The Best Diverticulitis Diet: Splitting Fact From Fiction With Over 25 Studies
By Joe Leech, Dietitian (MSc Nutrition & Dietetics)

Last Updated: 19th October, 2024
Diverticulitis is an extremely unpleasant digestive disease.

Those diagnosed know it’s worth taking measures to avoid future episodes. Unfortunately, 1 in 5 will have another flare-up within 5 years (1).

Research has accelerated a lot in the past decade, with the latest indicating triggers are thought to involve certain diet and lifestyle factors, alterations in the gut microbiome, genetics, and more (27, 28).

This article is a research-driven look at what diet changes may help treat diverticulitis, as well as some common myths about what foods to avoid with diverticulitis.
Note that each section in this article has a ‘summary’ box (like this one) for those who want to skim the article faster. Below this is a blue contents box to show you what topics are covered in this article.
Contents

☑️ What is Diverticulitis?
☑️ Diverticulitis Symptoms
☑️ Treating Diverticulitis Flare-Ups and Using Antibiotics
☑️ Diverticulitis and Probiotics
☑️ Is It Better to Follow a Low-Fiber or High-Fiber Diverticulitis Diet?
☑️ Diverticulitis and Vitamin D
☑️ Are Nuts and Seeds Really Diverticulitis Foods to Avoid?
☑️ What About Red Meat on a Diverticulitis Diet?
☑️ Can a Low FODMAP Diet Help Prevent Diverticulitis?

What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis occurs when small pockets in the wall of the large intestine (colon) become inflamed or infected.

These small pockets or sacs – called diverticula – are formed when the muscles of the colon become too weak in certain areas. This causes them to push outward and form a “pocket,” which is common in the lower part of the colon.
Diverticulitis becomes extremely painful during a flare-up. Even immediate surgery can be required to treat a severe case.

Diverticulitis vs Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis refers to having diverticula that have not yet become infected and painful.

This means diverticulosis always occurs before diverticulitis.

‘Osis’ refers to a medical condition, while ‘itis’ typically refers to inflammation or infection.

The risk of diverticulosis increases as we grow older, to about 70% of people aged 80 and above. Fortunately, it only progresses to diverticulitis about 4% of the time (2, 3).

What is Diverticular Disease?

Together, diverticulitis and diverticulosis are often referred to as diverticular disease.

The cause of this disease is complex and still poorly understood. Researchers suspect it to be a combination of numerous dietary habits, aging and genetic predisposition (4).
Summary: Diverticulitis occurs when small pockets in the lining of the colon become irritated and inflamed. Diverticulosis is simply the presence of these small pockets. Diverticular disease refers to either condition.

Diverticulitis Symptoms

Most are unaware they have diverticulosis until it becomes infected and painful (diverticulitis).

Symptoms can vary between individuals, but the most common are:
● Ongoing constipation
● Ongoing diarrhea
● Tender abdomen
● Cramping or bloating
● Fever
● Extremely painful bowel movements
● Blood in stool
● Nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis is based on a history of symptoms in addition to some medical tests.

This can include blood tests, a colonoscopy or radiology as determined by your doctor.
Summary: Diverticulosis is usually symptom-free, however diverticulitis symptoms are typically severe and painful.

What Can I Eat, What Can't I Eat?

Tap the blue button below to download our FODMAP “Eat This, Not That” list as well as additional resources for diverticular disease (it’s free!)

Treating Diverticulitis Flare-Ups and Using Antibiotics

Diverticulitis typically occurs as a painful “flare-up” with sharp pain and digestive symptoms.

It’s not uncommon for treatment to require a hospital admission, where the diet is heavily modified to allow the digestive tract some time to heal and inflammation to subside.

This includes a clear fluids diet for several days followed by a short-term “low-residue” or low-fiber diet and eventually progressing to normal foods.

In severe cases of diverticulitis, surgery and regular antibiotic use are required to overcome the infection. However, recent research suggests that aggressive antibiotic treatment is overused, particularly in less severe cases (5, 6).

This is why diet and nutrition are incredibly important for managing this disease, not only during a flare-up but afterwards as well.

Below you can see a diagram of what the latest research indicates are the causes of diverticulitis (27).
Image: Proposed pathophysiology of acute colonic diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is hypothesized to arise from the complex interaction of diet and lifestyle factors, medications, genetics, and the gut microbiome.

The remainder of this article focuses on long-term dietary management of diverticulitis.
Summary: Acute flare-ups of diverticulitis are treated with a clear fluid and low-residue diet for several days to allow the gut time to heal. Antibiotics are definitely warranted in severe cases, but less so otherwise.

Diverticulitis and Probiotics

Probiotics are bacteria we eat for health benefits.

