Encyclopedia of Diets - A Guide to Health and Nutrition

(Nandana) #1
Research and general acceptance
Most health practitioners agree that the lack of
fiber and bulk in the diet is the major cause of diver-
ticular disease. As foods are becoming more highly
refined, more people are suffering from diverticular
disease symptoms. Eating a high-fiber diet is accord-
ingly the only requirement highly emphasized by the
medical profession. Eliminating specific foods is not
considered necessary as no research supports that it
may improve the condition. A gradual switch to a diet
with increased intake of soluble fiber (green vegeta-
bles, oat bran) usually leads to an improvement in
bowel function. There is general agreement on food
sources being more efficient fiber sources than supple-
ments since they also supply additional nutrients.
Excessive use of fiber supplements can also lead to
acute digestive problems and blockages.
In its most recent 2005 public health recommen-
dations for dietary fiber, the National Academy of
Sciences established an Adequate Intake (AI) level of
38g of total daily fiber for males 19–50 years of age and
25g for women in this same age range. The report also
states that individuals in this age range in the United

States only get about half this much fiber each day.
The recommendation for children older than 2 years is
to increase dietary fiber intake to an amount equal to
or greater than their age plus 5 g/day. There are cur-
rently no published studies that indicate optimal diet-
ary fiber intakes for infants and children under 2 years
of age. Until more information becomes available, a
sensible guideline is to introduce a variety of fruits,
vegetables, and easily digested cereals after weaning.
It is understood that, as the body ages, the outer
layer of the intestinal wall thickens, which narrows the
intestine. As a result, stool moves more slowly through
the colon, increasing the pressure. Hard stools, such as
those produced by a diet low in fiber, can further
increase pressure. Repeated straining during bowel
movements also increases pressure and contributes to
formation of diverticula. As for the cause of divertic-
ulitis, there is broad agreement that it occurs when
diverticula become infected or inflamed, but medical
experts are not know precisely what causes the infec-
tion. It is believed to start when stool or bacteria are
caught in the diverticula.
The United States Food and Drug Administra-
tion (FDA) has approved the following claims about
dietary fiber that can be listed on food labels:
Good Source of Fiber, Contains Fiber or Provides
Fiber: Any food product that contains 2.5 to less
than 5g of fiber per serving (less than 20% of the
daily value of dietary fiber) and is low in total fat per
serving (3g or less fat per serving).
High Fiber, Rich in Fiber, Excellent Source of Fiber:
Any food product that contains at least 5g or more of
dietary fiber per serving (20% or more of the fiber
daily value) and is low in total fat per serving (3g or
less fat per serving).

Resources
BOOKS
Black, P., Hyde, C.Diverticular Disease.New York, NY:
John Wiley & Sons, 2005.
Brumback, R. A., Brumback, M. H.The Dietary Fiber
Weight Control Handbook.Charleston, SC: BookSurge
Publishing, 2006.
McClelland, J., Smith, A.How to Cope Sucessfully with
Diverticulitis.Farnham, UK: Wellhouse Publishing
Ltd, 2001.
Miskovitz, P., Betancourt, M.The Doctor’s Guide to Gas-
trointestinal Health: Preventing and Treating Acid
Reflux, Ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulitis,
Celiac Disease, Colon Cancer, Pancreatitis, Cirrhosis,
Hernias and more.New York, NY: Wiley, 2005.
Parker, J. N., ed.The Official Patient’s Sourcebook on
Diverticular Disease.San Diego, CA: Icon Health Pub-
lications, 2002.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR
DOCTOR

 What are diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
 How serious is this condition?
 What are the possible complications?
 What causes diverticular disease?
 What is the treatment for diverticular disease?
 Will tests be required?
 Will surgery be necessary?
 Are there foods that should be avoided?
 Are there foods that are recommended?
 How can I tell if I am getting enough fiber in my
diet?
 How will I know if I am getting too much fiber in
my diet?
 Would seeing a dietician for an eating plan help?
 How effective is diet in controlling this disease?
 Is there a cure for diverticular disease?
 What is the function of dietary fiber?
 Do you recommend intestinal cleansing?
 What are some simple steps for increasing the
fiber intake of my meals?
 Should I eat one type of fiber more than another?

Diverticular disease diet

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