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Foods To Avoid With Diverticulitis

What foods should you avoid if you have diverticular disease?

When someone has diverticulitis, their doctor may recommend a list of foods to avoid with diverticulitis. A special diet will be provided to help manage symptoms and reduce the further risk of complications.  In this page, we list some of the foods that should be avoided for each stage of diverticulitis.

Foods to Avoid for Diverticulitis

Download a printable (PDF) list of foods to avoid with diverticulitis.

Stage 1:
Clear-Liquid Phase		Stage 2:
Low-Fiber/Soft Diet		Stage 3:
High-Fiber Maintenance
All solid foodsWhole-wheat bread & high-fiber cerealsRed & processed meats (bacon, sausage)
Juices with pulpBrown rice, quinoa, bulgurHeavy fried foods & high-fat sauces
Milk, cream, nondairy creamerRaw fruits & vegetables (with skins/seeds)Sugary, ultra-processed snacks & sodas
Soups with solidsDried fruits, coconut, berriesHigh-FODMAP foods (onion, garlic, cauliflower)
Opaque nutritional shakesNuts, seeds, popcornSpicy sauces & hot peppers
Alcohol & caffeinated drinksBeans, lentils, chickpeas, peas
Tough meats, fried foods
Chunky or seeded cheeses

Seeds & Nuts

Although there is no scientific evidence to prove that seeds or nuts should be avoided, we have omitted seeds and nuts from our recipes and encourage you to speak with your physician regarding their suitability in your diet.

Breads and Cereals

  • Rolls with nuts, seeds
  • Bread containing cracked wheat particles or whole seeds
  • Coarse, dry cereal
  • Any bran or raisins

Meats or Meat Substitutes

  • Fried meats, fish, or poultry
  • Meats highly seasoned or containing whole spices; sausage, frankfurters
  • Strong cheeses or those containing seeds
  • Dried beans or peas, chunky peanut butter.

Vegetables

  • Chili Peppers
  • Corn
  • Cucumber
  • Green Peppers
  • Tomato

Fruits

  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Coconuts
  • Whole Cranberries
  • Figs
  • Grapes with seeds
  • Kiwi
  • Pomegranates
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries

Miscellaneous

  • Jam, marmalade, fruit preserves
  • Chili pepper, curry powder, cloves, seed spices, horseradish, popcorn, pickles, salsa, relish, chutney, all seeds such as poppy, sesame and caraway.
  • Limit or completely omit alcoholic beverages

It’s important to note that every person’s digestive system is different, so not all of these foods may affect you in the same way. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you create a personalized diet plan that works for you.

Once your condition and flare-up has subsided, learn about how to start returning to your normal diet after diverticulitis.

For more information on foods to avoid for diverticulitis, refer to some of our past blog posts.

References:

  1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diverticulosis-diverticulitis
  2. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Diverticulitis diet. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/diverticulitis-diet/art-20048499
  3. Harvard Health Publishing. (2019). Diverticulitis: What you need to know. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/diverticulitis-what-you-need-to-know
  4. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. (2019). Diverticular Disease. https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/diverticular-disease