Studies show that a variety of different probiotic strains are effective in reducing symptoms of diverticulitis. Particularly those of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus paracasei (7, 8, 9).

In this chart, you can see that a high-fiber diet plus the probiotic Flortec appeared especially useful for short-term abdominal pain (8):
Probiotics have also been successfully combined with the anti-inflammatory drug Mesalamine to help reduce symptoms of diverticulitis. However, it’s uncertain if they reduce the risk of recurrence (10, 11).

Probiotic Sources

The best food sources of probiotics are fermented foods, such as yogurt, quark, Yakult, sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, tempeh, and miso.

Probiotic supplements are also a great option, but recommended strains and dosage have yet to be determined. Always buy probiotic supplements (as with any supplement) from a reputable and trusted source.
Summary: Research suggests a variety of probiotic strains are effective in managing diverticulitis symptoms. Both fermented foods and supplements are useful sources.

Is It Better to Follow a Low-Fiber or High-Fiber Diverticulitis Diet?

Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate we get from plant foods.

It was always thought that diverticulosis was caused by inadequate fiber intake. However, newer studies suggest it probably doesn’t prevent the diverticula forming in the first place (12, 13).

That said, it most likely does help prevent diverticula becoming symptomatic (diverticulitis).

One observational study found that those who ate 25 grams or more of fiber per day had a 41% lower risk of being hospitalized for diverticulitis compared to those who ate less than 14 grams per day (14).

Another study that followed more than 690,000 women without diverticular disease found that each additional 5 grams of fiber per day was associated with a 15% reduction in risk of diverticulitis (15).
Considering that fiber intake has other known health benefits, such as promoting regularity of bowel movements and maintaining a healthy gut bacteria, it makes sense to recommend a high-fiber diverticulitis diet.

Additionally, today most people only consume half of the recommended amount. Women should aim to get at least 25 grams per day, while the average man should have at least 38 grams per day (16, 17).

However, with that said, there is no reliable evidence that a high-fiber diet improves symptoms or prevents complications in diagnosed cases of diverticulitis.

A recent review of 19 studies (9 looking at dietary fiber, 10 at fiber supplements) was unable to make any firm conclusions because each study varied so greatly in how they were conducted, the type and amount of fiber used, among other things (27).

The authors’ conclusions were:

“The presence of substantial methodological limitations, the heterogeneity of the therapeutic regimens employed, and the lack of ad hoc designed studies, did not permit a summary of the outcome measure. Thus, the benefit of dietary or supplemental fiber in SUDD (symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease) patients still needs to be established.”

So there is no definite answer, which helps explain why the Danish and Polish guidelines recommend fiber supplements, whereas the Italian guidelines argue somewhat the opposite (28).

Basically fiber supplements are an option, as is a high-fiber diet, but unfortunately a bit of trial and error is the only way to see what sits better with you. Many people report doing better on a low fiber diverticulitis diet, which overlaps heavily with a low FODMAP diet (more on that below).

And as mentioned above, a low-fiber diet is definitely recommended following a flare-up. After a few days on a clear fluids diet, you can progress to boiled and soft foods, including cooked fruits and vegetables (without skins), as you slowly increase your fiber intake.
Summary: A high fiber diverticulitis diet is strongly associated with a reduced risk of developing diverticulitis. However, for those who already have diverticulitis and need to manage symptoms, it’s unclear whether a high or low fiber intake (supplements or food) is more beneficial.

What Can I Eat, What Can't I Eat?

Tap the blue button below to download our FODMAP “Eat This, Not That” list as well as additional resources for diverticular disease (it’s free!)

Diverticulitis and Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a critical nutrient for human health, best known as the “sunshine vitamin.”

There is increasing evidence that our vitamin D status may influence risk of gastrointestinal diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and diverticulitis (18).

A recent study in those with diverticulosis found those with the lowest vitamin D levels were significantly more likely to experience a diverticulitis flare up (19).

So it’s important to have your vitamin D levels checked with your doctor, particularly if you don’t get much regular sunlight exposure.

Unfortunately, natural food sources of vitamin D are not very useful if you have a deficiency. This is one of the few instances where supplementation is far superior to food.
Summary: Low vitamin D levels are linked to increased risk of diverticulitis. Get screened for a deficiency with your doctor.

Are Nuts and Seeds Really Diverticulitis Foods to Avoid?

A simple search for “foods to avoid with diverticulitis” or “what not to eat for diverticulitis” will show you nuts and seeds, corn and popcorn.

You will also find recommendations to avoid seeds in fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, strawberries and raspberries.

