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 with diverticulitis, as well as some alternatives that are safe to eat.

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.

References:

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