Diet gun

Diverticular disease of the colon is a small sac-like protrusion that forms at points of weakness in the wall of the colon.

They usually occur in older people, and are mainly caused by increased pressure in the intestinal lumen.

The factors that are responsible for the formation of diverticula are usually aging, obesity, a diet low in fiber, and lack of exercise.

Approximately 50% of the population over 50 years of age have diverticula. Most people who have diverticulitis are asymptomatic and only 20% of them will develop symptoms.

Inflammation of the diverticula results in diverticulitis, which is the existence of acute or chronic inflammation of the diverticula.

Diet and diverticular disease

The rise in diverticular disease began to appear in the 1930s, mainly due to changes in dietary habits with the production of white flour and later with the freezing and canning of products, which essentially increased the consumption of protein and fat with a corresponding decrease in the intake of fiber. The increase in refined sugar also plays an important role in these dietary changes that were made.

Fiber increases the volume of feces, also reduces their transit time in the intestine, resulting in reducing pressure in the intestinal lumen.

Fiber is divided into soluble and insoluble.

Soluble fiber helps the function of the colon, as it is fermented by bacteria, producing gases, thus helping in intestinal movement.

Insoluble fiber absorbs water, increasing the volume of stool, thus significantly facilitating its elimination.

Both types of fiber are needed in a balanced diet to avoid the formation of diverticula or to avoid the formation of inflammation of already existing diverticula.

Foods rich in fibers
A diet rich in plant fibers should contain the following:

Vegetables:

Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, spinach

Starchy vegetables:

Peas

Fruits:

Avocado, kiwi, pear, apple, orange, figs

Legumes:

Chickpeas, lentils, beans

Whole grains:

Oats, barley, quinoa, bulgur, whole grain bread

Nuts:

Almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts

Seeds:

Sunflower seeds, flax seeds, chia

In cases of acute diverticulitis, a low-fiber diet for a few days is recommended along with drug therapy in order to rest the colon.

This diet usually includes mainly meat broth, fruit juices without fiber, jelly, tea or coffee without milk, rice, potatoes and later as there is improvement we can include lean meat, egg, white bread, yogurt, cheese, bananas, peach compote.