Recommendation 5.1 A high‐fibre diet (≥30 g/day) rich in fruit, vegetables and cereals, should be recommended for men and women, regardless of age, for primary prophylaxis of diverticular disease and in accordance with general dietary recommendations.	Evidence level 1, recommendation grade A, strong consensus
Recommendation 5.2 A recommendation to avoid nuts, grains, corn and popcorn should not be made for the primary prophylaxis of diverticular disease.	Evidence level 2, recommendation grade B, strong consensus
Recommendation 5.3 Limitation of red meat consumption is advisable for primary prophylaxis of diverticular disease. When consumption is greater than 105–135 g/week, the risk increases linearly by about 50%, plateauing at approx. 540 g/week.	Evidence level 2, recommendation grade B, strong consensus
Statement 5.4 Other than avoiding red meat and consuming plenty of fibre, there is currently insufficient evidence for other specific dietary recommendations.	Evidence level 2, strong consensus
Recommendation 5.5 Nicotine abstinence should be recommended for primary prophylaxis of diverticular disease	Evidence level 1, recommendation grade A, strong consensus
Statement 5.6 An increased risk for diverticular disease has been documented for acute alcohol intoxication, for alcohol abuse and for alcohol dependence syndrome. There are currently no data indicating that low‐risk or even risky alcohol consumption lead to an increased risk of developing diverticular disease.	Evidence level 2, strong consensus
Recommendation 5.7 There are no data that show an association of coffee consumption with the occurrence of diverticular disease. Therefore, a recommendation to this effect regarding coffee consumption should not be made.	Evidence level 2, recommendation grade B, strong consensus
Recommendation 5.8 Maintenance of normal weight should be recommended to prevent diverticular disease.	Evidence level 1, recommendation grade A, strong consensus
Recommendation 5.9 Physical activity can reduce the likelihood of developing diverticular disease or diverticulitis. The most benefit can be gained from over 50 MET‐h (metabolic equivalent)/week, corresponding to about 12 h walking at 5 km/h, 6 h cycling at 24 km/h or 4.5 h jogging at 11 km/h. At a minimum, however, in accordance with the DGE, 30–60 min of moderate physical activity per day should be recommended (10 guidelines of the DGE).	Evidence level 1, recommendation grade A, strong consensus
Recommendation 5.10 A healthy lifestyle should be recommended for primary prophylaxis of diverticular disease. A lifestyle incorporating reduced red meat intake, increased consumption of dietary fibre and vigorous physical activity, while maintaining a normal BMI and abstaining from smoking, reduces the risk of developing diverticulitis by up to 50%.	Evidence level 2, recommendation grade A, strong consensus
Recommendation 5.11 Use of NSAIDs, corticosteroids, opioids, and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, but not aspirin or coxibs, is associated with an increased risk of developing diverticular disease, diverticulitis, and complicated diverticulitis. The risk association for paracetamol exists primarily with respect to diverticular bleeding. In view of these risks, the corresponding medications should only be administered after careful risk‐benefit assessment.	Evidence level 1–2, recommendation grade A, strong consensus