Disclaimer: This article does not constitute medical advice. Always seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner about your own symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment. This article is based on anonymised discussions from our group on Facebook.
- How Much Water Should You Drink With Diverticulitis?
- Is Coffee Safe To Drink With Diverticulitis?
- What Should You Drink During A Diverticulitis Flare?
- Bowel Prep Drinks: Tips From The Community
- What Do Members Drink To Support Their Gut?
- What About Pineapple And Juicing?
- Drinks To Avoid Or Limit With Diverticulitis
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can You Drink Coffee If You Have Diverticulitis?
- Is Alcohol Safe To Drink With Diverticulitis?
- What Should You Drink During A Flare-Up?
- Can You Drink Fizzy Drinks With Diverticulitis?
- How Much Water Should You Drink Each Day With Diverticulitis?
- Key Takeaways
- Stop Guessing. Start Understanding
The best drink for diverticulitis is water. Water keeps the colon hydrated and helps stools pass through the bowel without straining, which lowers the risk of a flare. Clear broth, unsweetened tea, unsweetened coffee, juice without pulp, ice lollies without pulp, and plain gelatin are also generally well tolerated. Members of the Diverticulitis Club Facebook group broadly agree with this, though what actually works day to day varies a great deal from person to person, as the discussion below shows.
How Much Water Should You Drink With Diverticulitis?
The NHS recommends around 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day for most adults, roughly 1.2 to 2 litres, and this figure includes water, tea, coffee and lower-fat milk rather than plain water alone (NHS: Water, Drinks And Hydration).
Members of the group drink very different amounts, and several factors explain why. Some members manage several litres a day without any trouble, while others are held back by bloating, other medical conditions, or fluid restrictions set by their doctor.
“If I drink any water I feel very sick, so I make up for it by drinking very weak tea instead, without milk.”
– Carol, Norwich
“I’m only allowed one and a half litres a day because of my low sodium levels.”
– Susan, Bath
“It’s so hard for me to get anywhere near that much in because of bloating. Some days it feels like all I do is visit the loo.”
– Tina, Ipswich
If you take medication for your heart, kidneys or blood pressure, or you have been told to restrict fluids for another reason, check with your GP before increasing how much you drink.
Is Coffee Safe To Drink With Diverticulitis?
Coffee is not automatically off the menu with diverticulitis. A study published in the journal Gut in 2016 found that people with diverticulitis who drank coffee were no more likely to have a flare-up than people who did not drink coffee (PMC: Coffee Consumption And Diverticulitis Study).
The study’s authors suggest that antioxidants in coffee may help protect the colon from inflammation, though they say more research is needed to confirm this. The more traditional view holds that caffeine is a stimulant that can irritate the colon lining and make it harder to empty the bowels, increasing the risk of constipation. If you already drink coffee and tolerate it well, moderate amounts are unlikely to cause harm. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns, particularly during a flare.
What Should You Drink During A Diverticulitis Flare?
A clear liquid diet is the standard first step during a diverticulitis flare, followed by a gradual return to low-fibre soft foods as the pain eases (Mayo Clinic: Diverticulitis Diet).
Stage | What To Have |
Clear Liquid Stage (Typically The First 2 To 3 Days) | Water, bone broth, apple or cranberry juice, black tea or coffee, coconut water, herbal tea, plain gelatin |
Soft Food Stage (As Pain Eases) | Eggs, mashed potato, white rice, pasta, white bread, well-cooked carrots and green beans, fish, chicken, soup |
“I stay on a liquid diet until the pain has completely gone. My body seems to heal quicker if I don’t rush things, and I take extra pre and probiotics to help my gut recover after antibiotics.”
– Ted, Preston
“I did a clear liquid diet for three days first: bone broth, diluted juice, black tea and coconut water. Then I moved onto a soft food diet, eggs, mashed potato, plain rice, pasta and well-cooked vegetables, adding one new low-fibre food at a time and keeping a food diary to spot any triggers.”
– Pauline, Leeds
A prolonged liquid diet can lead to unwanted weight loss and low protein intake if it continues for longer than a few days. Several members describe becoming malnourished during a difficult flare, so it is worth speaking to your GP or a dietitian if you cannot tolerate food for more than a few days.
“I became malnourished before my surgery. Drinking a good quality high protein shake helped me get my strength back up when I could not manage much food.”
– Marcia, Sheffield
Tracking what you drink and eat against your symptoms can help you spot your own patterns. Our food and symptoms diary tracker is built for exactly this.
Bowel Prep Drinks: Tips From The Community
Colonoscopies are a routine part of confirming diverticular disease, and getting through the bowel prep drink beforehand is one of the most common complaints in the Diverticulitis Club Facebook group. Several practical tips come up again and again.
“Drinking it through a wide straw helped enormously. I just sipped away while sitting on the sofa and it went down far more easily than I expected.”
– Trisha, Bristol
“I chilled mine and drank it through a straw. That let me get through it quickly, and I’d definitely do it that way again.”
– Gilda, Nottingham
“I took small sips with a little apple juice to wash it down, and a sour sweet helped settle my stomach in between.”
– Karen, Cardiff
Members also warn against drinking too much liquid too quickly, as this can trigger vomiting and mean the prep does not work properly. If you are struggling, contact the endoscopy team before your appointment rather than during the night before, as some preps can be swapped for a version that suits you better.
What Do Members Drink To Support Their Gut?
Beyond water, tea and coffee, several other drinks come up regularly in the group. The evidence behind them varies, so it is worth treating personal experience and medical evidence as two separate things.
