What Is Diverticulitis?
As we age, it is common for the digestive tract, particularly the lower part of the large intestine, or colon, to form small, bulging pouches in its lining, called diverticula. The pouches form in naturally weak spots in the lining when they give way under pressure, forming marble-sized pockets that protrude through the colon wall. When these pouches form, it’s a condition called diverticulosis, and, in most cases, it is asymptomatic and does not lead to problems.
This condition is so common that experts say more than half of Americans over the age of 60 have developed diverticula. Most adults who have them won’t even realize that they are present. The only indications typically are some bloating or cramping in the lower abdomen, potentially accompanied by some blood in the stool that may or may not be noticeable.
The exact cause of this condition is not known, but it is believed that diet plays a significant role in the creation of these pouches. Diets high in animal fats and processed foods and low in fiber cause the body to form hard stools or suffer constipation. These factors force people to strain to pass stools, putting pressure on the colon and intestines.
Once the pouches have formed, this type of strain may cause one or more of the pouches to tear, and small pieces of feces become trapped in the pouches, causing infection, inflammation or both. This infection or inflammation is called diverticulitis. Symptom onset is typically rapid and severe, causing sufferers extreme abdominal pain, fever, nausea and a marked change in bowel movements. Treatment for this condition varies depending on the severity of the case -- ranging from antibiotic treatment to surgery to remove the affected tissues.
The Diet Factor
Once diverticula have formed, a person is more at risk for developing an infection, so diet changes can help prevent the condition from developing and prevent future outbreaks. Roughly 75 percent of people who develop diverticulitis can manage their symptoms with rest, dietary changes and antibiotics, and these changes can help prevent future flare-ups of the disease. There are many dietary items that should be introduced to ease diverticulitis symptoms.
Specifically, a person who has these pouches will want to build up to regular levels of fiber in his or her daily dietary intake -- roughly 25 to 30 grams. Because the rapid introduction of fiber can lead to gas and bloating, it’s important that this lifestyle change happens gradually.
Probiotics are also important for diverticulitis sufferers, as they increase the levels of healthy bacteria in the gut, which have been found to be significantly lower in patients with this condition. L. acidophilus is one of the most common probiotics and can be found in many food products or as supplements in health food stores.
There are also several foods that doctors advise their patients to avoid because they can aggravate their diverticulitis. Among these foods:
Sugars (Even Natural Sugars)
Sugary foods and sodas should be avoided altogether by patients suffering from diverticulitis. These foods can cause gas and bloating, which can further aggravate symptoms. They can, along with yeast, encourage the growth of unhealthy digestive bacteria, which can lead to a bowel infection or encourage infection in the tears that form in the diverticula.
Dairy Products
If you have diverticulitis, you should avoid whole milk, non-dairy creamers and whipped cream because it contains coconut or palm oils. Diverticulitis patients can consume skim milk and low-fat yogurt, but should limit their use of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, butter, cottage cheese and margarine. While most dairy products are easily digested and can be tolerated well, even in people with this condition, it’s important to discuss your dietary limitations with your doctor and come up with a personalized plan that outlines how much dairy you can or should consume.
Nuts, Seeds and Skins
Foods that contain nuts, seeds, and tough skins can irritate a person’s digestive tract and may cause a flare-up of diverticulitis. Just like many nuts should be avoided, so too should sesame seeds, corn, popcorn and many raw fruits and vegetable skins, because they can irritate the digestive tract. Baked potatoes are acceptable if the skin is removed, but fried potatoes should be avoided.
Gassy Fruits and Vegetables or Those with Tiny Particles
Vegetables and fruits that contain tiny particles, such as seeds, can become lodged in the diverticula and cause inflammation. Examples of these fruits and vegetables include:
· strawberries
· blackberries
· kiwi
· cucumber
· tomatoes
· peppers (including green and red peppers)
· eggplant
· okra
Gassy vegetables can stimulate the digestive tract and increase discomfort. You should avoid eating these gassy vegetables, including beets, beans, carrots, broccoli, squash, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and Swiss chard.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can irritate the digestive tract, and should be avoided by patients suffering from digestive problems, such as diverticulitis. If alcohol is consumed on special occasions, it should be done in moderation to avoid triggering a flare-up. You should have a discussion with your doctor to be sure that drinking is acceptable given your individual condition and symptoms.
As with all chronic conditions, it’s important that you discuss with your doctor a roadmap to managing your unique condition and controlling your specific symptoms. An improved diet, along with regular exercise and weight management, if needed, can help ease your diverticulitis symptoms, prevent future flare-ups, and help you avoid invasive treatments for your condition. You can also try several natural remedies, including acupuncture, to ease your symptoms and manage your condition.