Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Diverticular Disease

Does what you eat and drink play a role in causing or preventing diverticular disease?

Research suggests that a diet low in fiber and high in red meat may increase your risk of getting diverticulitis—inflammation of one or a few pouches in the wall of your colon. Eating high-fiber foods and eating less red meat may lower the risk.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025, recommends a dietary fiber intake of 14 grams per 1,000 calories consumed. For example, for a 2,000-calorie diet, the fiber recommendation is 28 grams per day.

What should I eat and drink if I have diverticular disease?

If you have chronic symptoms of diverticular disease or if you had diverticulitis in the past, your doctor may recommend eating more foods that are high in fiber.

Your doctor may recommend eating more foods that are high in fiber.

Talk with a health care professional, such as your doctor or a dietitian, to plan meals with the right amount of fiber for you. Health care professionals may recommend increasing the amount of fiber you eat a little at a time, so your body gets used to the change.

The amount of fiber in a portion of food is listed on the food’s Nutrition Facts label. Some examples of fiber-rich foods are listed in the table below.

Examples of fiber-rich foods

Should I avoid certain foods if I have diverticulosis or diverticular disease?

Most people with diverticulosis or diverticular disease do not need to avoid specific foods. In the past, doctors used to recommend avoiding nuts, popcorn, and seeds. However, more recent research suggests that these foods are not harmful to people with diverticulosis or diverticular disease.

If you have diverticulosis or diverticular disease, talk with your doctor about whether you should change what you eat and drink.