Top Healthy Diet For Diverticulitis

[zawza1990]

Diverticulitis is a condition where pouches or diverticula form in the lining of the intestinal wall. For some people, a mild case can be treated with rest, lifestyle modification and antibiotics.

Signs and Symptoms

People who have diverticula in their lining might not experience any pain at all; however some people, especially if the diverticula is inflamed, may experience nausea, fever, constipation/diarrhea and tenderness in the left side of the abdomen.

The cause of the diverticula is unknown. Some speculate that there are some weak spots in the colon area, which gives way when put under pressure and the risk increases as one ages. Aside from aging, the condition also affects smokers, use of certain medications, sedentary lifestyle and consumption of food that is high in animal fat but lower in fibre content.

Best Diet for People with Diverticulitis

Patients with mild case of diverticulitis may greatly benefit from modifying their food intake including switching to a diet that is rich in fiber. Fiber is ideal as it helps the body's waste to move past the intestine and colon area quickly.

Examples of fiber rich food include starchy foods with high fiber content such as brown rice, pasta, pita bread, brown bread, naan and whole meal. One can also include breakfast cereals such as muesli, porridge, shredded wheat and bran to the diet. Vegetables that are rich in fibre include potatoes, carrots, beans, peas and even Brussel sprouts. Nuts are also rich in fibre and was once not included in the diet as the small seeds might be trapped in the pouches; however there was no scientific evidence and as such these are also included in the diet. Almonds, mixed nuts and regular peanuts have high fibre content.

In certain instances, the doctor may also recommend a liquid diet especially if one experiences an attack. A clear liquid diet may consist of intake of broth or stock, gelatin, ice pops with fruits or nuts, water and tea or coffee.

The information provided is for information purposes only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

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