It’s that time of the year again when you gather with friends and family to celebrate thanksgiving. Maybe you can’t wait to get stuck into your thanksgiving feast or perhaps the idea of it fills you with dread. Read our 7 tips for surviving Thanksgiving with a digestive disorder.
Don’t over-eat! – Stick to small portions. Eating large portions puts you at risk of stomach ache, nausea, bloating, indigestion and cramps.
Don’t eat too quickly – It may be the most delicious meal you’ll eat all year, but that’s all the more reason to savor each bite. Enjoy it! Take small bites and chew them well before swallowing. This will also help you to not over eat.
Stay hydrated – you may be wanting to enjoy an extra large glass of wine with dinner or even rustle up an early egg nog, but remember, your body needs water to work at it’s best and keep you hydrated. Alcohol has a diuretic effect which means it causes your body to lose water. That’s why if you’re having an alcoholic drink this Thanksgiving, be sure to drink some extra water. Not to mention that a well hydrated bowel works better meaning a lower chance of constipation or of developing infections such as diverticulitis.
If you get pain – switch to clear liquids only right away. It’s not worth taking chances. Pains are your body’s way of warning you that something isn’t right. Let your bowel and stomach rest by not giving them any more food.
Be prepared – Make sure you are stocked up on any medicines or products you use to ease your digestive disorder or the symptoms it causes. You don’t want to have to rush out on Thanksgiving to find somewhere to find your favourite antacid. If you’re dining at someone else’s place, take everything you need to feel comfortable. You can even make yourself a little emergency pack with some essentials: For example; any medications you usually take for your stomach e.g. for reflux, cramps etc., painkillers, wet wipes, spare underwear if needed, etc.
Avoid very fatty or rich foods – don’t go overboard with your helping of mac n cheese or your dollop of cream on your slice of pie. Also, go easy on the candied yams and glazed carrots. These foods can cause indigestion, acid reflux, nausea, IBS symptoms, diarrhea and problems if you have gallstones or have had your gallbladder removed. You can reduce fat in your meal by taking the skin off your turkey and only eating the light meat. Another idea is to only use a small amount of gravy on your food.
Keep it simple: – Only eat foods you know you are usually okay with. It may be tempting to fill up on candied yams, but will it be worth it tomorrow when you’re doubled over in pain or stuck in the bathroom all day? One suggestion is: A small plate with some roast turkey (light meat), some potatoes a little gravy and a small piece of cornbread. But remember, we are all different. What you can eat without a problem, may cause someone else a lot of pain and discomfort. You can choose foods that are safe for you and just eat a little amount. Remember: while green beans and sprouts may seem like a healthy addition to your meal, it’s best not to risk it if you haven’t eaten these foods recently or you’re recovering from diverticulitis, a flare up of IBS, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
By following this simple tips, you can avoid digestive problems and concentrate on celebrating with your loved ones. What are your plans for Thanksgiving this year and what do you plan to eat? Let me know in the comments.
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So, you’ve coped with an episode of diverticulitis, but now you’ve been left feeling down in the dumps and full of anxiety. Friends and family might say to you, ‘But, shouldn’t you be happy now that you’ve shaken off that infection?’ Well, it’s not quite that simple…and here’s why.
Our gut is full of bacteria. Some of this bacteria is harmful and can cause infections or stomach bugs such as diarrhoea (US: diarrhea) and vomiting, but most of this bacteria is actually beneficial. It helps us digest our food and absorb important nutrients from it. This bacteria also help us produce chemicals that our body needs to work. One such chemical is serotonin.
What is serotonin? Serotonin is a chemical that affects our mood. It helps us feel happy and relaxed. 95% of our serotonin is produced by bacteria in the gut. Serotonin helps us sleep well, have a healthy appetite and improves digestion.
When we get an infection/diverticulitis, we often take antibiotics. These antibiotics kill most of the bacteria in the bowel. Even though, this gets rid of the nasty bacteria causing the diverticulitis and helps us recover from the infection, it also kills the good bacteria in our gut. This means our serotonin levels drop dramatically leaving us feeling sad, and anxious. It’s bad enough dealing with diverticulitis, but without our body’s ‘happy chemical’, we may feel even more miserable.
It’s for this reason that repeated use of antibiotics is associated with depression and anxiety. So, don’t worry if you’re feeling this way. You’re certainly not alone. Talk to a friend or family member about how you feel or ask your doctor how you can try to support your bowel as it recovers from infection and improve it’s health.
