Diverticulitis Diet – Preventing And Advisory
Diverticulitis Diet is designed to help treat diverticulitis and relieve symptoms from diverticulitis. Liquid diverticulitis diet may be advised in severe attacks of diverticulitis, which may include fruit juices such as apple juice, broth, water and ice pops. When severity of diveriticulitis is decreased and the gastrointestinal tract was given an ample amount of time to rest, going back to a well-balanced diet may be advised.
Before going any further with diverticulitis diet, let us first have a quick peek at diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is the inflammation of the pouches in the large intestine. The pouches formed in the intestinal lining are called diverticulum, in its plural form, diverticula.
The outpouching produced on the surface of the colonic wall is called diverticulosis. Diverticulosis may come without experiencing anything and this is common among old adults. If with symptoms, abdominal cramps and constipation are those recorded complaints from clients with diverticulosis.
According to studies conducted, a diet low in fiber predisposes diverticulitis. This is why cases of diverticulitis is low in Asia and Africa, where people living in those countries consume foods that is high in fiber unlike those leaving in the western countries. With a fast-paced life, people tend to eat more processed foods that are very low in fiber.
Diverticulitis Diet Advisory
As mentioned, clients with diverticulitis are given with diverticulitis diet, with which they need to follow. It starts from a liquid diverticulitis diet and may be shifted to low-fiber foods before the client is introduced with those foods high in fiber. Low-fiber diverticulitis diet may include refined bread, meat, poultry products and fish.
When the client has finally rested his or her bowel, a transitional diverticulitis diet s introduced. Foods high in fiber produce stool that can easily pass through the colon and reduces intra-abdominal pressure by avoiding straining in bowel movement.
According to researches, eating at least 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day may decrease your risk of having diverticular problems. Examples of foods that can be included in the High-fiber diverticulitis diet are beans, whole grain carbohydrates such as pastas and breads, fresh fruits and of course, vegetables. Fresh fruits may include prunes, grapes and raspberries and vegetables such as squash, spinach, lettuce and peas can be eaten.
Consulting a physician or a dietitian is best in starting an appropriate diverticulitis diet. They can plan a meal that is best for the client.
Taking fiber supplement with proper diverticulitis diet and drinking a lot of fluids help in fighting off constipation and eventually diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis Diet for attack
During an acute diverticulitis attack, a liquid diverticulitis diet or foods in low fiber may be taken. This diverticulitis diet allows the colon to heal and prevent further irritation.
Preventing a diverticulitis attack
A diverticulitis diet high in fiber is usually recommended once the inflammation and infection subsides. This diet ensures prevention of diverticulitis attack and digested foods pass through the colon smoothly. Taking a fiber supplement may also be suggested.
Consume a high-fiber diet. Twenty five to thirty eight grams of fiber a day is the recommended intake to maintain a good bowel movement.
Fiber is an important constituent of diverticulitis diet as it gives bulk and size for the stool and also softens it. A heavy but soft stool is easier to eliminate preventing increase of intra-abdominal pressure.
Increase water consumption with an appropriate diverticulitis diet along with regular exercise is best in helping diverticulitis diet treatment.