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A Diet For Diverticulitis

Suffering From diverticulitis? Here is a diet for diverticulitis that will help. Diverticulitis is thought to be as a result of a low fiber diet. Although it is necessary to be on a low residue diet when the condition flares up, once your condition has improved you should go on to a high fiber diet plan.

What Is Diverticulitis?

The doctor has just informed you that you're suffering from a condition known as diverticulitis. You have no idea what it is just that it's really painful and to complicate things, he tells you need to follow a specific diet for diverticulitis. So what exactly is diverticulitis? Some people develop small pouches in the lining of their colon, each pouch is called a diverticulum. At this stage the person is said to have diverticulosis. Most people with diverticulosis do not experience any discomfort, however a few may experience cramps, bloating and constipation. When these pouches get inflamed the person is said to have diverticulitis. The most common symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal pain which, is severe and worsens. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and fever.

What Causes Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is thought to be as a result of a low fiber diet. Fiber is an important constituent of our diet although it does not contribute directly to any nutritional needs it is required in order to maintain a healthy colon. Fiber helps by making our stools soft and easy to pass. Hard stool, causes straining during bowel movement and this may result in increased pressure in the colon, this may result in the colon lining to buldge forming the pouches.

A Typical Diet For Diverticulitis

When first diagnosed with diverticulitis the doctor may recommend you to go on a low residue, low-fiber diet. The low-fiber diet is to give the colon time to heal without being overworked. Your low residue diet should include meat and fish, dairy products such as milk, cheese, smooth yoghurts, cream and eggs, fats and oils, white bread and white pasta. Whilst on your low fiber diet, avoid consuming cold rice or pasta, brown bread, foods that contain nuts and fruits with seeds. Once your condition has improved you may be advised to change your diet to a high fiber diet, this is so as your colon has more regular movements and prevents the risk of forming anymore pouches.

Foods To Include In A High Fiber Diet

Foods to include in your high fiber diet include whole grain cereal, beans , lentils and peas, vegetables, nuts, wholemeal pasta and brown rice Remember, diverticulitis can be controlled and prevented with the correct diet. It is important to maintain a healthy diet with an adequate amount of fibre. If you are unable to include a suitable amount of fibre in your daily meals, fibre supplements are also available. A healthy colon is a happy colon.

The correct diet for diverticulitis and the amount of fiber needed therefore depends on whether you have a condition that has flared up, or whether you want to prevent or control the condition

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for reference purposes only, and is not intended as medical or professional advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before commencing a diet or exercise program

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