Quick Answer
Yes, strawberries and blueberries are generally considered safe to eat in moderation for people with diverticulitis. Both fruits contain seeds and skin that can potentially aggravate diverticulitis symptoms, so it’s best to avoid overdoing it. When first introducing these fruits, start with small portions such as 1/4 to 1/2 cup per day and see how your body responds. Cooked versions may be easier to tolerate. Consult your doctor for personalized diet advice.
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is a digestive condition where small pouches called diverticula form in the wall of the colon. When these pouches become inflamed or infected, it results in diverticulitis. Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain, usually in the lower left quadrant
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Bloating
- Cramping
Diverticulitis can range from mild to severe. Mild cases may resolve with rest, changes in diet, and antibiotics. However, some cases can lead to complications like abscesses, perforations, fistulas, or blockages requiring hospitalization or surgery.
Diverticulitis Diet Recommendations
Doctors often recommend a low-fiber or low-residue diet during diverticulitis flares to give the colon time to rest and heal. This may involve restricting high-fiber foods like:
- Whole grains
- Certain raw fruits and vegetables
- Popcorn
- Seeds
- Nuts
The diverticulitis diet focuses on foods that are more easily digested. This includes low-fiber options like:
- White bread and pasta
- White rice
- Eggs
- Tender meats like chicken or fish
- Dairy products
- Cooked and peeled vegetables
- Canned or cooked fruits without skins or seeds
As symptoms improve, high-fiber foods can gradually be reintroduced to prevent constipation and maintain a healthy colon.
Are Strawberries Safe to Eat with Diverticulitis?
Strawberries contain edible seeds and fiber in their skin, pulp, and caps. A 1 cup serving of whole strawberries provides around 3 grams of dietary fiber, making them a high-fiber fruit.
During a diverticulitis flare-up, raw whole strawberries may irritate the colon and potentially worsen symptoms. However, this does not mean strawberries must be avoided altogether.
Here are some tips for eating strawberries with diverticulitis:
- Remove seeds – Seeds can get caught in diverticula and cause irritation or even small tears. Hulling or cutting strawberries can help remove most seeds.
- Peel skin – The fibrous skin can also become lodged and inflame pouches. Peeling eliminates this roughage.
- Puree – Blending or mashing strawberries into a smoothie or sauce helps reduce fiber content.
- Cook – Heat helps break down fiber in strawberries, making them easier to digest.
- Limit portions – Stick to 1/4 to 1/2 cup servings and avoid overdoing it, especially when symptoms are active.
- Opt for juicing – Juicing strawberries filters out most fiber, leaving nutrient-rich, low-residue juice.
As diverticulitis symptoms begin resolving, raw strawberries may be gradually added back into the diet in moderation.
Sample Menu with Strawberries
| Meal | Foods |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | 1/2 cup peeled, sliced strawberries on top of cooked oatmeal. Egg white omelet with spinach, mushrooms, and feta cheese. |
| Lunch | Turkey and avocado sandwich on white bread with lettuce and tomato. Side of cooked carrots. |
| Dinner | Grilled salmon, roasted potatoes, and cooked green beans. 1/4 cup pureed strawberries. |
| Snacks | 1/2 cup strawberry sorbet, rice cakes with peanut butter, yogurt with peeled, chopped strawberries. |
Are Blueberries Safe to Eat with Diverticulitis?
Blueberries are another fruit that can potentially irritate diverticula due to their small edible seeds and skin. One cup of blueberries has around 4 grams of fiber.
During symptom flares, raw whole blueberries may need to be limited or avoided. However, there are some preparation tips to make blueberries safer for diverticulitis:
- Use moderation – Stick to 1/4 to 1/2 cup portions and don’t overdo servings.
- Cook – Heat helps break down the skins. Try cooked blueberry compotes, baked goods, or warm blueberry sauces.
- Puree – Blend or mash blueberries into smoothies or muffins to reduce fiber and seeds.
- Juice – Remove fiber by juicing blueberries into drinks.
It’s best to reintroduce blueberries slowly once diverticulitis has stabilized. Pay attention to any irritation they may cause.
Sample Menu with Blueberries
| Meal | Foods |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Poached egg with white toast and 1/4 cup blueberry sauce. Yogurt parfait with vanilla yogurt, sliced peach, and 2 tbsp blueberry compote. |
| Lunch | Lean turkey sandwich on potato bread with lettuce, tomato, and mustard. Side salad with mixed greens, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic dressing. |
| Dinner | Baked chicken breast, mashed potatoes, and sautéed spinach. 1/4 cup pureed blueberries. |
| Snacks | Blueberry applesauce, cottage cheese with blueberry preserves, peeled cucumber slices. |
Reintroducing High-Fiber Foods like Berries
As diverticulitis symptoms begin to resolve, the diet can be gradually expanded to incorporate more fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This helps prevent constipation and maintain a healthy colon.
The following tips can make it easier to add back high-fiber choices like berries:
- Go slowly – Add small amounts of raw produce and monitor symptoms. Only increase if tolerated.
- Cook produce – Cooking softens fiber in fruits and vegetables, making them gentler on the colon.
- Peel/seed/juice – Continue removing skins, seeds, and pulp when possible.
- Use portion control – Stick to 1/4-1/2 cup servings of higher fiber foods at first.
- Drink fluids – Stay well hydrated to ease digestion of fiber.
- Exercise – Physical activity supports regularity.
- Consider supplements – Fiber supplements can help regulate bowel movements.
Keep in close contact with your healthcare provider throughout the reintroduction process. Report any concerns promptly.
Long-Term Lifestyle Changes
Making certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage diverticulitis and prevent future flares:
- Increase fiber gradually – Work up to 25-30 grams of fiber per day from foods. Ramp up slowly over several weeks to allow the colon to adapt.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of fluids daily to help move fiber through the colon.
- Exercise – Regular physical activity supports motility and bowel regularity.
- Lose extra weight – Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces pressure inside the colon.
- Manage stress – Finding healthy stress relief helps control inflammation.
- Avoid triggers – Stop smoking, limit alcohol and red meat, and prevent constipation.
- Take medications – Your doctor may recommend medications to control diverticulitis symptoms long-term.
Following up regularly with your healthcare team is important to monitor your condition and adjust your personalized diet and lifestyle plan as needed.
The Bottom Line
Strawberries and blueberries contain edible seeds and fiber that may irritate diverticula during symptom flares. However, enjoying these nutritious fruits in moderation is often possible by:
- Peeling, seeding, cooking, pureeing or juicing
- Limiting portions to 1/4-1/2 cup at a time
- Reintroducing them slowly as symptoms resolve
- Avoiding any preparation that causes discomfort
Close monitoring of your individual response to high-fiber foods paired with the expertise of your healthcare team can help determine the optimal diet and lifestyle plan for your diverticulitis.
