Diverticulosis diet:
Foods such as nuts, popcorn hulls, and sunflower, pumpkin, caraway, and sesame seeds should be avoided.
People differ in the amounts and types of foods they can eat. Decisions about diet should be made based on what works best for each person.
Scan food labels for bread and cereal products listing whole grain or whole wheat as the first ingredient.
Look for cooked and ready to eat cereals with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.
Eat raw fruits and vegetables; they have more fiber than cooked or canned foods, or juice. Dried fruits (especially dried figs) are also good sources of fiber.
Increase fiber in meat dishes by adding pinto beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, bran, or oatmeal.
Try adding 2-3 tsp. of unprocessed wheat bran to foods such as meatloaf, casseroles, homemade breads, muffins and other baked goods.
Dairy foods provide little fiber. Increase fiber by adding fresh fruit, whole grain or bran cereals to yogurt or cottage cheese.
Chopping, peeling, cooking, pureeing, and processing may reduce fiber content
Substitute oat bran for one third of all-purpose flour in baked goods recipes.
Best to eat a variety of foods and not to rely on a fiber supplement
Do it gradually—rapid fiber increase may result in gas, cramping, bloating, or diarrhea.
Drink plenty of fluids - A high-fiber diet requires lots of liquids. Fiber acts as a sponge in your large intestine - if you don't drink enough, you could become constipated. Try for at least 6 cups daily.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Acute diverticulitis occurring more frequently in younger patients in urban U.S. populations
Acute diverticulitis, a disease in which pouches called diverticula protrude through weak spots in the colon and become inflamed, is more widespread among younger U.S. urban populations than is currently believed, says a new study by researchers from the University of Maryland in Baltimore.
The study, conducted by Eram Zaidi, MD, and Barry Daly, MD, evaluated the records of 100 patients diagnosed with acute diverticulitis within a recent four-year period, 77 of whom had severe enough diverticulitis to warrant hospital admission. Fifty of the patients in the study were between the ages of 20 and 50, with 19 of those patients being younger than 40 years old, and fifty were over the age of 50. The results showed that the disease occurred just as often in the younger age bracket as in the older patients, with the disease frequently being severe in both age groups.
According to Dr. Daly, the results were surprising in light of what is commonly understood about this disease. "Traditionally, acute diverticulosis has been considered a disease of the over 50 year age group. Many radiologists and other physicians do not recognize that acute diverticulitis is now a disease that may occur at any age in adult life and do not consider it as a possible cause when younger adults present with abdominal pain."
The cause of this trend is currently under study. "We are examining the relationship between acute diverticulitis and overweight body habitus, as there appears to be a strong association between the rising incidence of acute diverticulitis in younger adults and the evolving obesity epidemic in this country," said Dr. Daly.
According to the study, the disease may likely become an even greater health problem in the U.S. "The results of this study may help change the perception that acute diverticulitis is a disease that only affects those over 50, and also highlight the value of CT in making this diagnosis. Acute diverticulitis is already a common disease and may become an even greater health problem if patients start to develop it at an earlier age--recurrent attacks and need for surgical resection of the colon are more likely to occur," said Dr. Daly.
This article is a reprint of http://psychcentral.com/news/archives/2004-05/arrs-ado042804.html The time or date displayed reflects when an article was added to Google News
The study, conducted by Eram Zaidi, MD, and Barry Daly, MD, evaluated the records of 100 patients diagnosed with acute diverticulitis within a recent four-year period, 77 of whom had severe enough diverticulitis to warrant hospital admission. Fifty of the patients in the study were between the ages of 20 and 50, with 19 of those patients being younger than 40 years old, and fifty were over the age of 50. The results showed that the disease occurred just as often in the younger age bracket as in the older patients, with the disease frequently being severe in both age groups.
According to Dr. Daly, the results were surprising in light of what is commonly understood about this disease. "Traditionally, acute diverticulosis has been considered a disease of the over 50 year age group. Many radiologists and other physicians do not recognize that acute diverticulitis is now a disease that may occur at any age in adult life and do not consider it as a possible cause when younger adults present with abdominal pain."
