What are diverticula
I diverticula I'm a extroflex formation of the mucous membrane of the colon, that is to say of the growths that grow in the mucosa or in the sub-mucosa of the last intestinal tract.
We generally talk about diverticulosis or diverticular disease when these diverticula become inflamed and these mucosal protrusions become too present, creating digestive and functional problems.
Usually the their incidence is rare before the age of 40 and increases with the passage of time, with a greater diffusion in Western countries.
Diverticula are mostly asymptomatic, but in some cases they cause burning, pain, constipation and swelling. Diverticulitis can also cause backache, a symptom that is not easy to associate with this specific cause.
I controls they are used to check for diverticula in the colon e intervene promptly, before rarer diseases such as peritonitis or even colon or rectal cancer arise.
Among the risk factors they include sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and familiarity.
Diverticulitis and diet
To control diverticulitis is crucial know what is best to eat e thingInstead, it is not recommended. In fact, diverticula often form due to excessive internal pressure in the digestive tract, which can be avoided with a balanced diet.
The first tip is to increase the amount of fruit and vegetables, rich in fibers essential to avoid the formation and inflammation of diverticula.
Le fibers are substances that serve a clean the entire intestinal tract, lowering the pressure present in the internal lumen. By recalling water, in fact, the fibers favor the transit of faeces.
In particular the insoluble fiber provided by whole grains they retain more water in the intestine, favoring the formation of soft and bulky stools that are easy to expel.
Le soluble fibers instead they help the development of the intestinal flora, facilitating the work of beneficial bacteria.
Green light therefore to whole grains of every variety: rice, barley, spelled, oats, buckwheat, quinoa, millet and wheat. Baked products and pizza are not highly recommended, due to the presence of yeast which can unbalance the intestinal bacterial flora.
Among the legumes, however, there is a wide choice available, between beans, green beans, chickpeas, peas, broad beans, cicerchie, but also peanuts and soy with its derivatives.
Among vegetables Brussels sprouts, artichokes, asparagus, cauliflower and broccoli are recommended.
With regard to the fruit, green light for different varieties of pears and apples.
I oil seeds as walnuts do not increase the problems of diverticulosis, as long as they are chewed well or chopped and well blended in the recipes. Indeed, the seeds are useful because they provide vitamins, minerals and especially essential fatty acids.
A good tip is to chew food very well, up to 20 times per bite. In doing so, the digestive process begins in the mouth, relieving the work of the intestine.
Acute diverticulosis: foods to avoid
In case of acute inflammation of the diverticula, however, remember to don't overdo your fiber intake, which could cleanse the body too much and lead to more inflammation.
Much better to start drinking extracts and centrifuged fruit and vegetables, Besides creams and purees. Once hydration is favored, it will be possible start a high-fiber diet provide whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables such as celery and carrots.
In the acute moment, the vegetable instead they will have to be shelled and must also be avoided fruits or vegetables that contain seeds (such as kiwis, strawberries, currants, blackberries, figs, pomegranate, sunflower seeds, and green beans).
In this most acute moment, it is necessary to give preference to vegetables prepared in velvety and hulled or semi-whole grains.
To be avoided instead coffee and chocolate, which can inflame the intestinal tract and are also rich in substances with direct action on the nervous system. Also to be suspended alcohol, including wine, and the beverages carbonated.
Even spices must be kept under control, especially chilli, pepper and nutmeg which can inflame the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Finally, too milk and cheeses they can interfere with the bacterial flora and increase the risk of candida.
Lo white sugar and another enemy to be avoided at all costs because it leads to the proliferation of a harmful intestinal flora, candidiasis and other problems of intestinal imbalance, as well as triggering blood sugar peaks.
Diverticulitis and natural remedies
The world of herbs offers us valuable allies in case of diverticulitis. Cinnamon, turmeric, ginger e cloves they have disinfectant and anti-fermentative properties, which are able to create a better environment inside the intestinal lumen.
The herbal teas made from mallow flowers and leaves, which thanks to their mucilage help intestinal transit and burn the internal mucosa. Likewise they also work psyllium and marshmallow root.