In fact, for years we’ve been taught these foods can literally get stuck in diverticula, causing irritation and eventually diverticulitis.

But this theory has never been proven, and research actually shows no link.

A large study in 47,228 men found no associations with nut, corn, or popcorn consumption and diverticulitis, after 18 years of follow-up (20, 21).

In saying that, anecdotal evidence (patient reports) consistently suggests that seeds are an issue, such as sesame seeds on a bread roll.

So evidence is really a mixed bag, it might be better to err on the side of caution and avoid seeds at least. I wish I could give a more concrete recommendation but there really is no consensus at this stage.
Summary: Nuts, seeds, corn, popcorn and fruits and vegetables with seeds may be safe to eat with diverticular disease, but the current scientific evidence clashes with patient reports. It might be a good idea to avoid seeds just in case.

What About Red Meat on a Diverticulitis Diet?

The idea that red meat intake increases diverticulitis risk is unproven.

It was formed on the back of observational studies that found vegetarians were much less likely to develop diverticular disease than the average person.

A recent study also found that a “Western” dietary pattern (including red meat, refined grains and high-fat dairy) was associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis versus a “prudent” diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains (22).

But the reason vegetarian and vegan diets are advantageous is because they’re almost always higher in fiber than the typical Western diet. Additionally, non-meat eaters tend to be more health-conscious than the average person (23, 24, 25).

So it’s considerably more likely the benefits lie in eating more fiber, rather than cutting meat or animal foods.

That means you should follow whatever eating pattern will help you eat more vegetables, nuts and other high-fiber foods. If going vegetarian will help you achieve this, and is something you can do long-term, then do that.
Summary: The idea that red meat increases risk is unproven. Vegetarian diets appear protective because they are typically higher in fiber.

Can a Low FODMAP Diet Help Prevent Diverticulitis?

Newer research indicates that a low FODMAP diet may help prevent recurrence of diverticulitis (29).

In fact, many researchers believe that a high-fiber diet (basically high in FODMAPs) may be linked with IBS symptoms. Because of this, some recommend a low FODMAP diet for people with diverticulitis as well (26, 29).

This is a plausible theory given that the literature around benefits of a high fiber diet in diverticulitis is mixed (discussed in a section above).

When we consider that alterations in the gut microbiome are also thought to play a role in triggering flare-ups, it makes sense that a personalized approach to diet intervention would be beneficial for patients (27).

Some high FODMAP foods that should be avoided if you do follow a low FODMAP diet protocol include:

● Wheat
● Onions and garlic
● Certain fruits, such as apples, peaches and pears
● Certain vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower
● Dairy foods
● Legumes

Research on diverticulitis has accelerated a lot in the last decade but we still need more high-quality studies.
Summary: New research suggests that following a low FODMAP diet may help prevent recurrence of diverticulitis, although this still remains theoretical.

Summary: Treating Diverticulitis with a Diverticulitis Diet and Food

There is no doubt that fiber is good for you, and that a high-fiber eating pattern may help prevent diverticulitis occurring in the first place

However, there is very little evidence it helps minimize symptoms in those who have already been diagnosed.

In fact, newer research suggests that following a low FODMAP diet may be the most beneficial in preventing diverticulitis from recurring (as demonstrated above).

There is also some evidence that probiotics (particularly some strains of lactobacilli) are useful for treating symptoms. However, researchers are unsure they help prevent recurrence.

Also consider vitamin D supplementation if you have low levels.

Lastly, there is little evidence that cutting meat or nuts and seeds from your diet is beneficial. If anything, nuts are more likely protective, while seeds are still a bit of a mystery.

Still, each person’s experience is different. You may find that certain foods worsen your symptoms and are best avoided.

Remember that diverticulitis is a disease influenced by many other factors too, including obesity, stress, physical activity levels and smoking status.

I hope this article cleared up some of the confusion for you. Please contact us if you would like any further help.
By: By Joe Leech, Dietitian (MSc Nutrition & Dietetics)
Most of us feel overwhelmed when it comes to healthy eating, especially if we have a persistent digestive issue.

At Diet vs Disease we provide research-backed guides and simple meal plans so that you can enjoy food without the stress, and live your healthiest, happiest life.

What Can I Eat, What Can't I Eat?

Enter your email and tap the blue button below to download our FODMAP “Eat This, Not That” list as well as additional resources for diverticular disease (it’s free!)
Scientific References:

1. Varney J, Barrett J, Scarlata K, Catsos P, Gibson PR, Muir JG. FODMAPs: food composition, defining cutoff values and international application. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017. 

2. Halmos EP, Power VA, Shepherd SJ, Gibson PR, Muir JG. A diet low in FODMAPs reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology. 2014.

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