The cause of this trend is currently under study. "We are examining the relationship between acute diverticulitis and overweight body habitus, as there appears to be a strong association between the rising incidence of acute diverticulitis in younger adults and the evolving obesity epidemic in this country," said Dr. Daly.
According to the study, the disease may likely become an even greater health problem in the U.S. "The results of this study may help change the perception that acute diverticulitis is a disease that only affects those over 50, and also highlight the value of CT in making this diagnosis. Acute diverticulitis is already a common disease and may become an even greater health problem if patients start to develop it at an earlier age--recurrent attacks and need for surgical resection of the colon are more likely to occur," said Dr. Daly.
This article is a reprint of http://psychcentral.com/news/archives/2004-05/arrs-ado042804.html The time or date displayed reflects when an article was added to Google News
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Diverticulosis
Diverticulitis occurs when small, bulging pockets - or diverticula - occur within the colon and become infected. In most cases a slight or micro-perforation occurs.
Diverticulosis, the presence of the pocket without infection, is very common as we grow older. Nearly half of Americans over 50 will have diverticulosis, and many will have no symptoms at all. They often will be diagnosed at the time of their screening colonoscopy.
The longer a person has the pouches, the greater the chance of getting them infected and hence, being diagnosed with diverticulitis. Some cases are attributed to low-fiber diet and/or constipation. Rich fiber diet and prompt medical evaluations are recommended mainstays for prevention and treatment, respectively.
The mere presence of diverticulosis usually will not cause significant symptoms. However, when an infection does occur severe abdominal pain is common, usually in the left lower abdomen. Fever, tenderness and altered bowel habits are common with diverticulitis.
During the acute infection, a low-fiber diet is best to limit the amount of food intake that might remain in the intestinal tract undigested.
Complications of diverticulitis can greatly increase the mortality of the disease. When perforation is not contained, peritonitis will occur and emergency surgery is necessary. The mortality rate soars above 35 percent in this scenario. Abscesses, septic shock, multisystem failure and bowel obstruction can also complicate the condition. Fistulous tracts can arise between intestines or other organs including the bladder, vagina and skin. Bleeding from diverticulosis can cause massive blood losses.
Diverticulosis, the presence of the pocket without infection, is very common as we grow older. Nearly half of Americans over 50 will have diverticulosis, and many will have no symptoms at all. They often will be diagnosed at the time of their screening colonoscopy.
The longer a person has the pouches, the greater the chance of getting them infected and hence, being diagnosed with diverticulitis. Some cases are attributed to low-fiber diet and/or constipation. Rich fiber diet and prompt medical evaluations are recommended mainstays for prevention and treatment, respectively.
The mere presence of diverticulosis usually will not cause significant symptoms. However, when an infection does occur severe abdominal pain is common, usually in the left lower abdomen. Fever, tenderness and altered bowel habits are common with diverticulitis.
During the acute infection, a low-fiber diet is best to limit the amount of food intake that might remain in the intestinal tract undigested.
Complications of diverticulitis can greatly increase the mortality of the disease. When perforation is not contained, peritonitis will occur and emergency surgery is necessary. The mortality rate soars above 35 percent in this scenario. Abscesses, septic shock, multisystem failure and bowel obstruction can also complicate the condition. Fistulous tracts can arise between intestines or other organs including the bladder, vagina and skin. Bleeding from diverticulosis can cause massive blood losses.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Diverticulitis
Labels: aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides, AMP, Diverticulitis, diverticulitis treatment, diverticulosis, Serovera
Diverticulitis treatment focuses on clearing up the inflammation and infection, resting the colon, and preventing or minimizing complications.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, the doctor may recommend bed rest, oral antibiotics, a pain reliever, and a liquid diet. If symptoms ease after a few days, the doctor will recommend gradually increasing the amount of high-fiber foods in the diet.
Severe cases of diverticulitis with acute pain and complications will likely require a hospital stay. Most cases of severe diverticulitis are treated with IV antibiotics and a few days without food or drink to help the colon rest. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides can be used to help treat diverticulitis and diverticulosis. Aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides are long-chain sugar molecules composed of individual mannose and glucose sugar molecules connected together — which have been attributed to subduing and reducing symptoms associated with diverticulitis.
