An inflamed colon, also known as diverticular disease or diverticulosis, is a condition in which the large intestine or colon is irritated and swollen. Such inflammation can cause abdominal pain, fever, rectal bleeding, nausea, vomiting and digestive irregularities. According to experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center, dietary measures can be taken to help prevent or treat symptoms of diverticulosis.
Processed Carbohydrates
Processed or enriched carbohydrates are low in nutrients and dietary fiber, the indigestible part of plants that help the body process and digest food. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a high-fiber diet that provides 25g to 35g fiber per day may help reduce inflammation of the colon. Avoid or limit intake of enriched white or wheat bread, low-fiber cereals, instant rice and pasta and commercially prepared sweets and snack foods. Replace these foods with whole-grain varieties, such as fortified cereals, 100 percent whole grain breads, fruits, vegetables, flax seeds and legumes for best potential results. For added fiber, sprinkle ground flax seeds or oat bran powder to cereals, soups and baked goods. Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables rather than candy, fried chips or pretzels and replace white flour with whole-grain varieties when baking. Consume a variety of high-fiber foods consistently for best potential results.
Meat and Dairy Products
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests red meat and dairy products may increase inflammation symptoms. Because high-fat red meat and dairy products also increase the risk for heart disease and other illnesses, avoiding or limiting your intake may prove highly beneficial. Replace steak, hamburgers, sausage and ham with lean turkey, white-meat poultry or fish. If you find that dairy products trigger symptoms, replace cow's milk with soy, almond or rice equivalents. Research published in the journal Toxicology in July 2007 indicates that meat and dairy products provide valuable amounts of protein and a valuable amino acid called glutamine, which may reduce symptoms of diverticulitis. For this reason, seek alternate dietary options that provide glutamine--such as fish, lean poultry and legumes on a consistent basis.
Saturated Fats
Avoiding saturated fats may help treat or prevent diverticulosis. Natural health expert Andrew Weil, M.D. suggests reduced intake of foods high in saturated fat, such as butter, cream, whole milk, unskinned chicken, fatty meats and products prepared with coconut or palm kernel oils as a means of preventing inflammation. Replace saturated fats with healthier fats such as omega-3s--found in salmon, tuna, walnuts and flax seeds--and unsaturated plant-based oils, such as olive and canola oil. When you eat fatty meat or poultry, cut away visible fat and skin and seek primarily baked, boiled, steamed or foods grilled most often for enhanced results.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diverticular disease
- Toxicology: Glutamine inhibits over-expression of pro-inflammatory genes and down-regulates the nuclear factor kappaB pathway in an experimental model of colitis in the rat Volume 236, Issue 3, 17 July 2007, Pages 217-226
- Andrew Weil, M.D.: Anti-Inflammatory Diet Tips
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