My mother is dealing with a very several infection due to diverticulitis. Being a health nut of late I was not satisfied with answers or the lack of answers the doctor was giving my mother. I decided that I would do research and figure this out. I ask a ton of questions and if you can't give me a solid answer than I keep on searching. This is my mother and I think our systems are similiar. So if I know how this terrible thing starts, I have a fighting chance to not let this occur in me. Plus, if my mom can fuction pain free and live without reoccurence, then I will be a happy camper.
in my own words my findings:
What is diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is where the walls in the intestines and colon are weak and develop sacks where old food sits and festers. Infection begins.
How does diverticulitis begin?
I have never heard of diverticulis and I want to know how it starts. This is theory only, but I think it is pretty right on especially after becoming a Zone-aholic. Diverticulitis seemed to be first noticed in the early 1900's when processed foods became available to American diet. These processed foods are high in sugar and are so refined there is little of the natural fiber for digestion. So the food becomes slow moving through the intestines allowing bacteria to sit. Often constipation makes the muscles strain too hard. It is the main cause for pressure on the colon.
How do you prevent diverticulitis?
Being allergic to 36 foods and now a Zoner, eating a balance of protein, carbs, fats, and omegia fish oil will keep me from inflammation. However, the key of my food intake and prevention of diverticulitis comes from avoiding the 36 foods. My carbs are fruits and veggies the key to getting the best fiber in my diet. Fiber does not lie in grains like most people believe. Our grains today are so refined they are the problem.
However, after all my readings I am still concerned about my own intestines. I feel toned every where else but my stomach. Am I at the point for a colon detox?
How to heal Mom?
She is taking antibotics, but the inflammation has been going on a long time now. If the antibotics don't work, she is headed for surgery. This stuff is fatal if not fixed. I am very concerned. To my humble understand, this sounds similiar to the apendix bursting. The infection can come out those weak spots of the intestine. Not good when infection gets free into the body like that.
How to get her to eat the way to keep her intestines healthy?
She has been told to say away from nuts and popcorn. But I do not think this is the answer. It is saying well you have this problem and you will have to deal with it. Sure, to a point..... I feel that once she is healthy, she should move to eating like me and eat up on her fruits and veggies. Tall order ... she does not like veggies ..... but maybe I will get some headway with fruit.
here is more info on diverticulitis
mad chow: hard work payoff
Prevention
ReplyDeleteSome measures can help prevent or slow the progression of diverticular disease:
* Eat more fiber. High-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, soften waste material and help it pass more quickly through your colon. This reduces pressure inside your digestive tract. Aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day. Try to substitute fruits, vegetables and grain products for foods high in fat. Be sure to add fiber gradually to avoid bloating, abdominal discomfort and gas. If you have a hard time consuming 25 to 30 grams of fiber every day, consider using a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil, Nature's Way) or methylcellulose (Citrucel).
* Drink plenty of fluids. Fiber works by absorbing water and increasing the soft, bulky waste in your colon. But if you don't drink enough liquid to replace what's absorbed, fiber can be constipating.
* Respond to bowel urges. When you need to use the bathroom, don't delay. Delaying bowel movements leads to harder stools that require more force to pass and increased pressure within your colon.
* Exercise regularly. Exercise promotes normal bowel function and reduces pressure inside your colon. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes on most days.
from: Mayo Clinic