Diverticulosis Symptoms and Foods to avoid with Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis – What is it?

The long tube-like structure that stores and eliminates waste material is referred to as the large intestine (colon). The pressure within the colon increases with age because of which bulging pockets of tissue (sacs) push out of the colon. This small bulging sac is called a diverticulum, with more than one being referred to as diverticula. The term diverticulosis is used to refer to the condition of having diverticula. Diverticulitis is used when a diverticulum becomes infected and ruptures and when the bleeding originates from a diverticulum it is known as diverticular bleeding.

What are the symptoms associated with diverticulosis?

Most of the people who suffer from diverticulosis have a very few symptoms or none at all. Asymptomatic diverticulosis is the term used for people who have no symptoms whereas the term symptomatic diverticulosis is used for the people who experience symptoms. The latter is further categorized into three types – painful diverticulosis, inflammatory diverticulitis and bleeding diverticulosis.

The symptoms of painful diverticulosis are:

• Bloating
• Pain in the abdomen (that usually lessens after passing gas or bowel movement)
• Constipation that is later followed by rounds of diarrhea

The symptoms of inflammatory diverticulitis are:

• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Pain in the abdomen
• Swellling
• Fever

The symptoms of bleeding diverticulosis are:

• An urge for bowel movement
• Stool that is maroon in color and bright red clots
• Mild and sudden cramps

Fainting, thirst and dizziness may accompany loss of blood that takes place within a short amount of time.

Diverticulosis diet – What is it?

A diverticulosis diet is one that is basically rich in fiber. The main purpose of this diet is to reduce the chances of developing diverticulosis. This diet also helps prevent the symptoms of diverticulosis such as abdominal pain.

How do I incorporate high-fiber foods in my diet?

Whole wheat, bran, whole grain cereal, fruits and legumes are the food that possess high fiber content. These foods can be included in your diet by following a few simple steps:

• Twice a week include legumes in your meal. Peas, beans, lentils and soybeans constitute legumes.
• Consume fruits with the skin and the seeds.
• Include vegetables in your snacks and meals.
• Slowly increase the intake of fiber.
• Replace food like rice, pasta and white bread with ones that are made out of whole wheat.
• Have enough fluids along with the rich fiber food.

What are the kinds of food that I should avoid?

A select group of foods that may aggravate the situation are:

• Corn
• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Coconut
• Strawberries
• Coconut

When eaten raw, some items like tomatoes, squash and cucumbers are also seen to cause problems, this goes down a certain degree after they have been cooked.

The Amount of fiber some foods possess

Grains

• Whole-wheat bread
  Each slice contains 1.9 grams
• White rice
  Each cup contains 0.6 grams
• Bran flake cereal
  Each ¾ cup contains 5.3 grams

Vegetables

• Fresh and cooked carrot
  Each ½ a cup contains 2.3 grams
• Fresh and cooked cauliflower
  Each ½ a cup contains 1.7 grams
• A raw tomato contains 1 gram
• Potato fresh and cooked
  Each contains 2.3 grams
• Fresh and cooked broccoli
  Each ½ cup contains 2.6 grams

Fruit

• Raw peach
  Each one contains 1.5 grams
• Raw tangerine
  Each piece contains 1.9 grams