nuts, which are common foods to avoid with diverticulitis. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized dietary recommendations during recovery.

7. Can I Follow a High-Fiber Diet After Diverticulitis?

Once symptoms of diverticulitis have subsided, gradually reintroducing fiber supplements and high-fiber foods is beneficial. However, always be cautious of foods to avoid with diverticulitis during recovery. A high-fiber diet helps prevent future flare-ups by reducing pressure on the colon. Ensure you drink enough water to help with digestion, as the presence of diverticula in the colon can increase the risk of complications without proper hydration.

Long-Term Management of Diverticulitis

Once you’ve experienced a diverticulitis flare-up, long-term management becomes crucial. Risk factors for future flare-ups include a low-fiber diet, weak spots in the colon wall, and a sedentary lifestyle. Incorporating a high-fiber diet can help reduce bowel pressure and prevent recurrence.

Including foods high in fiber content such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables helps support digestive health, but only once you’re cleared by your healthcare provider. However, during recovery, you might be advised to follow a low-FODMAP diet or even a low-residue diet to minimize strain on the colon.

In mild cases, transitioning back to a normal diet might take time. It’s crucial to introduce fiber supplements gradually while monitoring inflammatory bowel disease or other digestive conditions that could complicate your progress.

Adopting dietary changes under professional guidance ensures you’re getting the right amount of fiber without overwhelming your system.

🍽️ Related: 41 Diverticulitis Lunch Ideas

Dietary Guidelines for Diverticulitis Recovery

Your healthcare provider may recommend specific dietary guidelines post-recovery. While certain foods like seeds, nuts, and dairy products are typically discouraged during a flare-up, they can be cautiously reintroduced in moderation after recovery. Drinking plenty of water and fruit juice will also help maintain healthy digestion.

For older adults, managing diverticulitis symptoms and following a high-fiber diet can be more challenging due to slower digestion and the presence of weak spots in the walls of the colon. They may be at an increased risk for complications, which is why dietary changes and gradual reintroduction of foods are critical.

Foods rich in fermentable oligosaccharides should be avoided, as they can increase pressure on the digestive system.

Following a low-fiber cereal diet at first, then reintroducing fiber-rich foods according to dietary recommendations ensures long-term success and reduces the risk of future cases of diverticulitis.

🍽️ Related: 31 Diverticulitis Snack Ideas

Conclusion: Foods to Avoid with Diverticulitis

Flare-ups of diverticulitis may require a more restricted diet, focusing on foods that are easy to digest, such as low-residue or clear liquids. During a diverticulitis attack, a period of bowel rest is essential, avoiding foods to avoid with diverticulitis that could worsen inflammation or lead to more serious treatment options.

In severe cases, especially when complications arise, it’s important to consult your doctor to determine the best treatment options and whether lifestyle adjustments such as switching to a low-FODMAP diet may help in the long term. If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for a diagnostic test and follow the right dietary approach to prevent future flare-ups.

Managing diverticular disease requires careful attention to your diet, especially during a diverticulitis flare-up. Avoiding specific foods to avoid with diverticulitis, such as seeds, red meat, and whole grains, can help you recover faster and avoid complications.

Following a high-fiber diet after recovery will help maintain your digestive health long-term. Always consult your healthcare provider or seek medical advice before making significant dietary changes.

Additionally, maintaining a low-FODMAP diet can be beneficial in preventing flare-ups in those with irritable bowel syndrome or other inflammatory stomach disorders.