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Diverticulitis is inflammation of an abnormal pouch (diverticulum) in the intestinal wall. These pouches are usually found in the large intestine (colon). The presence of the pouches themselves is called diverticulosis.

If you're older than forty, it's common for you to have diverticulosis - small, bulging pouches (diverticula) in your digestive tract. In America, more than fifty percent of people older than sixty have diverticulitis.

Diverticula usually develop when naturally weak places in your colon give way under pressure. This causes marble-sized pouches to protrude through the colon wall.
Doctors aren't sure what causes diverticulitis. But they think that a low-fiber diet may play a role. Without fiber to add bulk to the stool, the colon has to work harder than normal to push the stool forward. The pressure from this may cause pouches to form in weak spots along the colon.
Another possible cause is the introduction of low-fiber processed foods. This disease is extremely rare in Africa, where people eat high-fiber diets.
Many people, including doctors, tell patients with a history of diverticulitis to avoid nuts and seeds in the diet. However, there is no evidence that this is helpful to prevent the disease.
Experts believed that these little pesky particles could lodge in the diverticula and cause inflammation known as diverticulitis. It is now believed that only foods that may irritate or get caught in the diverticula cause problems. But there is no real scientific evidence that seeds, nuts or popcorn kernels cause diverticulitis. In fact, eating a high-fiber diet which may include seeds and nuts reduces the risk of diverticulitis.

A low residue Diverticulitis Diet is recommended during the bad periods of diverticulitis to decrease bowel volume so that the infection can heal. An intake of less than ten grams of fiber per day is generally considered a low residue Diverticulitis Diet. If you have been on a low-residue diet for an extended period of time, your physician may recommend a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. You may be able to prevent diverticulitis if you drink plenty of water, get regular exercise, and eat a high-fiber diet. A high-fiber diet includes whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

Once your symptoms improve, start to add about 5 to 15 grams of fiber a day to allow your digestive system to adjust to the higher fiber intake.

Although there is much conflicting information, even in the medical world, about what constitutes a good Diverticulitis Diet, the basic principle of healthy eating remains the same. Many folks have zero symptoms and only find out that they have Diverticulosis when they've had a colonoscopy performed. If you fall into this category, the guidelines suggest that you start on a high fiber and high fluids diet asap. You should also avoid constipation as well.

Many people don't realize the harm that a low fiber diet can do to you, and the Diverticulitis Diet is really a necessity to everyone, not just those with the disease. Even if you do have diverticulitis, the Diverticulitis Diet will help you get your bodies nutrients on track and allow you to be healthy again. We must remember to keep high-fiber healthy diets to allow ourselves the nutrition we need to support our bodies and allow for proper nutrition.

If your symptoms are mild, a liquid or low-fiber diet and antibiotics may be all you need. A high-fiber diet is very important in preventing future diverticulitis attacks. As you increase your fiber intake, increase your water intake too.

Labels: Diverticulitis