Diverticulitis is a serious health condition that affects the lining of the large intestine. The condition happens when pouches or diverticula occurs in the lining of the intestinal wall and become inflamed or infected. Although these pouches can exist in the intestinal lining and may not affect the patient, if it becomes inflamed or infected it might tear and cause health problems.
Prevention
In some cases, physicians may recommend a change in one's diet to lessen the stress in the intestinal lining. Changing to a high fiber diet can help prevent diverticulitis and improve the symptoms that patients may experience.
In a high fiber diet, it is recommended that patients increase their fiber intake to at least five portions of fruits, vegetables and whole grain a day based on the patient's height and weight. Switching to a high fiber diet should be done in a gradual manner to prevent any side effects such as feeling of bloating and flatulence.
Types of Fibre Rich Food
Good sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, nuts, starchy food as well as cereals. Intake of fresh fruit is recommended as some canned produce might be high in sugar and other artificial sweeteners. Fruits that are high in fiber include avocado, bananas, raspberries, oranges and apples. Dried fruits may also be included such as prunes or apricots but one must check for additives or sweeteners that may cause an increase in blood sugar.
Fresh vegetables that are high in fibre should also be included in the diet. Brussel sprouts contain 2.5g of fibre (8 pieces), carrots contains 2g fibre (3 tbsp.). Aside from these vegetables, other vegetables such as peas, red kidney beans and spring greens are excellent sources of fibre.
Almond nuts, mixed nuts, peanuts and Brazilian nuts are also excellent sources of fibre and eating a few of them can give one 1.6g to 2.4g of fibre. Although eating nuts are good for the digestion, it is important not to overeat especially for individuals who are not accustomed to eating plenty of fiber. Too much consumption of nuts can cause bloating, flatulence and even diarrhea.
For people who are into cereals, opt for healthy breakfast cereals such as porridge, bran flakes, all-bran, shredded wheat or muesli. A medium-sized bowl contains 2.3g to 3.9g of fibre. Starchy food including pita breads, naan, brown rice, pasta or crisp bread may also be included in the diet as they are rich in fibre content.
The information provided is for information purposes only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention
In some cases, physicians may recommend a change in one's diet to lessen the stress in the intestinal lining. Changing to a high fiber diet can help prevent diverticulitis and improve the symptoms that patients may experience.
In a high fiber diet, it is recommended that patients increase their fiber intake to at least five portions of fruits, vegetables and whole grain a day based on the patient's height and weight. Switching to a high fiber diet should be done in a gradual manner to prevent any side effects such as feeling of bloating and flatulence.
Types of Fibre Rich Food
Good sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, nuts, starchy food as well as cereals. Intake of fresh fruit is recommended as some canned produce might be high in sugar and other artificial sweeteners. Fruits that are high in fiber include avocado, bananas, raspberries, oranges and apples. Dried fruits may also be included such as prunes or apricots but one must check for additives or sweeteners that may cause an increase in blood sugar.
Fresh vegetables that are high in fibre should also be included in the diet. Brussel sprouts contain 2.5g of fibre (8 pieces), carrots contains 2g fibre (3 tbsp.). Aside from these vegetables, other vegetables such as peas, red kidney beans and spring greens are excellent sources of fibre.
Almond nuts, mixed nuts, peanuts and Brazilian nuts are also excellent sources of fibre and eating a few of them can give one 1.6g to 2.4g of fibre. Although eating nuts are good for the digestion, it is important not to overeat especially for individuals who are not accustomed to eating plenty of fiber. Too much consumption of nuts can cause bloating, flatulence and even diarrhea.
For people who are into cereals, opt for healthy breakfast cereals such as porridge, bran flakes, all-bran, shredded wheat or muesli. A medium-sized bowl contains 2.3g to 3.9g of fibre. Starchy food including pita breads, naan, brown rice, pasta or crisp bread may also be included in the diet as they are rich in fibre content.
The information provided is for information purposes only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.