Foods for diverticulitis

When a family member starts to 'bawl' in the dead of night for pain in the stomach, you probably wonder what pain could be so excruciating. The pain and discomfort from diverticulitis is a symptom of the disease.

What causes diverticulitis? Diverticular disease is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that particularly affects the colon. The disorder is known for the development of pockets or 'diverticula' within the colon wall. These diverticula tend to develop in the weak areas of the bowel, in particular.

Processed foods

It is believed that low-fibre diets are the main culprits of diverticulitis. The disease rose to greater prominence in the United States and other industrialised countries when processed foods were introduced in the diet of Americans at the expense of fibre-rich diets. Jamaica, following American food consumption practices, is consuming more processed foods, so the incidence of diverticulitis is on the rise in Jamaica.

Interestingly, diverticulitis is rare in Asian and African countries where high-fibre foods are heavily consumed. I remember my first trip to The Gambia in West Africa, I was amazed at the tasty dishes made from cassava, yams, grains and peas and beans.

High fibre

Fibre is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that the body cannot digest. Some fibre, called soluble fibre, dissolves easily in water. It takes on a soft, jelly-like texture in the intestines. Insoluble fibre passes almost unchanged through the intestines. Both kinds of fibre help prevent constipation by making stools soft and easy to pass (www.diverticulitisdiet.net).

Constipation

If you have ever been constipated, you know that you have to strain to pass hard stools. Straining to get the bowel places increased pressure in the colon which may cause the colon to bulge out through the weak spots in the walls of the colon, especially where a large number of bloods vessels penetrate the walls of the bowel. It may also occur in areas that are generally narrower than most others - such as the sigmoid colon. Drinking enough water and other fluids throughout the day will also help prevent constipation.

As people age, they may develop little bulging pouches in the lining of the large intestine. When the diverticula is inflamed by bacteria or stool caught in the diverticula an attack of diverticulitis is likely without warning. When the pouches become inflamed or infected, it leads to a sometimes very painful condition called diverticulitis. In addition to having abdominal pain, people with diverticulitis may experience nausea, vomiting, bloating, fever, constipation, or diarrhoea. Many people are unaware that they have diverticulitis (WebMD)

Diverticulitis may need to be treated with antibiotics, or surgery in severe cases.

Liquid diet

If you are experiencing severe symptoms from diverticulitis, you should have a liquid diet as part of your treatment, which can include:

• Water
• Fruit juices
• Broth
• Icicles

Gradually move back to your regular diet starting with low-fibre foods such as white bread, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products before introducing high-fibre foods.

High-fibre foods soften and add bulk to stools, helping them pass more easily through your colon and reducing pressure in the digestive tract, and help control diverticular symptoms. It is recommended that you try to eat at least 25-35 grams of fibre a day. Drinking enough water and other fluids throughout the day will also help prevent constipation.

Diet

Here are a few fibre-rich foods to include in your diverticulitis meals:

Wholegrain breads, pastas, and cereals

Beans (kidney beans, black beans)

Fresh fruits and prunes

Vegetables (pumpkin, potatoes, peas, spinach)

To help prevent diverticulitis:

Eat a high-fibre diet that is low in fat and red meat.

Drink plenty of water.

Exercise regularly.