Dietary changes aren't often necessary after appendicitis. Even after treatment, most medical professionals don't ask you to change your diet. Appendicitis isn't the result of unhealthy eating habits, so changing your diet isn't part of recovery. That being said, some doctors recommend dietary changes when surgery isn't an option or the cause of the appendicitis is unclear. Only then will you need to overhaul your diet.
Nonsurgical Treatment
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, dietary changes are only necessary when you're not a candidate for surgery or your doctor is unable to determine the cause of the appendicitis. In this situation, you'll follow a liquid or soft diet, which is low in fiber and residue. This dietary change can allow the infection to subside, which may improve symptoms and avoid the removal of the appendix.
Low-Fiber Diet
Foods in such an eating plan include white rice, white breads, pasta, eggs, yogurt, cheese, milk and creamy peanut butter. Meats should be tender, like poultry or fish, and vegetables and fruits should be cooked or canned. Also, remove all skin from fruits before eating. Avoid all whole grains, brown rice, raw vegetables, legumes, luncheon meat, seeds, nuts and popcorn until your condition has improved. A doctor or dietitian can inform you of exactly what to include in your diet for best results.
Surgical Treatment
If your doctor decides a surgical procedure is best, you'll have an appendectomy to remove the inflamed appendix. This procedure is done as an open surgery or a laparoscopic one, where a surgeon inserts a scope through a small incision and removes the appendix. Recovery usually takes a few weeks, but you should be able to maintain your regular diet unless otherwise noted by your surgeon. Limit strenuous activity for 10 to 14 days, rest as necessary and always support your abdominal region when coughing, laughing or making any sudden moves, suggests MayoClinic.com.
Prevention
Although there's no surefire way to prevent appendicitis, you can reduce the risk of its development by following a healthy diet, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. A study published in the April 1996 "British Medical Journal" found that green vegetables were the most beneficial against this condition. Brussels sprouts, cabbage and peas topped the list. There also appears to be a benefit in eating cauliflower, beans and tomatoes.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Appendicitis; November 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Appendicitis; June 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Appendicitis; August 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Low-Fiber Diet; August 2009
- "British Medical Journal"; Vegetable Consumption and Acute Appendicitis in 59 areas in England and Wales; D.J.P. Barker, et al.; April 1996
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