Diverticulitis Diet Tips

Diverticulitis --- Be a Participant in a Clinical Trial

2010-02-02T22:07:00.000-08:00

I've talked to many people who suffer with diverticulitis. The one thing everyone has in common, is the fact it is very painful when they have an attack.

Each person has their own story on what has helped to resolve their problem. For most, it is only temporary.

There are two places I've in which you can be a participant in a study done my various universities and hospitals.

Check out clinical connections and see if their is a study being done in your area. Another place to check for more studies is clincial trials.gov.

As expensive as health is these days, it would be nice to be a part of a study which is the most up to date research in diverticulitis and have it free as well.

Fiber in Your Diet....How Much Do You Need Daily?

2008-03-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Since my mom was diagnosed with diverticulosis, I've been paying more attention to the amount of fiber in her diet. I can't get her to take Benefiber or any other product of that nature. That leaves me with the task of trying to get her to eat enough fiber. It's rather difficult since she never has an appetite and doesn't eat much. She is more of a snacky type person.

The average American consumes on the average of 12 to 15 grams of fiber. The recommended amount is 20 to 38 grams of fiber per day. You need to increase your fiber gradually. If you try and go from 12 grams of fiber a day to 25 grams, you most likely feel bloated andend up with cramps in your intestinal area.

I've got a lot of good information about fiber from the Kashi website. They cover such topics as fiber, recipes, whole grain foods, protein, and snacking to mention a few. The Kashi cookie and cream bars have 7 grams of fiber each. You can purchase Kashi online. I buy mine at a local store. They are a little pricey. The good news is Kashi has recipes so you can make your own.

On the Kashi website, they have 3 articles about fiber that are very informative.
1. 10 Simple Ways to Increase Fiber in Your Diet
2. Friendly Fiber
3. Tips for Getting More Fiber

This website has helped me to increase my mom's fiber without making drastic changes. It's been quite some time since she's had a diverticulitis attack. Thanks Kashi!!!

Using LifeStep Program To Lose Weight

2008-03-13T04:53:00.000-07:00

The eight week weight loss program I signed up for last Thursday had the first class on nutrition Tuesday. I attended the morning session. The program is called Lifesteps. The licensed dietitian explained that Lifesteps is for people who are ready to change their behaviors so they can lose weight.

Here are questions to ask yourself:

1. Are you ready to make a life-long commitment to healthy, moderate
eating habits and regular exercise?

2. Are you willing to take the weight off slowly?

3. Are you trying to become a slimmer version of yourself?

4. Are you willing to evaluate your attitudes about food, exercise, and weight?

5. Do you have a network of family and friends who will support your
efforts to make lifestyle changes?

6. Will your current circumstances allow you to make behavior change
a high priority in your life?

7. Are you willing to keep a record of your food intake and physical activity?

8. Are you willing to be accountable for your food and exercise choices?

9. Are you ready to target a goal weight that is realistic and healthy for you?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you are ready to make a commitment to lose weight.

We covered the above questions in the class. We watched an out-dated film. It consisted of interviews with men and women who had made lifestyle changes to lose weight and keep it off. Although the clothes and hair-do's were funny, the message they all expresses is as applicable today as it was back then. We have to make changes in our lifestyle in order to lose weight and keep it off.

The class lasted about an hour. Everyone was pumped up when we left and ready to commit to this Lifesteps program. We're going to lose this weight!!
Hip Hip Hoorah!!!

Why We Need Fiber in Our Diet

2008-03-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

Fiber is found in all types of plant based foods. Fiber can't be digested we need it in our diet. Some of the benefits of fiber are:

* Lower Cholesterol
* Reduces risk of heart disease
* Reduces the risk of some cancers
* Helps to keep you regular which helps prevent a diverticulitis
attack

The American Dietetic Association recommends the amount of fiber a person should consume each day is between 20-35 grams. The average American consumes between 12-15grams daily. Asians, on the other hand, consume on an average, three times as much fiber as Americans.

