If infection has already occurred it is recommended that a person stick to a low residue diet, which will have an effect much like that of constipation. This means that bowel movements will decrease and the infection or inflammation of the diverticulitis can have a chance to heal.
A low residue diet is one that consists of a daily intake of no more than 10 grams of fiber. While on this diverticulitis diet for an extended period of time it is recommended that a multivitamin or mineral supplement be taken daily. This ensures that minerals and vitamins lost while on the low residue diet are made by taking supplements.Grain products to be eaten while on the low residue diet include:
- refined white bread, buns and English muffins
- cereals including: cornflakes, rice bubbles, special K and cheerios
- biscuits including: arrowroot biscuits and water crackers
- white rice, refined pasta and noodles
- any fruit and vegetable juice excluding prune juice
- stone fruits, melons, grapes and canned fruit salad
- potatoes with no skin, alfalfa sprouts, beetroot, green beans, carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, capsicum, squash and zucchini
- well cooked meat fish and eggs can all be eaten too
AVOID:
- whole grains
- raw and dried fruits, sultanas, raisins, berries
- broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage
- all nuts and seeds
