Diverticulitiscan be very uncomfortable.

During a diverticulitis flare-up, your healthcare provider may recommend a liquid diet to ease symptoms.

This article discusses a liquid diet for diverticulitis, including when to use it and for how long.

An illustration with information about a liquid diet for diverticulitis

Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health

Treatment of flare-ups usually includes pain medications, antibiotics, and changes in diet.

Clear Liquid Diet Examples for Diverticulitis

Aclear liquid dietprovides hydration and energy while resting the digestive system.

When you follow a clear liquid diet, do not eat any food by mouth.

Its also important to avoid liquids that can irritate the intestines, such as alcohol and soda.

Most people experiencing a diverticulitis flare stick to a clear liquid diet for about one to three days.

The exact cause of diverticulitis is unknown, but there are lifestyle factors that raise your risk.

A clear liquid diet does not contain the nutrients and calories you’re gonna wanna function.

This will allow your intestines to continue to heal and rest.

Otherwise, you may experience uncomfortable cramping and bloating.

Increasing physical activity can also help to preventconstipation.

Stanford Hospital & Clinics.Low fiber diet for diverticulitis.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for diverticular disease.

UC San Diego Health.Managing diverticulitis through good nutrition.

NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, & nutrition for diverticular disease.

2017;152(5):1023-1030.e2.

doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2016.12.038

UCSF Health.Diverticular disease and diet.