This guide covers the best supplements for diverticulitis and diverticulosis, explaining how each can help with flare-ups, prevention, and long-term gut health.
Table of Contents
Can Supplements Help with Diverticulitis?
Living with diverticulitis myself, I know the frustration of flare-ups, ER visits, and the endless process of trial and error with food. Over the years, changing my diet-switching from a low-fiber diet to a high-fiber diet, cutting back on processed foods like white bread and dairy products, and adding soothing teas-made a noticeable difference.
But dietary supplements have also been essential in helping me manage both diverticulitis and diverticulosis.
Research supports this approach. The National Institutes of Health highlights the role of diet and fiber supplements in diverticular disease management, while Harvard Health reports that probiotics may ease symptoms and reduce recurrence. Supplements won’t replace medical advice from a healthcare professional, but they can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and lower the risk of future flare-ups.
Flare Ups vs Prevention
This post is structured into two clear lists so you’ll know exactly when each supplement can help:
The following video shows some things you can do to help prevent and sooth flare ups.
🎥 Video Credit: Dr. Janine Bowring, ND
Goals for Diverticulitis & Diverticulosis Supplemens
The following table summarizes the target goals supplements for Diverticulitis vs Diverticulosis can address.
| Category | Goal | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Diverticulitis (Flare-Ups) | Reduce inflammation, calm gut, ease abdominal pain | VSL#3, L-Glutamine, Turmeric, Probiotics, Licorice Root |
| Diverticulosis (Prevention) | Support long-term digestive system health, regularity | Collagen Peptides, Psyllium Husk, Magnesium Citrate, Calcium + Vitamin D |
5 Supplements for Diverticulitis (Flare-Ups)
When you’re in the middle of a diverticular flare-up, the right supplement can calm inflammation, ease abdominal pain, and support gut healing, making these the best supplements for diverticulitis during an active episode.
#1 – VSL#3 (Medical-Grade Probiotic)
VSL#3 is one of the best supplements for diverticulitis because it delivers medical-grade probiotic support shown to restore balance and reduce painful flare-ups.
🍶 Active Ingredients: High-potency probiotic strains
⚡ Best For: Advanced digestive support, reducing recurrence, managing complex medical conditions
🌀 Potential Side Effects: Temporary bloating or gas
How It Helps
VSL#3 is one of the strongest probiotic supplements available, often recommended by health care providers for patients with severe digestive health issues. It supports the balance of gut flora, helps prevent diverticulitis flare-ups, and protects against irritation in the small pouches that form along the wall of the large intestine.
My Experience
I used VSL#3 during a severe diverticulitis flare when I was on a liquid diet. It gave me additional information about how my gut responded to probiotic supplements, and I noticed real improvements in digestive health. Though pricey, the health benefits were worth it.
- #1 GASTROENTEROLOGIST-RECOMMENDED: Trusted by experts, VSL#3 stands out as the #1 gastroenterologist-recommended multi-strain probiotics brand, and is designed for gut health in both women and men.
#2 – L-Glutamine (Gut Repair)
L-Glutamine is considered one of the best supplements for diverticulitis recovery as it helps repair the intestinal lining and calm inflammation after a flare-up.
🍶 Active Ingredient: L-Glutamine
⚡ Best For: Repairing the lining of the digestive tract, reducing inflammation, aiding recovery after liquid diet protocols
🌀 Potential Side Effects: Generally safe, but consult a healthcare professional for long-term use
How It Helps
L-Glutamine is an amino acid that supports the integrity of the wall of the large intestine. It’s often used to improve digestive health in people with recurring medical conditions, making it one of the best supplements for diverticulitis recovery.
My Experience
I’ve used L-Glutamine powder mixed into clear liquids after a diverticular flare-up. It soothed my digestive system and seemed to speed healing, especially when avoiding white rice and low-fiber foods.
- 3rd Party Tested, Non-GMO, & Gluten Free
#3 – Turmeric / Curcumin (Anti-Inflammatory)
Turmeric stands out as one of the best supplements for diverticulitis thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory compound curcumin, which can ease abdominal pain and gut irritation.