The AMP molecule is extracted from the aloe plant in a controlled environment. To get the highest refinement of AMP, lyophilization must be used to preserve the varying sizes of molecules that contain these potent healing properties. Unfortunately, there are few manufacturers that offer the freeze-dried extracted form of AMP as it is expensive to manufacture. To learn more about lyophilization, read this article: Processing of Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides.
SEROVERA® AMP 500 is currently the only vendor of freeze-dried AMP.
www.serovera.com/
Depending on the severity of symptoms, the doctor may recommend bed rest, oral antibiotics, a pain reliever, and a liquid diet. If symptoms ease after a few days, the doctor will recommend gradually increasing the amount of high-fiber foods in the diet.
Severe cases of diverticulitis with acute pain and complications will likely require a hospital stay. Most cases of severe diverticulitis are treated with IV antibiotics and a few days without food or drink to help the colon rest. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides can be used to help treat diverticulitis and diverticulosis. Aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides are long-chain sugar molecules composed of individual mannose and glucose sugar molecules connected together — which have been attributed to subduing and reducing symptoms associated with diverticulitis.
The AMP molecule is extracted from the aloe plant in a controlled environment. To get the highest refinement of AMP, lyophilization must be used to preserve the varying sizes of molecules that contain these potent healing properties. Unfortunately, there are few manufacturers that offer the freeze-dried extracted form of AMP as it is expensive to manufacture. To learn more about lyophilization, read this article: Processing of Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides.
SEROVERA® AMP 500 is currently the only vendor of freeze-dried AMP.
www.serovera.com/
Thursday, October 15, 2009
What are the complications of diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis can lead to bleeding; infections; small tears, called perforations; or blockages in the colon. These complications always require treatment to prevent them from progressing and causing serious illness.
Bleeding
Rectal bleeding from diverticula is a rare complication. Doctors believe the bleeding is caused by a small blood vessel in a diverticulum that weakens and then bursts. When diverticula bleed, blood may appear in the toilet or in the stool. Bleeding can be severe, but it may stop by itself and not require treatment. A person who has bleeding from the rectum—even a small amount—should see a doctor right away. Often, colonoscopy is used to identify the site of bleeding and stop the bleeding. Sometimes the doctor injects dye into an artery—a procedure called angiography—to identify and treat diverticular bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop, surgery may be necessary to remove the involved portion of the colon.
Abscess, Perforation, and Peritonitis
Diverticulitis may lead to infection, which often clears up after a few days of treatment with antibiotics. If the infection gets worse, an abscess may form in the wall of the colon.
An abscess is a localized collection of pus that may cause swelling and destroy tissue. If the abscess is small and remains in the wall of the colon, it may clear up after treatment with antibiotics. If the abscess does not clear up with antibiotics, the doctor may need to drain it using a catheter—a small tube—placed into the abscess through the skin. After giving the patient numbing medicine, the doctor inserts the needle through the skin until reaching the abscess and then drains the fluid through the catheter. This process may be guided by sonography or x ray.
Infected diverticula may develop perforations. Sometimes the perforations leak pus out of the colon and form a large abscess in the abdominal cavity, a condition called peritonitis. A person with peritonitis may be extremely ill with nausea, vomiting, fever, and severe abdominal tenderness. The condition requires immediate surgery to clean the abdominal cavity and remove the damaged part of the colon. Without prompt treatment, peritonitis can be fatal.
Fistula
A fistula is an abnormal connection of tissue between two organs or between an organ and the skin. When damaged tissues come into contact with each other during infection, they sometimes stick together. If they heal that way, a fistula may form. When diverticulitis-related infection spreads outside the colon, the colon’s tissue may stick to nearby tissues. The organs usually involved are the bladder, small intestine, and skin.
The most common type of fistula occurs between the bladder and the colon. This type of fistula affects men more often than women. It can result in a severe, long-lasting infection of the urinary tract. The problem can be corrected with surgery to remove the fistula and the affected part of the colon.
Intestinal Obstruction
Scarring caused by infection may lead to partial or total blockage of the intestine, called intestinal obstruction. When the intestine is blocked, the colon is unable to move bowel contents normally. If the intestine is completely blocked, emergency surgery is necessary. Partial blockage is not an emergency, so the surgery to correct it can be planned.
