Symptoms of Diverticulitis

• Symptoms of diverticulitis often include severe, sudden pain in the abdomen, particularly the lower left side. The frequency and intensity of the pain may fluctuate, typically starting off relatively mild but becoming much worse as time progresses. This pain is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and fever, as well as alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. More serious symptoms include bloody stools and bloating.
  
  

Low-Fiber Diet

• During periods of symptom flare-ups, your doctor may recommend a very low-impact diet. This is designed to give the digestive system a period of rest, giving it adequate time to repair itself. This diet typically involves a liquid diet over a period of two or three days, and includes items such as water, broth, clear sodas such as Sprite or 7-UP, and fruit juices without pulp.
  
  As the symptoms begin to subside, a low-fiber diet may be introduced slowly. This prevents excessive impact on the digestive system while it's healing, but allows the sufferer to get the essential nutrients necessary to remain healthy. These foods include, but are not limited to, white breads, milk, eggs, lean poultry and fish and plain pasta. Consult your doctor and a nutritionist before beginning any diverticulitis diet, as they can help plan a proper diet to ensure an adequate intake of necessary vitamins and minerals.
  
  

High-Fiber Diet

• After symptoms have subsided and the condition has gone into a period of remission, slowly reintroducing fiber to your diet will help maintain a healthy digestive tract by decreasing the amount of pressure and softening waste, making it easier to pass. MayoClinic.com suggests consuming 20 to 35 mg of fiber per day.
  
  Foods high in fiber include whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits, vegetables and brown rice. It's been suggested that those who suffer from diverticulitis avoid nuts and seeds, as they possess the potential to cause diverticulitis by becoming lodged in the diverticula of the digestive system. According to Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Michael Picco, there is no evidence to suggest seeds and nuts can cause this to happen, and in fact should be consumed due to their high levels of fiber.
  
  

Warnings

• An all-liquid diet, though beneficial during severe flare-ups, can lead to weakness and should thus be followed with caution. Additionally, some foods may exacerbate symptoms even when the disease is in remission, and as such these foods should be eliminated. If you're unsure of what foods are causing the symptoms, the gradual elimination of possible culprits is recommended, slowly reintroducing them as necessary.
  
  Should symptoms persist despite following these diets or if accompanied with fever or vomiting, see your doctor immediately.