So, you’ve just discovered that you’ve got Diverticulitis/Diverticular Disease/Diverticulosis. Like with any diagnosis there is a lot to learn, but we’ve got the basics covered right here in one short, sweet article.
What is it? Diverticulosis – the condition of having diverticula (small pouches) in the wall of the bowel/large intestine. Diverticular Disease (DD) – When you have regular symptoms arising from the diverticula in the bowel. E.g. pain/discomfort, diarrhea, bleeding, etc. Diverticulitis (also known as a flare up) – a bacterial infection that happens in one or more diverticula. This can cause severe inflammation of the bowel. It is often painful and makes the sufferer feel quite unwell. It can also have more severe consequences if left untreated.
Typical Symptoms of Diverticulitis (a flare up) – NOTE: you may not have all of these symptoms – strong abdominal pain at area of diverticula (most often in lower left abdomen but less frequently occurs on the right side, too) – a fever/high temperature – lack of appetite/nausea – diarrhea/watery stool – generally feeling unwell – constipation
General rules to follow:
Stay hydrated – drink lots of water each day around 2-3 litres or 70-100 oz across the whole day.
Avoid NSAIDs (painkillers that include aspirin/ibuprofen in their ingredients) – if you really need pain relief, it’s best to stick to paracetamol/Tylenol-based painkillers. So discuss this with your doctor before taking them for any reason. NSAIDs have been shown in some studies to increase the risk of bleeding and perforation of the bowel.*1
If you have discomfort in your bowel, consider switching over to a clear liquid diet.
Keep a food diary/tracker (You can download one here)
Try to minimize stress in your daily life.
Don’t rush or gulp down your food – digestion is easier when we take small bites and take our time. Chew each mouthful until it is a paste, try not to eat too fast.
What to do if you think you’ve got diverticulitis:
Switch to a clear liquid diet right away
monitor temperature, pain and any other symptoms
monitor any bowel movements
seek medical advice/assistance – don’t wait too long
DON’T take any NSAIDs or anti diarrhea medications such as loperamide unless instructed to do so by your doctor
Tips for how to support yourself:
Make sure a family member or close friend knows about your diagnosis and help them find out more by sending them an article to read or even a link to a blog such as this one.
Join a support group on social media to ask questions and get helpful tips. I have my own group on Facebook that you’re free to join here, or there is another UK-based one here. Make sure to answer the questions before submitting your request to join.
Keep a dairy/journal – if you’re creative, consider a bullet journal with space to record food, medication, symptoms and mood.
The festive season is one full of rich foods, alcohol, late nights, parties and sometimes stress and anxiety. It can be a tough time of year for those of us with digestive disorders because it can really put a dampener on your Christmas spirit. Below, I’m sharing my top tips for not only surviving Christmas and New Year, but also how to enjoy it and feel as well as you possibly can!
Plan ahead
Christmas Organiser – Cath Kidston – £20
Making plans and notes can really help you prepare for the festive season. Decide where you’ll be on Christmas day, who is cooking and if you’ll have guests. Getting all of these details sorted early can help reduce stress and anxiety which will help you feel as well as you can. You can keep a notebook for Christmas, make a checklist or even buy yourself a Christmas planner. This way, you’re sure not to forget anything at the supermarket or when gift shopping for friends and family.
Get plenty of rest
Getting rest at such a busy time of year is very important. The more well-rested you are, the more you’re likely to enjoy the festive season. Staying up late every night and accepting every single invitation you get to go out may not do you any good in the end. Listen to your body, if it tells you it needs a night off, take one. It will definitely thank you for it the next day. Don’t be afraid to politely decline an invitation, or make the decision to leave earlier than others if you’re not feeling up to it. The host will be glad that you showed up, even if you take off after an hour!
Eat well
Now, we all like to indulge at Christmas, but just make sure that you know your limits and that you still get your recommended daily amounts of vitamins, minerals, water and fibre.
Have foods that you don’t eat regularly in small portions and still avoid those that make you feel unwell at other times of the year. You can always let someone know in advance to serve you up a smaller portion or leave out the sprouts if they are going to make you feel poorly. Remember, no one wants you to feel unwell and so will be more than happy to leave items off your plate as requested. If you feel uncomfortable mentioning it at the party or table, just send your host a message beforehand so that they are aware. Indulging in large amounts or rich foods and alcohol is a risk and should be avoided as much as possible. It’s far better to just have a tiny bit and savour (US: savor) it!