FIBER CONTENT OF VARIOUS FOODS

Food.................................. Amount.......... Fiber(g)

Whole-wheat bread................ 1 slice............. 1.6
Rye bread............................... 1 slice............. 1.0
White bread........................... 1 slice............. 0.6
Brown rice (cooked)................ 1/2 cup.......... 2.4
White rice (cooked)................. 1/2 cup.......... 0.1
Spagetti (cooked).................... 1/2 cup.......... 0.8
Kidney beans (cooked).... 1/2 cup....... 5.8
Lima beans (cooked)....... 1/2 cup....... 4.9
Potato (baked)................ medium ..... 3.8
Apple (with skin).................... medium.......... 2.6
Banana.................................. medium........... 2.0
Orange................................... small.............. 1.2
Strawberries.......................... 3/4 cup........... 2.0
Lettuce.................................. 1/2 cup ........... 0.3

As you can see, beans by far have the most fiber followed closely by corn and the baked potato. I'm going to make a pot of home made vegetable soup and incorporate all the various beans along with the potatoes.

Lycopene, a cancer preventing by-product of the tomato, is not released unless the tomato is cooked. I'm going to be sure and add them as well.

Why Do We Get Diverticulitis When We Get Older?

2008-02-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

It seems our lives are so fast paced we take short-cuts and easy methods when it comes to eating. The increase intake of processed foods has lead to an increase in diverticulitis. We set ourselves up for this starting at a young age. It's much easier to run by a fast food place and grab something than it is to find the time to fix a proper meal. This becomes a way of life for so many people. It is rarely seen in people under the age of 30 but common in people over 60.

People often have this disease but never have any symptoms. Hmmmm....Perhaps that is why it is diagnosed later in life.

It's easy to understand how this happens when we get older. Often times older people end up living alone. Health problems will arise that makes it harder for them to get around thus making them more sedentary. With no one to cook for but themselves, it is often easier to grab something easy (processed foods) and forget about the recommended daily food groups. When we are young, we are too busy to cook properly. When we get old....we have developed such bad eating habits, it's hard to change.

In my mom's case, she loves her powdered donuts every morning. I usually can't get her to eat any lunch.(she's never hungry) There is no way I can't get all the required food groups served to her at supper time. Since she won't take any type of vitamins, I'm supplementing her diet with Ensure. She likes the vanilla flavor. You can download a coupon for a free sample here. I can get her to drink that as a snack during the day and in the evening.

She hasn't had an attack in quite sometime. Along with adding the Ensure to her diet, I've got increased her exercising...nothing strenous or prelonged. We walk around the yard and down the hill to the mail box each day.

We are all different. This is what works for mom. What has helped prevent you from another diverticulitis attack?

Mom Had Another Diverticulitis Attack

2007-11-17T06:36:00.000-08:00

My mom never says anything when she is hurting. I can tell when something isn't right by her mannerisms. She sleeps a lot more than usual. I realized she is taking more pain pills. They always make her sleep. She doesn't want to eat . I notice her sitting in her chair with her legs drawn up. All of these things tell me she's having a direrticulitis attack. She didn't have to go to the hospital this time.

Reasons that brought on this attack:

* eating powdered donuts every morning for breakfast (process food)
* not drinking enough water
* not eating enough fiber
* not eating enough fruit and vegetables
* not enough exercise

Since I haven't had luck getting her to change her habits...I'm working on a compromise. Changes I've made in her diet:

* added a serving of fruit to her breakfast and limited her donuts to
2 days a week.
* introduced oatmeal and farina and a serving of fruit to the
mornings.
* added a serving of jello with fruit to her lunch.
* added a salad to supper every evening.
* added dried fruit to her snacks she eats during the day.
* added a jello with fruit to her evening snack.

She's starting to feel better. So far, she's been receptive to the changes I'm making in her diet. When these have all become a way of life, I'll make more changes. We are walking together down to the mailbox every day. (it's a start)

My mom is almost 80 years old. My goal is to keep her from having these diverticulitis attacks by gradually making diet/exercise changes she will accept. I want her to be healthy and happy.

Continuing this jouney.....one day at a time.

Explanation of Diverticula....Diverticulosis....Diverticulitis

2007-11-12T06:24:00.000-08:00

It is not unusual for people over the age of 55/60 to have diverticula....better known as small bulging pouches. They are usually are located in the digestive tract. This is called diverticulosis. When they become infected or inflamed, it is called diverticulitis.

Diverticula:
* These are the small pouches that develop when weak spots give way to
pressure.
* The pouches are small at first and grow larger over time.

Diverticulosis:
* Normally occur in large intestines.
* Can form anywhere. Includes esphogus, stomach and small intestines.
* These pouches normally don't cause any problems, you won't know you have
them.

