Diverticulitis sufferers diet abstinence

Diverticulitis is a severe inflammatory disease of the large intestinal sac (diverticula). This disease occurs when the weak part of the wall of the large intestine is compressed, forming small sacs and becoming inflamed. Like other digestive diseases, there are foods that can aggravate the symptoms of diverticulitis so that they are taboo for sufferers.

Before becoming inflamed, the sacs in the large intestine usually don't trigger any symptoms. Once inflammation occurs, the patient may experience complaints of abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. Eating the wrong foods can make diverticulitis symptoms worse or make inflammation worse.

Diverticulitis sufferers diet abstinence

source: MNN

The cause of diverticulitis is not known with certainty, so there is no specific list of foods that you absolutely should avoid. Even so, it's a good idea to limit the following types of food to prevent complaints:

1. Foods from the FODMAP category

Foods in the FODMAP category (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) has short-chain chemical structure carbohydrates. These foods can produce gas that triggers bloating, pain, and diarrhea.

Examples of FODMAP foods include:

Apples, pears, peaches and dried fruit.
Onions and garlic.
Pickles, kimchi, and sauerkraut (sour cabbage).
Milk, yogurt and cheese.
Cauliflower and brussel sprout.
Peas and legumes (chickpeas, lentils, and soybeans).

Several studies have proven the benefits of limiting FODMAP foods in colon sac-related diseases, especially irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis. This diet is even considered to reduce the risk of both diseases.

2. Too much fiber

Fiber foods are actually good for diverticulitis sufferers, but too much fiber is taboo. This is because the fiber makes the stool fuller. Fiber can also increase peristalsis and contraction of the colon muscles.

Both can cause pain and discomfort, especially when your colon is inflamed. The following are high-fiber foods that you need to limit:

Vegetables: carrots, beets, broccoli, and brussel sprout.
Fruits: Strawberries, avocados, bananas, and raspberries.
Whole grains: oats, quinoa, chia seeds, and brown rice.
Kidney beans, black beans, edamame, and most legumes.

In order for the fiber needs to be fulfilled, choose fibrous foods with a fiber that is not too high. You can also wait for the symptoms of inflammation to improve before eating high-fiber foods.

3. Red meat

According to one deep study The American Journal of Gastroenterology, eating lots of meat without balanced exercise and fiber intake can increase the risk of diverticulitis. A healthy lifestyle actually reduces the risk by up to 50 percent.

Another American study also found similar results, especially on the consumption of unprocessed red meat. Researchers suggest reducing red meat and replacing it with chicken or fish.

However, this food is not always a taboo for diverticulitis sufferers. You can still eat meat, but not more than one slice (51 grams) a day. Also balance with physical activity, maintain body weight, and not smoke.

4. Foods high in sugar and fat

Some studies suggest that foods high in sugar and fat may increase the risk of diverticulitis. Both can also trigger inflammation in the body, making symptoms worse.

Therefore, people with diverticulitis are advised to limit the following foods:

Junk food
Foods that are fried by the way deep fry
Red meat is high in fat
Milk full-fat and similar products
Refined wheat flour, bread, or pasta

Watch what you consume

In addition to avoiding dietary restrictions, diverticulitis sufferers also need to be careful when taking medication. NSAID Drugs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) especially ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen may cause bleeding in the large intestinal sac

You also need to drink enough water to avoid constipation. When constipated, the stool becomes denser and harder. Stool movement in the large intestine can injure the large intestinal sac, worsening pain and inflammation.

Avoid smoking, do regular physical activity, and keep your body weight to be ideal. These steps are not only useful for relieving the symptoms of diverticulitis, but will also keep your digestive system healthy.