🍶 Active Ingredient: Curcumin
⚡ Best For: Reducing inflammation, easing abdominal pain, supporting immune balance
🌀 Potential Side Effects: May thin blood; consult a healthcare professional if on medication
How It Helps
Turmeric’s active compound curcumin helps reduce inflammation in the gut. Research shows curcumin has measurable benefits for gastrointestinal inflammation and can help with diverticulitis symptoms. Adding turmeric is one of the best supplements for diverticulitis to help manage pain naturally.
My Experience
I take turmeric capsules during flare-ups-it noticeably eases cramping and gut discomfort within a few days. Combined with high-fiber foods and whole grains, while cutting back on white rice, turmeric provided health benefits that even my health care team noted were valuable.
- Advanced Formula: Our turmeric with black pepper capsules are made with BioPerine, a patented black pepper extract proven to enhance absorption and bioavailability, making it a must have in any turmeric curcumin supplement
#4 – Probiotics (Gut Health Support)
Daily probiotics are among the best supplements for diverticulitis because they support healthy gut flora, reduce recurrence, and improve overall digestive balance.
🍶 Active Ingredients: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium strains
⚡ Best For: Gut balance, reducing recurrence, easing digestive discomfort
🌀 Potential Side Effects: Mild bloating or gas when first introduced
How It Helps
Probiotics restore balance in the digestive system, which is often disrupted during flare-ups. Studies show probiotics may reduce symptoms of diverticulitis, lower recurrence rates, and help protect against further inflammation in small pouches of the colon.
My Experience
I’ve used Primal Probiotics daily for 2+ years. Since then, I’ve had fewer diverticular flare-ups, better digestive health, and far less bloating. My health care provider recommended probiotic supplements as a safe addition to my balanced diet, especially when I was on a low fiber diet or restricted to clear liquids.
- PRIMAL PROBIOTICS: Digestive support
#5 – Licorice Root (DGL)
Licorice root extract (DGL) is one of the best supplements for diverticulitis when flare-ups cause burning or irritation, as it soothes and protects the digestive tract.
🍶 Active Ingredient: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract
⚡ Best For: Soothing the digestive tract, reducing irritation, calming flare-up symptoms
🌀 Potential Side Effects: Rare; DGL form is safer as it removes compounds that raise blood pressure
How It Helps
Licorice root extract (DGL) soothes the digestive tract and reduces irritation. It’s long been used for ulcers and GI issues, and it’s considered among the best supplements for diverticulitis when flare-ups cause burning or digestive pain.
My Experience
I keep Traditional Medicinals licorice tea on hand and it’s part of my “flare-up kit.” It doesn’t solve everything, but it definitely makes eating more tolerable when symptoms flare. As a home remedy, it helped when low-fiber foods or dairy products triggered digestive issues. I found additional information about this remedy through my health care provider.
- HERBAL POWER: Soothes the digestive tract and promotes respiratory health.*
4 Supplements for Diverticulosis (Prevention)
Preventing recurrence means focusing on long-term digestive health. These are the best supplements for diverticulitis prevention, designed to lower the risk of another flare-up and protect the wall of the large intestine.
#1 – Collagen Peptides
Collagen peptides stand out as one of the best supplements for diverticulitis prevention because of their role in gut lining support.
🍶 Active Ingredient: Hydrolyzed collagen
⚡ Best For: Supporting connective tissue, digestive enzymes, overall digestive health
🌀 Potential Side Effects: Minimal, but may cause mild digestive discomfort in some individuals
How It Helps
Collagen peptides provide building blocks for the lining of the digestive tract and connective tissue throughout the body. They can be especially helpful after a liquid diet or flare-up when the body needs support to heal.
My Experience
I added collagen peptides into smoothies after a diverticular flare-up. My health care provider suggested it as part of my recovery plan, and I noticed better digestive health over time. With additional information, I realized it also supported my joints and energy levels.
