Are artificial sweeteners such as equal, splendid, etc. a bad choice for people with diverticulitis and if so what is an acceptable substitute?

Eat more fiber.: There is no known direct link with sugar or its substitutes causing diverticulitis flare up. However sugar and sweeteners can cause diarrhea or other GI symptoms in certain patients. In general if you have diverticulosis a high fiber diet will help. And that would include avoiding food high in sugar. If you have chronic diverticulitis, it may time to visit a surgeon.