What are diverticula?
As humans age, they often develop increased pressure in the colon. This pressure is often caused by increasing episodes of constipation. As pressure is applied to the colon, over time, small pockets of tissue or pockets develop outward from the wall of the colon. These bags are called diverticula. The singular is diverticulum.
Diverticula occur most often in the lower third of the colon, in the area known as the sigmoid colon.
There is no known specific biological purpose for diverticula. They are simply an abnormality that occurs with age and increased colonic pressure. The biological reason for the development of diverticula is simply the weakening of the colon as a person ages.
The development of diverticula in the colon is known as “diverticulosis.” When they become inflamed, the condition is called “diverticulitis.”
What Causes Inflammation of the Diverticula?
When small particles of hard-to-digest food get caught in the diverticula, they tend to rub against the walls of the colon and develop a very small lesion or ulcer. This small ulcer becomes inflamed and can often react unfavorably to bacteria, which are highly populated in this area.
Once the bacteria enter the scene, the diverticula become very inflamed, swollen, and painful. When inflammation occurs, the next step is rupture. If a diverticulum ruptures, the result can be peritonitis or an infection of the inner intestine, causing severe abdominal pain and tenderness, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea, as well as some other serious symptoms.
The end result of this diverticulitis is usually a serious surgical intervention. This surgery, called a “colon resection,” is the actual “cut” of the affected diverticula. Once this surgery has been performed, it is essential that the patient avoid further episodes, since the next step is usually the application of a colostomy or the removal of a large part of the colon and the production of an abdominal “stoma” or a hole in the intestine. from where defecation occurs.
The most effective and widely used preventive treatment for diverticulitis is the diverticulitis diet.
What is a diverticulitis diet?
A diverticulitis diet is simply one that seeks to accomplish two tasks:
1) Avoid the additional introduction of foods that have small and difficult to digest particles, such as fibrous fruits or vegetables.
2) It reduces the pressure on the intestine and allows the colon to rest as much as possible.
What are the most common diets for diverticulitis?
The most common diet used during acute episodes of the disease is what is known as a “low residue” diet. With this type of diet, fiber is reduced as much as possible because fiber particles can enter the diverticula and cause additional inflammation. The elimination of fiber allows the intestine to flow and rest. Rest because fiber makes the intestine move. Without a lot of fiber, the colon tends to have less peristaltic action, which is the undulating motion that causes stool to move throughout the colon. Lack of peristaltic action, unfortunately, often leads to constipation, so special types of laxatives, called osmotic laxatives, must be used. Most laxatives are bulk laxatives and use fibrous products to make the intestine move.
Osmotic laxatives, on the other hand, work by drawing large amounts of fluids into the colon. When this occurs, the accumulation of all this fluid in the intestine leads to the evacuation of intestinal contents.
With a “low residue” diet certain fruits and vegetables are allowed because their structure is such that very low fiber conditions occur. Some allowed vegetables include carrots, green beans, yellow beans, lettuce, cucumber, cabbage, and cauliflower. Also roasted potatoes without skin can be eaten effectively.
Some allowed fruits include bananas, cantaloupe, grapes, peaches, and watermelon.
Corn, prunes, cherries, lima beans, red beans, or nuts of any kind are strictly prohibited, as are products such as popcorn.
A “low residue” diet is not easy to prepare or tolerate at all times. However, it is necessary to avoid an exacerbation of diverticulitis. It is also the most common diet for treating diverticulitis.
Another diet that is gaining popularity is the “food combination” diet. This diet should be used after the symptoms have dissipated and the intestine is almost normal; however, it can also be used to ease symptoms if followed very strictly.
The “food combination” diet allows a person to eat almost any food they like to eat. The difference is that these foods must be eaten in very specific combinations.
Here’s how this works in the gut:
The stomach and intestines can digest “almost” any type of food as long as it has the right pH to do so. When the pH is balanced as it should, the right enzymes, acids, alkalis, and digestive juices are introduced at the right times. Therefore, the efficiency of the digestive system is maximum and most food can be digested.
There are still some foods that just don’t break down well in any human digestive system, so those particular foods are avoided at all costs.
The whole secret is in determining which particular foods work best when combined correctly. This is not difficult. It simply requires a proper information table. Once a person understands how these food combinations work and uses this diet, they often find that diverticulitis symptoms can be avoided as long as they stick to the diet.
They also find that they can eat most of the foods they love as long as they stick to a certain combination of food mixes.
Both diets are very effective if the patient follows them and continues to meet the standards and requirements.
A decent diet for diverticulitis can make the difference between a really horrible digestive experience or an almost normal epicurean life.
