Diet after diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is inflammation affecting small pouches in the bowel. During recovery, pain, nausea or a sensitive bowel can make normal meals difficult. There is no single recovery menu for everyone. A temporary change may be followed by a gradual return to varied foods. Long-term avoidance of nuts, seeds or popcorn is not automatically needed; discuss any food that repeatedly worsens your symptoms.

Follow the discharge or prescription advice you were given. Start with portions you tolerate, eat slowly and add fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, fruit, beans or whole grains step by step after the acute symptoms improve. Drink regularly unless you have a fluid restriction. Keeping stools soft and avoiding straining may help; ask about constipation treatment if needed. Nutrition counselling can tailor choices around your symptoms and other conditions.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen or rigid abdomen, inability to pass stool or gas, heavy rectal bleeding, faintness or fever with marked illness. Arrange a GP consultation if pain returns, bowel habits stay changed, or eating remains difficult after recovery.

Ask when to increase fibre, how much fluid suits your health, whether medicines affect your bowel, and which foods should be limited temporarily. Check how to manage constipation, when follow-up is needed and what symptoms mean the inflammation may have returned.