Diverticulitis:
* The inflammation or infection of the pouches normally located in large
intestines.
* The pain from an attack normally is severe and comes on quickly. It
normally feels like appendicitis, except the pain is on the left side.
* Sometimes a person will have mild pain which will get worse over time.
* Person may also have abdominal tenderness, fever, nausea, and constipation
or diarrhea.

What Should You Eat With Diverticulitis?

2007-10-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

After having an attack from diverticuitis.....the first question is: What should/shouldn't I eat to prevent another attack. I've ready so much and there are a variety of answers. One person says to avoid seeds and nuts while another will say it's ok to eat them.

The more I read about diverticulosis and diverticulitis, the more I realize, we know are bodies better than anyone. I think it's up to us to decide what works and what doesn't.

Keeping a food journal will help you keep track of your food choices. You need to make sure you writing down when something doesn't agree with you.

My mom eats nuts and seeds and hasn't had a problem since her diagnosis. That one week stay in the hospital was enough for her. She eats more often and smaller amounts is the biggest change I've noticed.

The answer to what we should and shouldn't eat is defined by listening to our bodies. Eating high fiber food is good on any type diet...not just this disease.

Listen to your body and keep your pencil and paper handy. Journalize your food intake. It is a good source for you in deciding what you can and can't eat.

What Are Diverticula?

2007-10-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

Diverticula is the plural for diverticulum. It is a small pouch that protrudes from a weak spot usually in your large intestines (colon). They usually develop near the section of the colon that leads to the rectum where the feces become more solid. This is area is located on the left side of the abdomen.

Diverticula is quite common and as we get older the likelihood of developing this increases. Average Time Line For Developing The Condition:
1. 1 in 20 people in their 40's
2. 1 in 3 people in their 60's
3. 1 in 2 people in their 80's
Men and women are equally affected.

To keep from developing this condition or preventing it from getting worse, a person should eat lots of high fiber foods. Drink plenty of fluids. (8-10 cups of water per day).

Of course, always consult your doctor and follow his recommendations.

These "Golden Years", they keep us busy trying to stay healthy enough to enjoy them.

My Sister ... I Worry About Her

2007-10-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

While my husband and I were gone for a week, my sister flew in to be with my mom. She was here for a few days before and after our trip. She is so so thin. She eats like a bird. She got false teeth about a year ago and they don't fit properly. She says that is part of the reason she just doesn't eat. The stuff she uses to keep them in place dries out her mouth and that also makes it hard for her to eat.

She only goes to the bathroom about every 10 days. She has such a hard time and she is in so much pain for a few days before she goes. I'm afraid she has the signs of having diverticulitis. She is 54 years old so is definetly a likely candidate.

I tried talking with her about the disease and it's symptoms but it fell on deaf ears. All I can do is keep talking to her and hope she'll listen before she ends up in the hospital.

She just doesn't realize diverticulitis can be very serious. I'm two years older, so like older sisters do, I'll keep harping on her until she listens.

Diverticulitis and My Mom

2007-09-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

We've been doing good since she was hospitalized last December. She hasn't had another attack. My husband and I are leaving for a week and my sister flew in to stay with her for the week we are going to be gone.

I've told mom to eat as if I was a mouse in the corner watching. My sister is not knowledgeable of the symptoms or what can cause an attack of diverticulitis or what to do. I'm just hoping mom will eat as she does when my husband and I are home.

Diverticulitis.....How do the Colon Cleansing Products Stand Up

2007-09-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

When you read about products, they call claim to be the best. Whether it's for weight loss, diverticulitis, or acne. This makes it hard to pick which one is REALLY the best. Of course, you can try them all ...but it could get expensive and perhaps all of them don't do what they claim.

I found a site that grades the various colon cleansers. It gives them a grade form A-F. It also gives an explanation on each one. Check it out at this site. Just click on the products listed on the right and each product will show you the grade and explain the product.

Fiber Helps Prevent Developing and Having a Diverticulitis Attack

2007-09-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy today. I got my mom to eat a plum. It's so hard to get her to eat the right foods. She has been doing great and hasn't had another diverticulitis attack.

When I try to get her to eat fruit, she usually says, "Later." I don't like being the wicked witch from the West and keep harping on her so I just let things slide. Today, she agreed right off the bat.

Fiber is in plants and normally not digested or absorbed by the body. There are different types of fibers. They are usually grouped into two different categories. The two types are water soluble and insoluble fibers.

