Diet tips during a diverticulitis flare-up

If you need hospital care for a serious bout of diverticulitis, you may be given fluids through a vein first. You also may need medicines such as antibiotics. Then you'll likely start with clear foods and liquids because these are easy to digest. This way of eating is known as a clear liquid diet. You also may be given a liquid supplement to drink that boosts the amount of nutrition you get. Over time, you can slowly return to your usual diet.

For managing mild diverticulitis pain or symptoms at home, your healthcare professional may recommend eating only clear foods and clear liquids for a few days.

Examples of clear liquids that you can have include:

• Chicken, beef or vegetable broth.
• Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple, cranberry and grape juices.
• Water.
• Soda.
• Tea or coffee without cream.

Examples of items that you can eat during a clear liquid diet include:

• Ice pops without bits of fruit or fruit pulp.
• Ice chips.
• Gelatin.
• Hard candy.

A clear liquid diet isn't something that you follow long term. It includes limited foods and drinks, so it doesn't meet the body's needs for fiber and certain other nutrients.