During an acute diverticulitis episode, which diet is recommended?

During an acute diverticulitis episode, which diet is recommended?

• A. High-fiber diet
• B. Low-residue (low-fiber) diet
• C. High-fat diet
• D. High-protein, low-carbohydrate diet

Answer: (B)

During an acute diverticulitis episode, the goal is to minimize stool bulk and bowel activity to reduce irritation of the inflamed colon. A low-residue (low-fiber) diet achieves this by limiting indigestible plant fibers that increase stool volume and gas, helping to ease symptoms and support healing. Once the flare resolves, the diet can be gradually evolved toward a normal or high-fiber pattern to help prevent future episodes by promoting regular bowel movements and reducing colonic pressure. A high-fiber diet during the acute phase would worsen symptoms by increasing bulk, and diets focused on fat or high-protein/low-carbohydrate don’t address the need to limit stool bulk.

During an acute diverticulitis episode, the goal is to minimize stool bulk and bowel activity to reduce irritation of the inflamed colon. A low-residue (low-fiber) diet achieves this by limiting indigestible plant fibers that increase stool volume and gas, helping to ease symptoms and support healing. Once the flare resolves, the diet can be gradually evolved toward a normal or high-fiber pattern to help prevent future episodes by promoting regular bowel movements and reducing colonic pressure. A high-fiber diet during the acute phase would worsen symptoms by increasing bulk, and diets focused on fat or high-protein/low-carbohydrate don’t address the need to limit stool bulk.