Water soluble fibers normally associated with treatment of diabetes, obesity, and also high cholesterol. Water soluble fibers are found in bran, potatoes, seeds, apples, oranges, and grapefruit to mention a few.

Insoluble fibers hold water which inturn produces a softer, bulkier stool. You can find these types of fiber in wheat or corn brans, nuts, and various fruits and vegetables.

Insoluble fibers have also been shown to help in preventing colon cancer.

The bottom line is.....you need to eat more than meat and potatoes. Keeping yourself regular will help prevent another diverticulitis attack. If you don't already have it, keeping yourself regular will keep you from ever getting diverticular disease.

First Diverticulitis Attack = Hospital

2007-09-17T05:31:00.000-07:00

Approximately 1/3 of people who have their first attack of diverticulitis is hopsitalized. (My mom was in this catergory. She was hospitalized for a week.) Usually they are sick enough to need intravenous antibiotics, and intravenous fluids which will prevent dehydration. A CT scan will show how severe the disease is. (They gave my mom a colonoscopy.)

Needless to say, the severity of the disease will determine the treatment necessary to relieve the symptoms. Small abscesses ranging from 1-2 centimeters usually are treated successfully with antibiotics. Large abscesses may need to be drained or surgically removed.

The Institute of Medicine recommends young adult women consume 25 grams of fiber daily while women over 50 need to consume 21 grams each day. Young adult men need to consume 38 grams of fiber while men over the age of 50, need to consume 30 grams.

Diverticulosis...Is It Hereditary?

2007-09-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

The fact is if you are over 60 there is a good possiblity you'll develop diverticulosis. It's actually a 50-50 chance. (I know how my luck runs) But if you're younger and think you don't have to worry for many years....you better think again. Studies have shown diverticulosis may be partly hereditary. That means it's possible for people in their twenties to be effected with digestive problems just like the older folks.

If you don't have diverticulosis, then you are lucky. If you do have diverticulosis, you need to try and prevent an attack. In both cases with or without diverticulosis, you need to stick to a diet that includes plenty of NATURAL fiber from whole foods.

Diverticulitis has been on the rise because of the increased consumption of processed foods that are a stripped of their natural fiber. Next time you think about having a Twinkie or donut....grab an apple or some grapes instead.
Adding fiber to one's diet is good for you as well as tasting good. It's just a matter of changing your habits.

Changing Mom's Diet Isn't So Easy

2007-09-07T21:22:00.000-07:00

Since mom has been diagnosed with diverticula, I have been trying to change her diet. She was hopitalized the first time for a week and this last time we went to two emergency rooms the same night she was in so much pain.

She eats like a bird. She says she can't eat much for breakfast. One morning I made her bacon, eggs, and toast (high fiber bread), she said her stomach hurt after she ate. She ended up taking a pain pill and layed back in her recliner most of the day(those pills knock her out). That was the last time she let me fix her breakfast.

I had to give in and let her go back to her three little powdered donuts each morning. I tried to get her to take a Benefiber pill each morning. They have a good flavor and are chewable. That didn't work either....she said it filled her up and then she couldn't eat anything.

She is only able to eat small amounts at each meal. She starts hurting if she eats what I consider a "normal" size meal. I try to get her to snack on fruit during the day.

THINGS I HAVE CHANGED/ADDED TO HER DIET:
1. Only use fresh or frozen vegetables (every meal now)
2. Changed to "Ezekiel" bread (found at health food stores) It is a sprouted grain bread and is made without ANY flour. Contains 3% Fiber and no sodium
3. I have added fresh plums, watermelon, nectarines and peaches to her diet

She has also increased the amount of water she drinks every day. I know she still isn't drinking the recommended amount (8-10 glasses), but she's doing better.

It's like anything we do in our life. Change is never easy. Whether is a change in diet to lose weight or a change in diet to prevent another diverticulitis attack.

We're just taking it one day at a time.

Diverticulitis.....Can It Cause Death?

2007-09-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

I always said, "If you don't have your health, you don't have anything." I remember years ago, when I was sitting in the coffee shop in my little town. There was a big table in the center of the resturant which everyone called the "farmer table." It wasn't necessarily farmers that sat there, but it was always men.

The reason that particular day stands out in my mind, there was a rather wealthy (older) real estate man sitting there talk with the group. He said, "I'd give every dollar I have away, if I could just get my health back." (It never happened and he died a few months later)

I'd like to remind everyone not to take their health lightly. Diverticulitis has been known to kill over 3,000 people EVERY year!! Over 10% of Americans over the age of 40 have diverticulitis. As we get older, the condition becomes more common.

