Diverticulitis Diet Treatment

Diverticulitis is a very common digestive disease in the colon (large intestine). Several people have pouches in their colon that bulge outward. Each of these pouches, known as a diverticulum are formed due to the weakening of the colon. When one eats unhealthy food, the digestive system is unable to break it for digestion. This results in a problem during the passing of stool. One has to apply pressure, which makes the colon weak. After a prolonged period of time, the colon weakens at certain places, causing these pouches to form. The condition of having these diverticula is termed as diverticulosis. The symptoms of diverticulitis could be any of the following: Abdominal pain and tenderness to pressure in the lower abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, cramping, change in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation and rectal bleeding.

This condition is also thought to occur due to muscle spasms or also due to muscles that do not contract in a synchronized fashion. As a result, there is great pressure exerted on the mucosal layer, thus causing pressure at the weaker points. The weaker points are areas around the blood vessels that pass through the inner wall of the large intestine or colon.

To cure diverticulitis one needs to stop the intake of all sorts of processed and junk food. Low fiber or liquid foods are recommended when you are suffering from diverticulosis. This is primarily done to reduce the amount of food that is passing through your colon, thus giving it the rest that it requires. It is very important to let your colon rest for a few days and then consume food rich in fiber. Exercising daily is also helpful. The following food types are suggested for people who have this condition: Grain products – white rice, refined pasta and noodles, buns, English muffins, cereals such as cornflakes, refined white bread, biscuits, crackers and arrowroot cookies. Try to avoid foods with whole grains. Juices- fruit and vegetable juices will also help to a large extent (with the exception of prune juice). Meat and protein – always ensure that the meat is well cooked, fish, eggs and dairy (as instructed by your physician). You should also avoid popcorn hulls, nuts and seeds, particularly sesame, caraway, pumpkin and sunflower. This is simply because they can irritate or even get lodged in the diverticula. Maintain a healthy diet as it will help avoid the disease in the future and thus curing it for good.