High-fiber diet as the first therapeutic step for diverticulitis

Until a few years ago, diverticula, i.e. bulges in the wall of the lower intestine, were a problem for people over 65, but today they are increasingly affecting young people as well. The reason is usually a diet that is too fatty and sugary over the years. Nutrition and lack of exercise. Diverticulitis has become a classic disease of civilization in industrialized nations. Severe abdominal pain and digestive problems are the most common symptoms. Diverticulitis becomes dangerous when inflammation occurs.

Since the 2000s, young people have increasingly been affected by diverticulitis

It is striking that before 1900, the protrusions in the intestines were unknown. A hundred years later, however, diverticulitis has reached the age group of 18 and over. Studies show that in 2007, around 26 percent of all diverticulitis patients were younger than 50. The protrusions mainly appear in the particularly thin and sensitive part of the intestine in front of the rectum. Here, the blood vessels lie directly under the intestinal wall to ensure optimal blood circulation. This is good and necessary for digestion, but it also makes the intestine a "weak point". If the intestines become flabby, either due to age or poor nutrition, sack-like protrusions develop. These are small at first and usually not noticeable. If they get larger, they prevent optimal emptying of the intestines because residues get caught in the diverticula. Inflammation can result, abscesses can form, the intestinal wall can perforate and the peritoneum can become inflamed. The pain then affects the entire intestine and, in the worst case, surgery is required. The affected part of the intestine is removed and the two remaining ends are connected.

Fiber helps permanently

However, in 75 percent of all diverticula patients, the bulges are relatively small. If inflammation does occur, the first step is to take an antibiotic. A temporary switch to a liquid diet is also suitable for relieving the congestion in the diverticula pockets. After that, you should make sure that you eat a diet rich in fiber. This promotes good digestion, so that congestion in the diverticula does not occur in the first place. However, you should be careful not to overload the body with large amounts of fiber all at once, as the digestive system needs to adjust first. Therefore, as part of a Nutritional consultation to find out which foods and quantities make sense in individual cases. The amount of fiber is gradually increased so that the digestive system gets used to it. Beans, nuts, fruit, vegetables and whole grain products should be on the menu. It should be noted that women over the age of 51 are well advised to eat 21 grams of fiber and men of the same age 30 grams. Medicinal plants such as psyllium are also a good solution for better digestion. In addition, around 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day helps to slow the progression of diverticulosis and prevent pain attacks in the case of diverticulitis.