Foods you might not expect such as yogurt, ice cream, cereal and even beverages can have added fiber. The good news is that, if you have diverticular disease, diet changes like avoiding vegetables can help you manage the condition and give you some relief. During a diverticulitis flare-up, a good diet should be low in fiber and high in easy-to-digest foods. Can you eat spaghetti and meatballs with diverticulitis? Be sure to talk with your doctor before making any dramatic dietary changes. It stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. During a bout of diverticulitis, he recommends you avoid: Green peas Raw broccoli Turnip greens Brussels sprouts Potatoes with skins Try Canned Vegetables But, veggie lovers, worry not. If you have reached this screen, your current device or browser is unable to access the full Edward-Elmhurst Health Web site. 801 S. Washington Street, Naperville, Illinois 60540, 155 E. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health - Main Inpatient Campus, 852 South West Street, Naperville, Illinois 60540, 2023 Edward-Elmhurst Health. Alot Health
Beans such as kidney, black, or pinto beans, or chickpeas. However, avoid red meats and pork as they are tougher on the digestive system. >
The low FODMAP diet can drastically improve digestive symptoms for many people. Water helps your body use fiber to keep your stools soft and bulky. Instead, increase your intake slowly over a period of two weeks to give your body time to adjust to your new diet. Dietary fiber can reduce the symptoms of diverticular disease and improve bowel function, according to research from 2018. https://www.nutritioncaremanual.org/. If you're eating a low-fiber diet, be sure to read food labels. Applesauce is also rich in pectin to help prevent symptoms of diarrhea and nausea. Soups Can I Eat with Diverticulitis 1. Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables and grains not digested by your body. Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to manage diverticulosis, so it doesnt turn into diverticulitis. When it comes todiverticulitis, foods to avoid include corn, popcorn, nuts, sesame seeds, etc. Seeds like sesame, poppy, chia, sunflower, or pumpkin. But if you find yourself in a flare, all bets are off. Foods such as these have been linked to diverticula inflammation and adhesion. However, as you age, increased internal pressure on your intestinal wall can push out against the lining of your digestive tract and create one or several bulges. Diverticulitis symptoms can be exacerbated by a high-fat, low-fiber diet that is prevalent in Western countries. Furthermore, try to avoid tomato sauce to minimize any worsening symptoms. This article explains everything you need to know about this diet. For example, you may experience infections that may worsen these symptoms exponentially. Avoid these foods and products made with them: Nuts, seeds, dried fruit and coconut When youre not having a diverticulitis flare-up, a high fiber diet can reduce the risk of flares and help keep the gut healthy. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Eat foods that are easy to swallow and digest, such as soup, bananas, gelatin, pudding, and yogurt. Please seek medical attention if you are concerned about an attack of diverticulitis. This helps keep you hydrated and supports your gastrointestinal health. However, some experts no longer believe that you have to avoid certain foods when you have diverticulosis or diverticulitis. Years ago, doctors thought that eating corn, popcorn, nuts and seeds could inflame the polyps and cause diverticulitis, but theres no research to support that. Diverticulitis: All You Need to Know in 6 Photos. But theyve since learned thats not the case. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. A 2017 study involving more than 46,000 male participants suggests that avoiding the following foods may help prevent diverticulitis or reduce its symptoms: According to some research, avoiding red meat and foods high in FODMAPs, sugar, and fat can help prevent diverticulitis flare-ups. Tomatoes And Diverticulitis: The Debate What about tomatoes? Diverticulitis is the flare up or attack of symptoms caused by an attack to the diverticula. A diagnosis of diverticulitis no longer means you have a long list of foods to avoid. 