Bleeding
Rectal bleeding from diverticula is a rare complication. Doctors believe the bleeding is caused by a small blood vessel in a diverticulum that weakens and then bursts. When diverticula bleed, blood may appear in the toilet or in the stool. Bleeding can be severe, but it may stop by itself and not require treatment. A person who has bleeding from the rectum—even a small amount—should see a doctor right away. Often, colonoscopy is used to identify the site of bleeding and stop the bleeding. Sometimes the doctor injects dye into an artery—a procedure called angiography—to identify and treat diverticular bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop, surgery may be necessary to remove the involved portion of the colon.
Abscess, Perforation, and Peritonitis
Diverticulitis may lead to infection, which often clears up after a few days of treatment with antibiotics. If the infection gets worse, an abscess may form in the wall of the colon.
An abscess is a localized collection of pus that may cause swelling and destroy tissue. If the abscess is small and remains in the wall of the colon, it may clear up after treatment with antibiotics. If the abscess does not clear up with antibiotics, the doctor may need to drain it using a catheter—a small tube—placed into the abscess through the skin. After giving the patient numbing medicine, the doctor inserts the needle through the skin until reaching the abscess and then drains the fluid through the catheter. This process may be guided by sonography or x ray.
Infected diverticula may develop perforations. Sometimes the perforations leak pus out of the colon and form a large abscess in the abdominal cavity, a condition called peritonitis. A person with peritonitis may be extremely ill with nausea, vomiting, fever, and severe abdominal tenderness. The condition requires immediate surgery to clean the abdominal cavity and remove the damaged part of the colon. Without prompt treatment, peritonitis can be fatal.
Fistula
A fistula is an abnormal connection of tissue between two organs or between an organ and the skin. When damaged tissues come into contact with each other during infection, they sometimes stick together. If they heal that way, a fistula may form. When diverticulitis-related infection spreads outside the colon, the colon’s tissue may stick to nearby tissues. The organs usually involved are the bladder, small intestine, and skin.
The most common type of fistula occurs between the bladder and the colon. This type of fistula affects men more often than women. It can result in a severe, long-lasting infection of the urinary tract. The problem can be corrected with surgery to remove the fistula and the affected part of the colon.
Intestinal Obstruction
Scarring caused by infection may lead to partial or total blockage of the intestine, called intestinal obstruction. When the intestine is blocked, the colon is unable to move bowel contents normally. If the intestine is completely blocked, emergency surgery is necessary. Partial blockage is not an emergency, so the surgery to correct it can be planned.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
What are the symptoms of diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis
Most people with diverticulosis do not have any discomfort or symptoms. However, some people may experience crampy pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, bloating, and constipation. Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and stomach ulcers cause similar problems, so the symptoms do not always mean a person has diverticulosis. People with chronic symptoms should visit their doctor or health care provider.
Diverticulitis
The most common symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal pain. The most common sign on examination is tenderness in the lower left side of the abdomen. Usually, the pain is severe and comes on suddenly, but it can also be mild and become worse over several days. The intensity of the pain can fluctuate. A person may experience cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, or a change in bowel habits.
To learn more about diverticulitis symptoms , please visit www.diverticulitissymptoms.com
Most people with diverticulosis do not have any discomfort or symptoms. However, some people may experience crampy pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, bloating, and constipation. Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and stomach ulcers cause similar problems, so the symptoms do not always mean a person has diverticulosis. People with chronic symptoms should visit their doctor or health care provider.
Diverticulitis
The most common symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal pain. The most common sign on examination is tenderness in the lower left side of the abdomen. Usually, the pain is severe and comes on suddenly, but it can also be mild and become worse over several days. The intensity of the pain can fluctuate. A person may experience cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, or a change in bowel habits.
To learn more about diverticulitis symptoms , please visit www.diverticulitissymptoms.com
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Add 'whole grains' to your diet
Whole grains are cereal grains that contain bran and germ as well as the endosperm (plant tissue) in contrast to refined grains, which retain only the endosperm. The phytochemicals found in whole grains have been shown to have health-promoting and disease prevention benefits.
