DIVERTICULOSIS

Diverticula are small pouches that budge into the colon or the large intestines. If you have these pouches, you have a condition called diverticulosis.  This condition of our body comes with age beginning age 60, and almost half the populations of the world have diverticulosis.  It is believed to be caused by lack of fiber in the diet.

There are no symptoms that a person can associate with diverticulosis, except that they get to have mild cramps, bloating, or constipation.  For example, a person who needs to have colonoscopy will be found to have diverticulosis during the colonoscopy for cancer screening.  A high fiber diet and mild pain reliever will often relieve the symptoms.  If the pouches become infected or inflamed, you have a condition called diverticulitis.  The most common sign is abdominal pain, usually on the left side.  One can also have fever, nausea, vomiting, cramps, chills and constipation. In serious cases, there can be bleeding, tears or blockages.  Treatment may include antibiotics, pain relievers and liquid diet. Sometimes, a prolonged stay in the hospital, and surgery.

Nutrition and Healthy Eating:

Do you know why fiber is good for you?  You would be advised.  Eat more fiber.  Do you know why it is good for you, here are the reasons:

1.  Dietary Fiber found in fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grain, is best known for its ability to prevent or relieve constipation.  But foods containing fiber can also provide other health benefits as well, such as maintaining healthy weight, lowering the risks of diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Find out how much dietary fiber that you need each day and find out the foods that contain it and plan your menu accordingly.  It is said that adult men 30 and above need about 30 grams of fiber each day.

Fiber is commonly classified as soluble fiber which dissolves in water, and insoluble fiber, which does not dissolve in water.

1.  Soluble fiber is fiber that forms a gel-like substance when in contact with water.  It can lower cholesterol and glucose level.  This can be found in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley and psyllium.

•  Insoluble fiber on the other hand promotes movement of materials to your digestive tract and increases stool bulk, so it helps those who suffer from constipation or irregular bowel movement.  Whole wheat flour, whole grain, wheat bran, beans, nuts and vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans potatoes and sweet potatoes.

To achieve the greatest health benefit, eat a wide variety of high fiber foods.

In summary, here are the benefits of eating high fiber foods:

1.  Normalizes bowel movement.
2.  Helps maintain bowel health
3. Lowers cholesterol
4. Helps control blood sugar level
5. Aids in achieving healthy weight
6. Helps us to live longer.