Diet for mild diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is inflammation affecting small pouches in the bowel wall. During a flare, abdominal pain, tenderness, fever or a change in bowel habit may make rich or bulky meals difficult to tolerate. There is no single menu suitable for everyone, and the severity of the episode matters.

Some people begin with clear or light foods for a short period, then add soft foods before resuming their usual diet. A low-fibre phase should not continue longer than advised because fibre supports bowel regularity once the flare has settled.

Take small, frequent meals and sip fluids unless you have been told to restrict them. Choose foods you tolerate, such as broth, yoghurt, eggs, rice or soft vegetables, then add more texture and fibre step by step. Avoid alcohol and foods that clearly worsen pain, nausea or bloating.

When comfortable, increase fibre through vegetables, fruit, beans and whole grains gradually. Gentle activity may help recovery, but rest if pain or fever is present. A [Nutrition Counselling](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/nutrition-counselling/) visit can help if food choices remain difficult.

Seek medical advice promptly if pain is increasing, fever develops, you cannot keep fluids down, your abdomen becomes swollen, or bowel movements stop with worsening discomfort. Get urgent help for severe pain, fainting, confusion, heavy rectal bleeding or marked weakness. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can assess symptoms and treatment needs.

Ask when to move from soft foods to your usual diet, how much fibre and fluid suits you, and whether any medicines should be paused or changed. Ask how to recognise recurrence and whether your [Abdominal Pain](/symptoms/abdominal-pain/) needs further assessment.