Helpful Diverticulitis Foods to Eat
The essence of recommending diverticulitis foods to eat is the fact that they reduce the risk of formation of diverticuli, or prevent them from increasing in size in a situation where they’ve been existing.
However, what these foods cannot do is make them disappear once they existed.
This disease is also known as diverticular disease of the colon. That is, the formation of large number of tiny sacs in the digestive tract walls, especially in the large intestines.
Some of the factors necessary for the formation of diverticuli are:
- Increased pressure which takes place with the intestine. Often occurs when the feces is quite small and hard, prompting the muscles of the intestine to contract strongly in order to move them.
- Weak points in the intestinal walls.
As it is, when diverticuli becomes inflamed as a result of fecal materials that have not been removed, it produces a serious ailment called diverticulitis. This complication must be treated in hospital with a strict diet and, could be done away with, by surgical means.
However, this article is recommends some diverticulitis foods to eat in order to manage this condition.
Symptoms and Causes of Diverticulitis
Before I list out diverticulitis foods to eat, let’s take a look at some of the symptoms and causes.
As it is, no symptoms appear except when it becomes infected or inflamed, and that’s when it may result in chills, pain and fever.
However, there may be a brief period of diarrhea. Again, if you are over age 40 and experience periodic abdominal cramps, diarrhea or gas alternating with constipation, you may have diverticulitis.
Causes
I’ve mentioned the necessary factors for the formation of diverticuli. However, diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula are inflamed or infected. It is another disease caused by “civilized” refined and junk foods.
Diverticulitis Foods to Eat
The purpose and effects of these foods is to help reduce the risk of formation of diverticuli and also keep them from increasing in size, which is, if they are already existing. These foods are:
- Fruit
- Legumes
- Whole grains
- Wheat bran
- Fiber
- Water
- Vegetables
Fruit
The reason why fruits are diverticulitis foods to eat is because they are good source of soluble fiber. All the fruits put together, even those with astringent effect, soften the feces and promote intestinal movement.
In essence, it helps keep off the risk of formation of diverticuli.
Legumes
Since all legumes have a beneficial amount of fiber which help prevent diverticulitis, it is therefore seen as one of the diverticulitis foods to eat.
As the best source of dietary fiber, it is highly recommended you consider making it part of your diet plan.
Oats in particular, are the grain that provides the best and greatest soothing and also protective effect for the digestive tract.
Wheat bran
Almost half the weight of this food is fiber, but it can cause bowel irritation when used in excess. It could also affect the absorption of minerals.
With a healthful diet rich in natural plant based foods, it is not necessary to consider supplement bran fiber.
Fiber
It is important to know that the greater the consumption of foods rich in fiber, the lower the risk of diverticulitis
This is because fiber is not absorbed and remains in the intestine. Since it retains water, it help increase fecal volume and softeness, thereby facilitating their movement.
Water
Consider taking enough water each day (6 or 7 glasses) because it is beneficial and essential to keep the feces from becoming dry and to facilitate their proper passage via the digestive tract avoiding undue pressure.
Vegetables
Vegetables are diverticulitis foods to eat because they are good source of soluble fiber. They help promote intestinal function. They also help avoid excess pressure that may result in diverticuli.
Avoid these Foods
Above are the diverticulitis foods to eat but it is important to avoid some certain foods which tend to aggravate the formation of diverticuli.
These are:
- Refined baked goods: They contain very little fiber and they promote hard feces and the pressure that leads to diverticulitis.
- Total fat
- Meat: Meat in particular lacks fiber and an excessively meat-based diet brings down fecal volume. It also increases intestinal efforts.
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A graduate of Computer Science and Information Management Technology. Diploma – Caregiving, Certificates – Dementia and Diabetes Awareness and Management. A researcher, blogger, songwriter, singer and acoustic guitarist. Born in an environment where natural talents such as healing are imparted at our natural birth. This natural talents of healing is the result of our genetic inheritance and the training from family environment.