Copyright (c) 2010 Nick Travis

Diverticulitis is a nasty condition that affects quite a few people each year. While there are treatments for the condition, it is usually best to combine it with a diet for diverticulitis, for best results.

Doctors have found that it is usually best if you can reduce the amount of waste in the bowels, which means the diet consists of low residue foods. If it's necessary to be on this diet for a while, be sure to take some vitamins, as well, to keep up the body's immune system.

What can you eat on a low residue diet? Let's take a look at what doctors usually recommend. You should avoid dairy altogether and keep things fairly basic.

There are two basic diverticulitis diets that will be followed. First, during an attack, your doctor may require you to go on clear diet, which is based on clear liquids for the most part. Fruit juice and popsicles that have no pulp, clear gelatin, broth, water, and ice can all be eaten on this type of diet.

The second diet is a little more ample and allows for more real foods. You'll need to avoid anything that causes bulk in the intestines. This version of the diet is usually used while the patient is under treatment.

Grains: Go for refined foods and stay away from whole grains. White bread toast, crackers, pasta, plain cereals and white rice are all permitted. This is one case where brown rice and whole wheat bread is not a good thing.

Fruit: Juices made from fruits apart from prunes is fine, as are most watery fruits. Watermelon and other melons are perfect, peaches and applesauce are also ok, as are bananas and apricots.

Veggies: Any vegetables that tend to cause gas (cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, etc.) should be avoided. Squash are excellent for this kind of diet. You can also have things like carrots, zucchini and beets, as well as green beans and peeled potatoes. Regular beans such as black or kidney beans should be avoided.

Meat: Eggs and fish are ideal for patients who are suffering from Diverticulitis. You can also have some meat or chicken, but only if it is cooked until very soft. Remember that you don't want to put any strain on your digestive system. Ground beef is a good choice.

Staying on a diet for diverticulitis isn't that difficult, but it does require some planning. With the proper treatment, this condition can be dealt with and you will soon be back to eating regular food.