- SUPPORTS COLLAGEN PRODUCTION: Formulated with Vitamin C to aid the body’s natural collagen synthesis
#2 – Psyllium Husk (Fiber Supplement)
Psyllium husk is one of the best supplements for diverticulitis prevention because it directly addresses fiber intake.
🍶 Active Ingredient: Psyllium fiber
⚡ Best For: Increasing fiber intake, preventing constipation, reducing pressure on small pouches in the colon
🌀 Potential Side Effects: Gas or bloating if not taken with enough water
How It Helps
Psyllium is one of the top dietary supplements for diverticulosis because it adds bulk and keeps the digestive system regular. A high-fiber diet with psyllium reduces the strain on the wall of the large intestine, lowering the risk of diverticular flare-ups. Clinical research confirms that grams of fiber each day from whole grains and supplements can reduce recurrence.
My Experience
I’ve taken psyllium husk powder with clear liquids in the morning. It kept me regular and avoided the constipation that once triggered a flare. I’ve found it works far better than relying on white rice or other low-fiber foods that made my digestive health worse.
- 500mg of Psyllium Husk Per Capsule, 3 Capsules Per Serving
#3 – Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is consistently listed among the best supplements for diverticulitis prevention, especially for constipation-prone patients.
🍶 Active Ingredient: Magnesium citrate
⚡Best For: Gentle laxative effect, preventing constipation, easing digestive health
🌀 Potential Side Effects: Loose stools if taken in high amounts
How It Helps
Magnesium citrate helps draw water into the intestines, making stools softer and easier to pass. This reduces pressure on small pouches in the colon, lowering the risk of diverticulitis flare-ups. It’s one of the best supplements for diverticulitis prevention when constipation is a recurring issue.
My Experience
I’ve used magnesium citrate occasionally when traveling and eating more low-fiber foods. It helped avoid painful flare-ups and gave me peace of mind when my diet wasn’t perfect. My health care provider approved it as a safe option when taken with plenty of ounces of water.
- Nerve, bone and heart support supplement: contains one 120 count bottle of Nature Made Magnesium Citrate 250 mg per serving Softgels for a 60-day supply
#4 – Calcium + Vitamin D
Calcium and Vitamin D together make one of the best supplements for diverticulitis prevention, supporting both colon and bone health.
🍶 Active Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, Vitamin D3
⚡ Best For: Supporting colon and bone health, balancing mineral intake
🌀 Potential Side Effects: Constipation if taken without enough fiber or water
How It Helps
Adequate calcium and vitamin D support not just bone health but also the lining of the digestive tract. These nutrients, when combined with high-fiber foods and probiotic supplements, contribute to better digestive health and fewer complications from diverticulosis.
My Experience
I started calcium with vitamin D after a health care check-up flagged low bone density. Since then, I’ve noticed fewer digestive issues when paired with high-fiber foods and additional information on diet changes. Unlike the days I lived on white rice and low-fiber foods, this combo helped me maintain long-term digestive balance.
- Healthy Bones & Teeth; Calcium provides the building blocks that help keep bones & teeth strong & healthy; Magnesium helps to regulate calcium transport & stimulates the secretion of calcitonin, a hormone that aids in the influx of calcium into bone
Conclusion: Best Supplements for Diverticulitis
Managing diverticulitis requires a balanced diet, lifestyle changes like brisk walking, and the right supplements. The best supplements for diverticulitis innclude probiotic supplements to fiber intake with psyllium husk, and from the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric to advanced options like VSL#3, these are the best supplements for diverticulitis and diverticulosis to reduce flare-ups and support long-term digestive health.
Always seek medical advice from a healthcare provider before starting new supplements, and use dietary supplements to complement-not replace-nutritious foods, home remedies, and whole grains for overall wellness.
For more diverticulitis-friendly meal inspiration, explore my guides for breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner ideas-each packed with soothing recipes to help you feel your best. And if you’d like step‑by‑step guidance, my curated list of diverticulitis diet cookbooks provides structured, gut‑friendly meal plans to support your journey.
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