4 Types of Bowel Habits Change You Should Know, Kidney beans, black beans, and most other varieties, High fiber veggies like peas, spinach, squash and potatoes, Watermelon, apricots, grapes, peaches, applesauce and any other high fiber fruits. There are other symptoms too, Normal stools can vary in shades of brown, mostly due to your diet. Review/update the There are residues from the grain that could irritate the stomach. (2016). Keep in mind that you may have fewer bowel movements and smaller stools while you're following a low-fiber diet. Diverticulitis is a disease that affects your digestive tract and causes inflamed pouches in the lining of your stomach. Last medically reviewed on August 30, 2021. However, once a flare up does occur, there are certain foods you can eat that will help avoid bowel movements in order to give the diverticula a chance to heal and the infection to clear up. Never miss to try, you cant skip this: fried spaghetti. Fruit juice is a great option as long as there is no pulp in it as the pulp may contain fiber. Diverticulitis. You can increase your fiber intake by eating lots of fiber-rich vegetables, like green peas, broccoli, collard greens, baked potatoes (white and sweet), Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. Fruits and vegetables with the skin and seeds. Cows milk, soy milk, lactose-free milk, and rice milk are all acceptable substitutes. These nutrients can help in the fight against diverticulitis and minimize your pain. Eating a low-fiber diet will limit your bowel movements and help ease diarrhea or other symptoms of abdominal conditions, such as abdominal pain. Some high-fiber foods you may want to consider adding to your diet include: A listing of many foods and the fiber content can be found here. These pouches may become infected and can be a medical. Even if you have diverticulitis, you can eat spaghetti. The presence of diverticula is called diverticulosis. It is critical to remember that it should be consumed in moderation. How Does It Feel Like When You Have Hernia? by Edward-Elmhurst Health. But recent studies suggest those foods do not contribute to flare-ups and are fine to eat, Generally speaking any foods that contain small, hard to digest pieces like pips should be avoided if you have diverticulosis. Canned vegetables will have less fiber than their fresh counterparts. Would love your thoughts, please comment. A liquid diet might actually be recommended by your healthcare provider. Although the amount of fiber your doctor recommends for you may be different from the general recommendation, experts typically suggest getting between 20 and 35 grams of fiber every day to keep your bowels regular and to reduce the risk of a diverticulitis attack. Fruits: You may have fruit juices without pulp and many canned fruits or fruit sauces, such as applesauce. What can you eat after diverticulitis surgery? Foods to avoid with diverticulitis include high-fiber options such as: Whole grains. This includes soup broth without pasta, rice, or vegetables, but it is advised that tomato soup be avoided. The seeds in tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, strawberries, and raspberries, as well as poppy seeds, are also fine to eat . Advanced Nutrition. Avoid these foods if you have symptoms after eating them: In the past, doctors thought these foods might get stuck in the diverticula and cause an infection. Fiber softens and adds bulk to stools, helping them pass more easily through your colon. If youre following a clear liquid diet, after your condition improves, your doctor may recommend slowly adding low fiber foods back into your diet, building up to a high fiber diet. |
2. Clear juices, like apple, cranberry and grape (with no pulp) Gelatin. Consume a diet low in fiber. American Gastroenterological Association. Try to use low-fat alternatives whenever possible, including non-milk cheese varieties. You can even add in vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and asparagus since those veggies tend to have small amounts of fiber. It may also help some people with diverticulitis. When it comes to grains, you may want to completely refrain. Eating a low-fiber diet. While cheese is fairly low in fiber, it provides the body with healthy fats and protein. 10 Foods That Help Manage Your Diverticulitis Research shows that people who consume a fiber-rich diet have fewer chronic illnesses. Try to eat no more than 1.2 servings of red meat a week when you have diverticulitis. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may decrease the risk. If youre having an acute attack of diverticulitis, your doctor may suggest either a low fiber diet or a clear liquid diet to help relieve your symptoms. Research shows that people who eat a Western-style diet (pizza, fast food, and sweets) tend to have more bouts of diverticulitis. Diverticulosis is more common in older adults. Your doctor may recommend eating more foods that are high in fiber. Tax ID Number: 36-3513954. The most common symptom is abdominal pain, usually characterized by soreness or sensitivity on the left side. A Mayo expert weighs in, You have narrowing of the bowel due to a tumor or an inflammatory disease, You are having treatment, such as radiation, that damages or irritates your digestive tract, Whole grains, popcorn, wheat germ and bran, Brown rice, wild rice, oatmeal, granola, shredded wheat, quinoa, bulgur and barley, Dried beans, baked beans, lima beans, peas and lentils, Fruits and vegetables except those noted below, Tender meat, fish and poultry, ham, bacon, shellfish, and lunch meat, Baked goods made with refined wheat or rye flour, such as bread, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, bagels, saltines and graham crackers, Hot and cold cereals that have less than 2 grams of dietary fiber in a single serving, such as those made from rice, Canned or well-cooked potatoes, carrots and green beans, Bananas, melons, applesauce and canned peaches (no skin), Butter, margarine, oils and salad dressings without seeds, Turkey sandwich on white bread with mayonnaise. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Around 58 percent of people over age 60 have diverticulosis, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). This means that two hours after eating, you need to drink at least 8 ounces of water. Canned or cooked fruits without skin or seeds. If you have chronic symptomsof diverticular disease or if you had diverticulitis in the past, your doctor may recommend eating more foods that are high in fiber. Ice pops without bits of fruit or fruit pulp. In the past, doctors thought these foods might get stuck in the diverticula and cause an infection. Whether youre on a clear liquid diet or not, its helpful to drink plenty of water every day. The UCSF noted that it is safe for people living with diverticulitis to eat nuts, popcorn, and seeds, including . Refined white breadDiet details. Most people with diverticulosisor diverticular disease do not need to avoid specific foods. Diverticulosis is a common condition that affects your large intestine. Popcorn. These are small pockets that develop in the lining of the intestine. In some cases, your doctor might suggest certain dietary changes to make diverticulitis easier to tolerate and less likely to worsen over time. 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. At room temperature, any foods that are considered liquid or partially liquid are permitted. Generally, foods containing small, difficult-to-digest pieces such as pips should be avoided if you have diverticulosis. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. I built an entire team, including a personal trainer, nutritionist, psychologist, physical therapist, and sports masseuse. How long does it take to recover from diverticulitis? Reduce your fiber intake for a few days if you have bloating or gas. Your doctor may prescribe a low-fiber diet if: As your digestive system returns to normal, you usually can slowly add more fiber back into your diet. When adding fiber to your diet, be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. A clear liquid diet would consist of water, ice chips, gelatin, ice pops, broth, and unsweetened coffee or tea. Constipation is typically caused by a deficiency of fiber in the diet or insufficient exercise. The symptoms of diverticulitis can be treated with a low-fiber diet. Yes. Despite numerous dietary restrictions, individuals who have diverticulosis can still eat spaghetti sauce in moderation. Because of this, it may increase a persons risk of developing diverticulitis. Canned or cooked vegetables such as green beans, carrots and potatoes (without the skin). However, it is essential to eat a minimal amount of any high-FODMAP vegetables when you have diverticulitis to avoid serious flare-up risks. Conditions. Butter and margarine, plain cream cheese, gravy, mayonnaise, smooth salad dressings, plain sour cream, vegetable oils, sauces made from allowed ingredients. (2018). Please note that if you are in the midst of a flareup or active diverticulitis, you should be consuming clear liquid or low fiber (low residue) diets. It is best to speak to a doctor or nutritionist to also determine what other foods should be avoided. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could When pasta is cooked, it expands and can easily become stuck in the diverticula, which are small, pouch-like sacs that form in the lining of the intestine. During the flare up, youll want to avoid as much fiber in your diet as possible as fiber creates waste that can irritate the infection even further. This reduces the pressure in your digestive system, which helps prevent the formation of diverticula. If you have diverticulosis or diverticular disease, talk with your doctor about whether you should change what you eat and drink. Unfortunately, this situation can be unpredictable and typically varies heavily from person to person. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. . Stools may contain an abnormal amount of mucus. Diverticulitis may lead to health problems or complications, including: Doctors used to recommend a low fiber, clear liquid diet during diverticulitis flare-ups. Any fruits and vegetables that have hard seeds or skin should be avoided if you have diverticulitis. In addition, stay in communication with your doctor about your condition. Dietary patterns, foods and fiber in irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease. December 2020. Vegetables in cans and well-cooked without skins or seeds, as well as vegetable juice. How Long To Steam Broccoli In Rice Cooker. Having the same team as Hollywood stars allowed me to reach my goals fast and produce insane results. A 2017 study associated this type of diet with an increased risk of diverticulitis. Can you eat cheese with diverticular? You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. In the past, doctors used to recommend avoiding nuts, popcorn, and seeds. Can you eat zucchini if you have diverticulitus? Yes, you can eat pizza with diverticulitis. You can remove the pips from tomatoes and eat the flesh, or strain canned tomato mix to remove the pips. (2016). Fiber also helps reduce pressure in the digestive tract. Cereals like cream of wheat and cream of rice are healthy, low-fiber choices. You can incorporate vegetables into your meals or serve soup, salad, or cooked vegetables on the side; gradually increasing your fiber intake; and consuming enough fluids in conjunction with the high fiber foods. After the age of 80, almost everyone has some pouches. You can eat things like rice, yogurt, eggs, bananas, applesauce, or toast due to their high fiber content. Scrambled, fried or poached; it doesnt matter because eggs have zero dietary fiber. Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula become blocked with waste. A low-fiber diet may be recommended for a number of conditions or situations. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 20202025. What Ingredients Should I Eat on Pizza When I Have Diverticulitis? Can you eat spaghetti with diverticulitis? High-fiber vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, and onions. However, when you eat fiber, it pulls water into your stool, softening it and making it easier to pass so you can reduce the pressure on your intestinal wall, simultaneously reducing your risk of diverticulitis. Pain and cramping on the lower left side of your belly (most common, but not always). How? Once your digestive system has returned to normal, you can slowly reintroduce fiber into your diet. Beans. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and may increase colon contractions, which can be painful during a flare-up. Editor's Note: This article was originally published on January 28, 2022, and was last reviewed on May 19, 2022. The UPMC Digestive Disorders Center cares for a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions and diseases, from diagnosis to treatment. When they do rupture, it is called diverticulitis. Is it OK to eat spaghetti with diverticulitis? This disease becomes more common with age, especially in Americans over the age of 60. A study in 2013 found that those with the lowest Vitamin D levels were significantly more likely to develop a diverticulitis flare up. This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2016). While meatballs and meaty spaghetti sauces are not advised, plain, white pasta is allowed. Spaghetti is ideal for people suffering from diverticulitis because it has a low fiber content and a low residue. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The preparations you went through to prepare for the procedure are dehydrating, so putting fluids and. July 30, 2019
However, when the flare-up and inflammation are back under control, reintroducing fiber-rich vegetables slowly into your diet can help reduce the risk of having a recurrent attack. Message and data rates may apply. American Cancer Society. That gives your intestines a chance to rest and heal. This includes foods such as: You can find 15 recipe ideas, including low FODMAP meals, for people with diverticulitis here. Acute attacks characterized by severe pain or infection may necessitate hospitalization. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diverticulosis-diverticulitis, link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-59180-3_6, gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(17)30006-9/fulltext, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6430566/, jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2552211, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5095569/, How to Eat (and Recover from) a Low Fiber Diet, A Beginners Guide to the Low FODMAP Diet. The standard Western diet is often high in fat and sugar and low in fiber. Lack of fiber in the diet can cause constipation and strain the bowel. Weve got fresh new ideas about how to lead a healthier life! 2015; doi:10.3945/an.115.009688. Research suggests that a diet low in fiberand high in red meat may increase your risk of getting diverticulitisinflammation of one or a few pouches in the wall of your colon. Copyright WWW.NEWHEALTHADVISOR.ORG 2014, All rights Reserved. After several near-death surgeries and a heart attack at 29, I decided to get serious about my health and went from 278lbs to 181lbs in only six months. While some researchers have linked a high fiber diet to a reduced risk of diverticulitis, this may not be helpful for someone experiencing diverticulitis flare-ups. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Lean protein: Eggs and tender cuts of meat (think shredded chicken, baked fish, and ground beef . Low fiber foods to consider eating if you have symptoms of diverticulitis include: A clear liquid diet is a more restrictive approach to relieving diverticulitis symptoms. If you have diverticulitis, talk with your doctor about your food needs and food restrictions. So leave a comment below to let us know how you manage your diverticulitis outbreaks! For example, for a 2,000-calorie diet, the fiber recommendation is 28 grams per day. Ice pops. A low-fiber diet restricts these foods. Even though about 58% of people over the age of 60 have this condition, most people never experience symptoms. Can you eat spaghetti with diverticulitis? This content does not have an English version. Avoid these foods to minimize your outbreaks: As you can see, eating pizza with diverticulitis is possible if youre careful with your intake. Disease of the Colon & Rectum. Could the Pain in Your Abdomen Be Caused by Diverticulitis? But in general, these foods tend to be easy on the intestines of people with diverticulitis. It Our experts appeared on ABC7 Chicago's Windy City Live to talk about how to prevent cardiovascular disease and help Eleven years ago, five families fell into a friendship after participating in a birthing class at Edward Hospital Edward-Elmhurst Health is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The effect of fiber on diverticulitis can vary from person to person. Diverticulitis results when the pockets become infected. Most dairy products have little to no dietary fibers and are safe to consume during a diverticular attack. Once symptoms improve, they may recommend sticking with a low fiber diet until symptoms disappear, then building up to a high fiber diet to prevent future flares. You'll also be less likely to gain weight. Does Meat Affect Diverticulitis? There is no specific recommendation against eating pizza for people who have diverticulitis. Can tomato sauce irritate diverticulitis? Nuts and seeds. Apple Sauce Applesauce is easily digestible, so it won't irritate your gut. The root of diverticulitis is unknown, therefore there is no specific list of foods to eat in order to ease symptoms. Researchers stated this is because fiber can improve colon health by allowing better gut movement and stool bulk. If you cannot upgrade your browser, you can remain on this site. Food that contains these ingredients does not appear to cause diverticulitis. But after eating spaghetti or other food, make sure to drink lots of water in order to avoid any potential bowel obstruction. Low-residue and low-fiber diets in gastrointestinal disease management. Our physicians and other experts will post about improving mental health and well-being. Its when they become inflamed or infected that it is considered diverticulitis. However, you should be careful to drink at least eight ounces of water after this meal and to continue drinking water throughout your day. All About FODMAPs: Who Should Avoid Them and How? Randomized clinical trial: A normocaloric low-fiber diet the day before colonoscopy is the most effective approach to bowel preparation in colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy. Most junk foods, such as pizza, fried snacks, and greasy hamburgers, do not fit in the high fiber diet that people with diverticulitis should be following. When youre not in a flare, eating a high-fiber diet can promote gut health and reduce flares. (2018). This diet also includes applesauce, canned fruit or soft, peeled fruits, well-cooked vegetables, poultry, lean meat, fish, eggs and smooth nut butters. While this general diet plan works well for many people, everyone is different. Bananas, rice, apples, and toast were originally included in this protocol; however, it has since been expanded to include additional mild foods that may help alleviate diverticulitis symptoms. 6 High-fiber foods recommended to prevent diverticulitis include: 5 Beans and legumes Bran, whole wheat bread, and whole grain cereals such as oatmeal Brown rice Fruits such as apples, bananas, and pears Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, corn, and squash Make sure to have your levels checked to ensure that youre getting enough of this all-important vitamin or you may need to add a supplement. