Diet Management for Diverticulitis

There are various diseases born out of our ignorance of health. One such disease is called Diverticulitis. This disease directly affects the digestive system of the body. It makes the outer wall of the intestines weak due to which the pouches in the lining of the large intestine become infected or inflamed. It further starts bulging out due to the pressure of the intestinal wall. This is one of the serious and very painful medical conditions.

The root cause of this disease is diverticula, commonly known as pouches. It is caused due to the blockage in the opening of diverticula, which leads to infection and inflammation. Though there are a lot of reasons for this blockage, some of them are consumption of low fiber diet, lack of vitamin D, the destitution of physical exercise, smoking, or age factor. Excessive devour of aspirin, opiates & steroids an also be a reason for blockage in pouches.

The people suffering from this disease can experience nausea, bloating, cramps, vomiting, fever, constipation problem, and diarrhea. The person could also feel unbearable abdominal pain & bloody bowel movement. It also leads to the abscess of the pocket of tissue & fistula of organs.

To relive these mentioned symptoms due to diverticulitis, either the person shall consume only a low fiber diet or shall stick to a liquid diet only. But it is highly recommended by the doctor to consume a liquid diet for diverticulitis, which includes very high consumptions of water & juices. It also includes broth & ice pops.

Low-fiber foods

A low fiber diet is considered as a standard diet for the person suffering from diverticulitis. It prevents to put the pressure on the wall of the colon, unlike the high fiber food, which further becomes heard to pass through the colon. Low fiber food promotes regular bowel movement in the intestine, which makes the stools soft & bulky, hence makes it easier for them to pass through the colon. Since it reduces the frequency of stools, it also leads to the reduction of GI discomfort.

Some of the low fiber food includes vegetables & fruits like potatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, carrots, spinach, low fiber cereals, protein-filled food like eggs or fish. Meat alternatives like almond and coconut can be consumed.

Clear liquid diet

Though a clear liquid diet is recommended by a doctor, it shall be consumed after consulting a doctor for a certain period. Liquid diet hydrates the body and cleans the stomach & intestines. It is a relief to the persons facing diarrhea in diverticulitis. The liquid diet contains minerals & vitamins that help to promote energy in the body. Also, it can pass through the colon without any difficulty or pressure over the walls of the intestine.
The liquid diet majorly includes water & juices. Additionally, it includes consumption of soup, honey, ice pops, ice chips, lemonade, tea, or coffee without milk, gelatin, and electrolyte drinks. Apple & white cranberry juice can be beneficial, but don’t add the pulp.

In addition to proper diet, some other factors can provide aid to this disease too some of them are mentioned below:

Essential oils

Essential oils have become a reliever to every disease in the body. Essential oils are here to stay. Like any other disease, the essential oils can also be beneficial in diverticulitis. It’s antibacterial, antifungal & antiviral properties are a stress reliever & promotes relaxation. It also helps to improve the pain. It helps to relax the intestine and ensure improved digestion in the body.

Some of the most powerful essential oils include peppermint, chamomile, rosemary, clove & cinnamon essential oils. There is a DIY essential oil recipe for diverticulitis that can be very effective in aiding this disease. Take a drop of each mentioned essential oil & blend it with 5ml vegetable carrier oil & gently rub it over the stomach. You can add two drops of rosemary oil too.

Probiotics

Probiotics are a kind of bacteria that benefits the body. Probiotics are commonly present in the digestive tract of the body that helps to keep the body healthy. Since diverticulitis weakens the digestive system of the body, so probiotics are used to consume to reduce the symptom of diverticulitis. Probiotics are easily available in the market in the form of capsule, powder, or in tablet form. But consume it after doctor consultation.

Aloe Vera

Drinking two ounces of aloe Vera in a day can be so beneficial for the person suffering from diverticulitis. It helps to diminish the symptoms of diverticulitis gradually. It is known to be effective in relieving the abdominal & cramp pains. It also prevents constipation.