Digestive diseases affect millions each year, with disturbance of the colon representing a significant portion of medical visits. Chronic conditions including diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel diseases and polyps are structural colon abnormalities often requiring intensive medical treatment. Constipation and irritable bowel syndrome are functional disorders that do not cause anatomical abnormalities but create pain and discomfort. Diet plays an important role in helping you manage or deter symptom flare-ups when living with a diseased colon.
Colon Function
The large intestine consists of the colon and rectum. Your colon absorbs water from digested foods and processes waste for eventual elimination. Impulses sent to the colon muscles signal contractions to move its contents toward the rectum, which eventually results in a bowel movement. If the colon is damaged in any way, this process is averted and may result in abdominal pain, cramping, constipation or diarrhea. Depending on the disease you experience, your dietary needs may vary. A diet including produce, grains and lean meat is healthy for a diseased colon but you should make modifications made experiencing symptom flare-ups.
IBD Diet
Inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, refers to ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Both are chronic conditions causing inflammation of the colon and diet neither causes nor cures either. A healthy IBD diet includes consumption of small, but frequent, meals and limiting fiber intake during symptom relapse. Fruits, vegetables and grains are important in this diet but some may cause digestive aggravation, especially whole grains, raw produce and foods containing high sulfur content like red meat. To minimize intestinal discomfort, choose cooked vegetables, fruits without skin and fish or poultry. Keep a food journal to log the foods you cannot tolerate vis-à-vis symptoms experienced. Consult your physician for dietary recommendations based on your condition.
Diverticular Disease Diet
Diverticular disease includes diverticulosis, when bulging pouches form in the colon, as well as diverticulitis, when the pouches become inflamed. For diverticulosis, increasing your daily fiber can help prevent constipation and pressure in your colon. High-fiber foods like beans, whole-wheat grains, broccoli, squash, apples and pears help regulate your bowels. For diverticulitis flare-ups, you may have to eliminate fiber for a few days and consume a clear liquid diet as your physician instructs. Once symptoms subside, gradual reintroduction of fiber into your diet is allowed. Consumption of low-fat dairy and lean but well-cooked meat are part of a healthy diverticular disease diet when you do not experience symptoms.
IBS Diet
Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS, causes abnormal contractions of your colon but the condition is not a disease; instead, it is a conglomeration of irritating symptoms. However, its commonality amongst Americans warrants dietary suggestions. For some sufferers, a high-fiber and low-fat diet works best; for others, a low-fiber and low-residue diet improves symptoms. High-fiber foods include whole grains, beans, nuts and raw vegetables or fruits with skins. Low-fiber alternatives include white grains, cooked vegetables and bland fruits like bananas and pears. Choose lean meats like skinless chicken or fish and low-fat dairy. Avoid processed and packaged foods like lunch meat, hot dogs and junk food.
Colon Cancer Diet
Colon cancer generally occurs in any part of the colon or rectum. A healthy diet can help you fight and survive with colon cancer. Consume an array of vividly-colored fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains like wheat bread or bran cereal over refined grains and eat fresh fish three times weekly. Limit consumption of red meat, foods with extra saturated fat, high sodium or added sugars.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Detecting and Treating Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
- "University of Pittsburgh Medical Center"; Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet; 2002
- "MayoClinic"; Dietary Fiber; Essential for a Healthy Diet; Mayo Clinic Staff; November 2009
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: Diet and Nutrition
- University of California San Francisco: Diverticular Disease and Diet
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Eating to Fight and Prevent Colorectal Cancer
