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Sandra Kim Leong
Sandra Kim Leong provides free research and special reports in her newsletter on
Detox Diet.
Diverticulitis results from an inflammation in the pockets in the wall of the intestine, called diverticula. If you are suffering from diverticulitis, it will be helpful to make some changes to your diet. A diverticulitis diet can help relieve you of your symptoms. It is very possible to minimize the effects of the diverticulitis in those who have already developed the condition.
In fact, it is recommended that you take a low reside diet during the flare up periods of diverticulitis so as to reduce the volume of bowel, thus allowing a chance for your infection to heal. An intake of less than 10 grams of fiber per day is considered a low residue diverticulitis diet.
Your doctor will assess how severe your diverticulitis is before proposing a suitable treatment. Mild cases of diverticulitis may be treated with diet, rest, and antibiotics. On the other hand, severe cases may require surgery to remove the diseased portion of the colon.Hence, it is important to prevent a mild case of diverticulitis from becoming worse, in order to avoid an invasive procedue.
Drinking lots of water, is helpful for the diverticulitis patient and to allow fiber to work its magic. Fiber works by absorbing water and increasing the soft and bulky waste in the colon. Do be warned: If the body does not get enough liquid to replace what is absorbed, you can get constipation.
Until recently, many doctors suggested avoiding foods with small seeds such as tomatoes or strawberries. The fear is that the seeds will lodge in the diverticula and cause inflammation. On the other hand, foods such as sunflower, pumpkin, cucumbers, nuts, popcorn hulls, and strawberries, and raspberries, including poppy seeds, are considered to be harmless.
Generally speaking, there are a small percentage of people whose condition will develop from diverticulosis to diverticulitis. Most who are inflicted are over the age of 60, but it is diagnosed to a lesser degree to people who are in their 40's as well. The problem seems to worsen with age as the weak areas of the colon continue to balloon out and result in pockets. Ballooning is caused by pressure such as exertion from a case of lack of fiber and certain constipation-causing medications.
The recommended daily amount of fiber an average person needs is generally between 20 and 35 grams of fiber. Adding foods like baked beans, bran, oats, brown rice, pears, and squash can easily provide the necessary fiber for anyone. You can also buy many supplemental products which offer a valuable amount of fiber, that is part of a diverticulitis diet treatment. Do check with your doctor on what he recommends for you.
Published by Sandra Kim Leong on May 13, 2008 09:48 PM