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. After several near-death surgeries and a heart attack at 29, I decided to get serious about my health and went from 278lbs to 181lbs in only six months. Examples of items allowed on a clear liquid diet include: Broth Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple juice If you have diverticulitis, there are certain foods you should not eat. privacy practices. Just a few things that you should off your pizza when ordering your next pie for Pizza Friday nights with your family include: Note that eating these foods in minimal doses may not hurt your stomach. They may be colored, but they qualify as clear liquids if they are transparent. Furthermore, try to avoid tomato sauce to minimize any worsening symptoms. Its safe to eat these types of foods, including tomatoes and strawberries with seeds, Taylor notes. If diverticulitis is confirmed, your doctor may recommend a specialized diet (along with other treatments, if necessary) during your flare-up. In the beginning stages of your flare-up, you'll have to avoid all vegetables and all solid foods, completely. You should not progress yourself through this diet without your doctors guidance. Whether your digestive condition is common or complicated, our experts can help. Milk doesn't contain fiber, but it may contribute to discomfort or diarrhea, especially if you're lactose intolerant. The gastroenterologists at Edward-Elmhurst Health are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive health issues. The following sections look at the research behind different foods you might want to avoid with diverticulosis or diverticulitis. Until you feel better, stick to liquids or a bland diet (plain rice, bananas, dry toast or crackers, applesauce). Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. When eating pizza with diverticulitis, it is important to choose toppings that minimize your risk of outbreaks. Yes, you should be able to eat spaghetti with diverticulitis since it is a low residue diet. If youre having digestive problems, the earlier you seek treatment, the better. Oatmeal is a great source of fiber - which is important for patients with diverticulitis or . You may also want to try a fiber supplement like Metamucil or Citrucel up to three times each day. It also contains carbs and sugars, which help replenish energy in your body. Eat small amounts until bleeding and diarrhea subside. Yes, drinking water may assist in the resolution of diverticulitis. Can You Have Spaghetti Sauce With Diverticulitis? Avoid eating gluten-free options, however because these tend to have higher fiber counts. Drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day helps you stay hydrated and promotes gastrointestinal health. When following a clear liquid diet, you must avoid all solid food, but you can have: Although there are a lot of foods to avoid for diverticulitis, the Mayo Clinic notes that, once you start feeling better, your doctor will let you know when you can progress to eating some solid, low-fiber foods again. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. All rights reserved. Vanhauwaert E, et al. Barbara G, et al. Diverticulitis which only about 5 percent of people with diverticulosis go on to develop most often causes severe abdominal pain. Accessed Nov. 18, 2020. Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple juice. 8. Although there are a lot of foods to avoid for diverticulitis, the Mayo Clinic notes that, once you start feeling better, your doctor will let you know when you can progress to eating some solid, low-fiber foods again. Depending on the severity of an acute diverticulitis flare-up, a diet low in fiber or a clear liquid diet may be beneficial to reduce symptoms. Some studies suggest that low fiber diets can even increase the risk of diverticulitis, along with high meat intake, low physical activity, and smoking. It is not necessary to use tomato puree or sauce. Today, some doctors have moved away from this advice. Diverticulitis is not as common: Less than 5 percent of people with diverticulosis will develop diverticulitis. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the At one time, doctors recommended avoiding nuts, popcorn, seeds and even fruits or vegetables with seeds (like tomatoes or strawberries). Pale or clay-colored stools are not normal. A diagnosis of diverticulitis no longer means you have a long list of foods to avoid. The majority of cases of diverticulitis that are treated promptly improve within two to three days. Now that you know what ingredients to add to your pizza, you should have minimal trouble enjoying this meal. Once a flare up eases a bit, your doctor may ease up on dietary restrictions by advising you to switch to an all-liquid diet. What is a good meal for someone with diverticulitis? Seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, flax, or chia. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. In general, if you have diverticulosis but youre not having an episode of diverticulitis, a diet high in fiber will help prevent future flare-ups.