Drink | What Members Say | What The Evidence Shows |
Aloe Vera Juice | Several members drink it daily, often mixed with tea, saying it feels soothing | Evidence in diverticulitis specifically is limited. Members with gallstones report being told to avoid it, so check with your doctor first |
Bone Broth | Popular during and after a flare, some members make their own and others buy it ready-made | A useful source of fluid and easily digested protein, though it is not a required part of NHS or Mayo Clinic dietary guidance |
Coconut Water | Popular for replacing electrolytes lost during a flare | Listed as a suitable low-fibre fluid choice during recovery in Mayo Clinic dietary guidance |
Kefir And Kombucha | Some members find these ease bloating, particularly after a course of antibiotics | Evidence for probiotic drinks in diverticulitis specifically is still developing. Check with your GP before starting supplements during a flare |
“My list that’s helped me includes staying hydrated with water and chamomile and peppermint tea, taking a probiotic supplement, drinking kombucha, and having chicken bone broth every day. These are just things that have worked for me, not medical advice.”
– Michelle, Cardiff
What About Pineapple And Juicing?
Blending pineapple and cucumber for a detox-style juice is a popular suggestion in the group, though members are divided on it. Pineapple is acidic and high in natural sugar, and several members report it triggers bloating, loose stools or reflux, particularly during or soon after a flare. Others tolerate it well.
“I’ve seen this shared around the group, that pineapple and cucumber juice can detoxify the colon, but this needs fact checking before anyone relies on it.”
– Jennifer, Southampton
“Pineapple is acidic and can irritate a sensitive gut lining, especially if there is any soreness or inflammation. It’s high in natural sugar too, which can ferment in the gut and lead to bloating. I’d suggest everyone uses their own discernment.”
– Aurora, Maine
“Juiced celery does a similar job for me, without the acidity of pineapple.”
– Sarah, Leeds
People with diabetes should be mindful of pineapple’s natural sugar content, and members who live with a stoma report that pineapple can cause gas and blockages for them. If either applies to you, discuss it with a dietitian or stoma nurse before trying it.
Drinks To Avoid Or Limit With Diverticulitis
Certain drinks can make diverticulitis symptoms worse and are best limited, particularly during a flare.
- Alcohol: Alcohol acts as a diuretic, which causes fluid loss and can lead to dehydration. Dehydration irritates the colon, and alcohol also weakens the muscles that help empty the bowel.
- Sugar: Sugar feeds bacteria in the colon and can lead to bacterial overgrowth, which irritates the colon and makes it harder to pass stools.
- Excess caffeine: Moderate coffee appears well tolerated for many people, as covered above, but several members find that too much caffeine worsens their constipation, so it pays to know your own limit.
Best Drinks Versus Drinks To Limit At A Glance
Category | Drink | Notes |
Generally Helpful | Water | Keeps stools soft and supports regular bowel movements (NHS) |
Generally Helpful | Herbal Tea (Chamomile, Peppermint) | Soothing and hydrating, well tolerated by most members |
Generally Helpful | Clear Broth | Nourishing and gentle during a flare (Mayo Clinic) |
Generally Helpful | Coconut Water | Helps replace electrolytes |
Generally Helpful | Diluted Low-Acid Juice (E.g. Apple) | Tolerated by many members in moderation |
To Limit Or Avoid | Alcohol | Dehydrates the body and can irritate the colon |
To Limit Or Avoid | Sugary Drinks | Feeds bacteria and can worsen bowel symptoms |
To Limit Or Avoid | High-Acid Juice (E.g. Pineapple, Citrus) | Reported by several members to trigger bloating or reflux, particularly during a flare |
To Limit Or Avoid | Excess Caffeine | Can worsen constipation for some people, even though moderate coffee is well tolerated by many |
More Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Drink Coffee If You Have Diverticulitis?
Yes, most people can drink coffee in moderation, including during remission. A 2016 study in the journal Gut found no increased flare risk among coffee drinkers with diverticulitis. Cut back if you notice caffeine worsens your own symptoms.
Is Alcohol Safe To Drink With Diverticulitis?
Alcohol is best limited or avoided, especially during a flare, because it dehydrates the body and can irritate the colon.
What Should You Drink During A Flare-Up?
Stick to clear liquids such as water, broth and diluted juice for the first few days, then move onto low-fibre soft foods as the pain eases and your GP or a dietitian advises.
Can You Drink Fizzy Drinks With Diverticulitis?
Fizzy and sugary drinks are not recommended, as the sugar can feed bacteria in the colon and worsen symptoms. Some members also report bloating from the carbonation itself.
How Much Water Should You Drink Each Day With Diverticulitis?
The NHS recommends 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day for most adults, though individual needs vary with body size, activity levels, other health conditions and medication. Check with your GP if you are on a fluid restriction.
Key Takeaways
- Water is the best all-round drink for diverticulitis, and the NHS recommends 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day for most adults.
- Coffee in moderation appears safe for most people, according to a 2016 study in the journal Gut.
- A short clear liquid diet is standard during a flare, moving onto low-fibre soft foods as symptoms ease.
- Alcohol, sugary drinks and high-acid juices such as pineapple are best limited, particularly during a flare.
- Hydration needs vary a great deal between individuals, so track what works for you with a food and symptoms diary.
It is important to listen to your body and notice how particular drinks affect your own symptoms. What works well for one person may not work for another. If you have specific dietary restrictions or concerns, speak to a healthcare professional or registered dietitian who can give you personalised guidance based on your medical history.
If you have any questions about which drinks are safe for you, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute medical advice. Always seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner about your own symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment. This article is based on anonymised discussions from our group on Facebook.
