Copyright (c) 2010 Nick Travis

Diverticulitis can be devastating, but it is treatable. Many people suffer from attacks each year that cause them to have to be on a special diet. The treatment for this condition, when combined with the diet for diverticulitis, can be very effective.

Most doctors recommend a lessened amount of waste in the intestines while they are treating diverticulitis. That means keeping to a low residue diet which consists of food that don't cause a lot of bulk. While this diet is fine for short periods of time, if you need to be on it long term, you'll want to take a multi-vitamin, as well.

Skip dairy while on a special diet for diverticulitis, since it can cause problems. You can keep fairly healthy by sticking to what the doctors usually recommend.

First, you should know that there are basically two different diets. The first is used when the patient is having an attack and is referred to as a "clear" diet. Fruit juice without the pulp, ice pops, ice chips and broth are all acceptable. You can also have clear, plain gelatin and, of course, water.

The other diet type allows for much more variety, as well as solid foods. You will have to skip anything that can cause bulkiness in the GI tract. This is most often used for patients undergoing treatment. It allows the intestines to have a bit of a break.

When it comes to grains, it's best to avoid whole grains which can cause a lot of bulk. Stay away from brown rice and bread, instead go with white rice, refined flour crackers and toast and pasta. Plain cereal is also permitted.

Fruits are allowed within reason. You can drink all fruit juice, apart from prune juice and juicy or watery fruit is fine for eating, as well. This includes melons, especially watermelon, peaches, bananas and apricots, as well as applesauce.

Vegetables that are good for those with diverticulitis include alfalfa sprouts, carrots, squash and zucchini, as well as beets. Stick to these blander vegetables for best results. You can also have green beans and potatoes without the skin. Skip the regular dried beans, like black or kidney beans, since these will just give you gas.

When it comes to meat and protein, you can eat chicken and soft cooked meat, such as ground beef. Try to avoid anything that would strain your digestion. Eggs and fish are also very good alternatives to regular beef and can make the diet a bit more interesting.

Sticking to a diet for diverticulitis requires some planning. Make sure you have everything you need in the house. With the right treatments, it's possible to deal with the condition and get back to normal.