Millions of Americans may not even know they have diverticulitis because they chalk it up to indigestion. The American diet is so processed, stripping foods of enzymes and nutrients, that poor eating habits compound the problem.

Other factors that may contribute to the problem are:

1. Gallbladder Disease
2. A family history of the disease
3. Coronary artery disease
4. Obesity

The bottom line is.....go see your doctor if you're not feeling well. It may be more than just a stomach ache.

Diverticulitis......Will You Need Surgery?

2007-09-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

People with diverticulitis are usually hospitalized and treated with intravenous antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Surgery may be come necessary fo people with divertiulitis who do not respond appropriately to the antibiotics. This is about 20% of patients.

When medication fails to clear up the infected area, is the only option. In these cases, the doctor will remove the affected area of the colon and the remaining sections of the colon are joined together.

Signs of the "Golden" Years---Diverticular Disease

2007-09-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

We all look forward to the time we can retire and have time to call our own. With this aging, comes new adventures we must face. One of these being diverticulosis. At least half the population over 65 is thought to have diverticular disease. Many will never know because they don't show symptoms.

It is estimated approximately 25% of sufferers find out the painful way (exactly how my mom found out).

SYMPTOMS OF THIS DISEASE:
1. Severe abdominal pain
2. Intermittent diarrhea and constipation
3. rectal bleeding (if infection sets in)
4. Fever

The symptoms may be severe enough to require hospitalization.(mom was in the
hospital for a week)

Infected Diverticula.....What should you eat?

2007-09-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

If you have infected diverticula, it often needs treatment with antibiotics and pain pills. While clearing up the infection, you should be eating a low-fiber diet.

Things you SHOULD eat while clearing up the infection are:
1. White Rice
2. Pasta
3. White fish
4. Chicken
5. A few cooked fruits and vegetables

STAY AWAY FROM WHOLE GRAINS DURING THIS TIME.

Things you should AVOID while clearing up the infection are:
1. Vegetables and fruit with seeds (tomatoes, courgettes, marrows, grapes)
2. Gas-inducing vegetables (brussels sprouts, cabbages, beans/lentils)

Once the infection is cleared up....slowly build up the fiber in your diet.

Diverticulosis Diet is Different from Other Diets

2007-09-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

There are so many diets to chose from today. I think most of us are aware of all the diets out there for weight loss. It s multi-billion dollar business. You just don't hear much about diets designed for example: diverticulistis, kidney stones, and liver disease.

The diverticulitis diet is all about fiber. This is a HIGH fiber diet. A regular diet should also be high in fiber. The typical American eats far less fiber than is recommended.

The goal of a diverticulosis diet is to increase the amount of fiber in your diet. On an average, the normal American consumes 12-15 grams of fiber in a day. The medical field recommends 20 to 35 grams of dietary fiber each day.

Increasing fiber in your diet should be gradual. Figure out how many grams you have been eating per day and increase from there. So this is going to be an individual change in fiber intake. If you increase your fiber intake too quickly, it can cause abdominal gas as well as diarrhea.

The benefits of increase fiber in your diet are:
1. help food move through intestines easier
2. allow normal bowel movements
3. reduce abdominal pain
Remember to drink plenty of water, as it helps food pass through the intestines as well. Our bodies are made up of 70% water. It only makes sense we need to drink plenty every day. The average amount of water should be 8-10 glasses per day.

Diverticulitis Diet Is Being Introduced In My Household

2007-08-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start a site on diverticulitis. My mom, who lives with us, has recently been diagnosed with this disease. There is NO cure.

As I read the various studies...I see controversy. One thing they all agree on, is the fact that low fiber in a person's diet is the main culprit in developing this disease.

My mom likes to eat too many processed foods. Such as: each morning she has powdered donuts. She eats no lunch but snacks on candy and chips. For supper, she prefers things like hot dogs, and grilled cheese sandwiches.

I've told her were are going to have to change her eating habits. With this site, I will be sharing my mom's story. I am also going to share various foods that are acceptable on a diverticulitis diet. I will also share various research I do, doing comparisons. I will also show different studies done on diverticulitis...showing how they are alike and different in their results.

Perhaps a diverticulitis diet will help me lose weight. (Fingers Crossed)