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Kamis, 05 September 2013

Diets for Diverticulitis & Diverticulosis

Diverticula are pouches that form in the digestive tract, typically in the wall of the colon. The presence of these pouches is referred to as diverticulosis. When particles of food become trapped in the diverticula and cause infection or inflammation, it is referred to as diverticulitis, an extremely painful condition. A high-fiber diet containing a minimum of 25 grams of fiber per day, in conjunction with regular exercise, is recommended to prevent the development of this condition.

Clear Liquid Diet

    During a diverticulitis attack, your health care provider will recommend two or three days of clear liquids to give your digestive tract a chance to rest and heal while the diverticulitis is treated. Foods and beverages commonly allowed while on a clear liquid diet include water, ice chips, plain gelatin, tea or coffee (no cream), clear soda and broth. Continuing this clear liquid diet for longer than a few days can lead to unrelated complications due to malnourishment. Call your doctor if you are not able to make the transition to low-fiber foods within two or three days.

Low Residue Diet

    After a few days of feeling better, your doctor will suggest that you reintroduce low-fiber foods. Examples of low-fiber foods include eggs, refined (enriched) white bread, low-fiber cereals, milk, yogurt, cheese, smooth peanut butter, white rice, refined pasta, noodles and macaroni, fruit and vegetable juices, potatoes, green beans, well-cooked vegetables, tender meats, poultry and fish. Foods and beverages with pulp, skins, seeds and nuts are to be avoided. This will give the infection or inflammation a chance to heal. Consume a maximum of 10 grams of fiber during this recovery period that should last about a month.

High-Fiber Diet

    After you have recovered from the diverticulitis and had time to heal, your doctor will recommend you gradually transition to a high-fiber diet. A gradual transition will help you avoid bloating, abdominal discomfort and gas.

    Select foods from both fiber groups: insoluble and water-soluble fibers. Both are beneficial. Insoluble fibers, from the parts of plants that do not dissolve in water, assist with stool bulk through the digestive tract. These types of fibers include whole-grain foods, dark green leafy vegetables, fruit skins, root vegetables, seeds and nuts. Water-soluble fiber, the part of plants that becomes gel-like when mixed with water, prolongs the emptying of the stomach so that foods are absorbed more slowly and cholesterol and glucose levels are not substantially raised. It is found primarily in psyllium husk, oats, beans, flax seed and most fruits and vegetables.

Fiber Supplements

    If you consume five servings of fruits and vegetables along with six servings of whole grain products each day, you are most likely meeting the recommended minimum fiber requirements. Your health care provider may still recommend additional fiber supplements such as Metamucil (psyllium) one to three times per day. Fiber supplements are available in tablet, powder or wafers and should be taken with at least eight ounces of water.

Fluid Intake

    Anyone suffering from diverticulosis should drink a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses of healthy fluids each day, preferably filtered water, when eating a high-fiber diet. By absorbing water to soften stool and add bulk to the colon, you will prevent the development of constipation.

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