Prevention

Eating a high-fiber diet is the mainstay of diverticulosis and diverticulitis prevention.

• Starting a high-fiber diet may not make the diverticula you already have go away, but it will decrease your risk of complications and the accompanying symptoms.
  
  
• Foods high in fiber include whole-grain cereals and breads, fruits (apples, berries, peaches, pears), vegetables (squash, broccoli, cabbage, and spinach), and dried beans, peas, and lentils.
  
  
• Drinking plenty of fluids will also help your stool stay soft and pass quickly, decreasing your risk for diverticulosis.