“Since most of the health-promoting components are found in the germ and bran, foods made with whole grains can play an important role in maintaining good health. When an adequate amount of whole grains is included in a diet, there is also room for enriched grain food choices. Eating more whole grains involves making relatively easy changes in grain food selections. With awareness and education, along with increased availability of easy-to-identify whole grain products, one can increase one’s intake of whole grains to recommended levels,” says Kinita S Kadakia, Mumbai-based diet consultant.
A slice of commercially prepared white bread has 66 calories, 1.9 grams protein and 0.6 grams fibre. A slice of whole wheat bread has 69 calories and provides 3.6 grams protein and 1.9 grams fibre. Studies show that eating whole grains, instead of refined grains, lowers the risk of many chronic diseases.
Benefits
Heart disease : Studies have consistently found that individuals with three or more servings of whole grain food per day have a 20 to 30 per cent lower risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels – arteries and veins), compared to individuals with a lower intake of whole grains.
Cancer : Whole grains appear to be associated with a reduced risk of a number of gastrointestinal cancers as well as several hormone-dependent cancers. A review of 40 studies on gastrointestinal cancers found a 21 to 43 per cent lower cancer risk with high intake of whole grains compared to low intakes.
Gastrointestinal health : Components of whole grains, including fibre, resistant starch and oligosaccharides play a vital role in supporting gastrointestinal health. They help alleviate constipation and decrease the risk of developing diverticulosis and diverticulitis (Many people have small pouches in their colon that bulge outward through weak spots. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. Multiple pouches are called diverticula. The condition of having diverticula is called diverticulosis. When the pouches become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis).
Diabetes : Whole grains and fibre help in reducing the risk of diabetes and maintenance of blood glucose levels.
Weight management : The mechanisms by which whole grains may support weight management include enhanced satiety to lower energy intake, prolonged gastric emptying to delay the return of hunger, and increased insulin sensitivity to lower insulin demand.
This article is a reprint of http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Add-whole-grains-to-your-diet-/articleshow/5012744.cms The time or date displayed reflects when an article was added to Google News. Sep 15, 2009
“Since most of the health-promoting components are found in the germ and bran, foods made with whole grains can play an important role in maintaining good health. When an adequate amount of whole grains is included in a diet, there is also room for enriched grain food choices. Eating more whole grains involves making relatively easy changes in grain food selections. With awareness and education, along with increased availability of easy-to-identify whole grain products, one can increase one’s intake of whole grains to recommended levels,” says Kinita S Kadakia, Mumbai-based diet consultant.
A slice of commercially prepared white bread has 66 calories, 1.9 grams protein and 0.6 grams fibre. A slice of whole wheat bread has 69 calories and provides 3.6 grams protein and 1.9 grams fibre. Studies show that eating whole grains, instead of refined grains, lowers the risk of many chronic diseases.
Benefits
Heart disease : Studies have consistently found that individuals with three or more servings of whole grain food per day have a 20 to 30 per cent lower risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels – arteries and veins), compared to individuals with a lower intake of whole grains.
Cancer : Whole grains appear to be associated with a reduced risk of a number of gastrointestinal cancers as well as several hormone-dependent cancers. A review of 40 studies on gastrointestinal cancers found a 21 to 43 per cent lower cancer risk with high intake of whole grains compared to low intakes.
Gastrointestinal health : Components of whole grains, including fibre, resistant starch and oligosaccharides play a vital role in supporting gastrointestinal health. They help alleviate constipation and decrease the risk of developing diverticulosis and diverticulitis (Many people have small pouches in their colon that bulge outward through weak spots. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. Multiple pouches are called diverticula. The condition of having diverticula is called diverticulosis. When the pouches become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis).
Diabetes : Whole grains and fibre help in reducing the risk of diabetes and maintenance of blood glucose levels.
Weight management : The mechanisms by which whole grains may support weight management include enhanced satiety to lower energy intake, prolonged gastric emptying to delay the return of hunger, and increased insulin sensitivity to lower insulin demand.
This article is a reprint of http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Add-whole-grains-to-your-diet-/articleshow/5012744.cms The time or date displayed reflects when an article was added to Google News. Sep 15, 2009
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