Follow the tips for good digestion
As with any other time of the year, use the tips for good digestion to help yourself stay well. They may sound a little over the top, but I can assure you that following them will help your body digest the food you eat as best you can. 1. Eat small portions – large portions are not wise and can often leave sufferers feeling bloated and uncomfortable. It’s much better to eat a small portion and grab a little more in a few hours if you’re feeling hungry again. 2. Eat slowly – Take your time to eat your food. Don’t rush it all down and risk gulping down air when you eat. You’ll enjoy it much better if you take your time and you’ll have less chance of stomach ache and bloating later.
A good-sized bite is the size of a 50p coin…but not this one on the screen. Having a 50p coin next to you when you eat so may help you not bite off more than you can chew!
3. Take small bites – Having a lot of food in your mouth is not only hugely unattractive, but it also isn’t good for digestion. One bite should be around the same size as a 50 pence piece (UK). Any bigger than that, and you’ll make it difficult for the enzymes in your saliva to help you break it down, meaning it’s much tougher on the stomach.
4. Chew, chew, chew – Chew your food…REALLY well. We are supposed to chew around 22 times with eat bite, but you may not need to chew that many times, but your food should be almost like a paste before you swallow it. The teeth help to break down the food into small pieces so that the enzymes in your saliva can start to digest it before you even swallow. This makes digestion SO much easier in the stomach and reduces your chances of digestive discomfort, nausea and cramping.
Carry an emergency kit
Since we are out and about so much during the festive period, it’t a good idea to put together a little kit to carry with you. You could fit it into your bag or the car. This kit will contain everything you need to help you if you have any problems while you’re out of the house. Now, the contents of this kit can vary and be adjusted depending on where you’re going and what symptoms you experience, but I’ve just included a few suggestions below.
1 Wet wipes/moist toilet tissue – you never know when you’re going to need to do some extra cleaning after using the bathroom and disposable wipes are perfect for when you’re not at home and can’t use a bidet or jump in the shower. REMEMBER: Do NOT flush disposable wipes down the toilet…even if they say that they’re flushable. It’s much better to dispose of them in a bin instead. Also, yes, disposable wipes are not very good for the environment and I wouldn’t recommend using them all the time, but as part of an emergency kit, I think they are perfect. You can pick up very small packs which are very hand for popping in your bag.
2. Scented toilet spray or drops – Whether it’s V.I.Poo or ‘Just one Drop’, scented toilet spray or drops can really mask a bad odour (US: odor) in the bathroom. Remember to read the instructions first as many products require you to use them BEFORE going to the bathroom. These are especially good when using a shared toilet or when you’re a guest in someone else’s home.
3. Spare underwear – Whether we like to admit it or not, lots of people with digestive disorders have accidents at some point. It may be that they stain their underwear after passing gas or that they struggle to make it to the bathroom in time. You may also want to carry a plastic zip-lock bag for any underwear that has been soiled and needs to be washed.
4. Medications – Make sure any of your medications are at hand. Perhaps you rely on Buscopan for cramping and pain, or maybe you use paracetamol. Remember NSAID painkillers such as Ibuprofen and aspirin are NOT usually recommended for people with digestive disorders. However, take your doctor’s advice for your specific case. Other medications may include antacids or Zantac (ranitidine) or similar medicines if you suffer from acid reflux or indigestion or Immodium (loperamide) if you suffer from diarrhoea (US: diarrhea). Although again, you should check with your doctor whether these medicines are recommended for you.
5. Soothing cream/ointment – If you suffer with a sore bottom because of diarrhoea or excess bile from gallbladder-related problems, you may wish to carry a tub of cream/ointment. Popular brand include Sudocrem or Vaseline. Remember, though, that these creams and ointments can stain your underwear or clothing because they tend to be quite oily/greasy and one solution is to wear a pantyliner or pad on the lining of your underwear to protect your clothing. Men can use these too, but they only really work well with mens’ Y-front style briefs rather than boxer shorts.
6. Nappy/sanitary bags – a few nappy/sanitary bags can help you dispose of soiled wipes or pads if you are using an open-top bin in the bathroom. They are often scented, too so can prevent soiled wipes from stinking up the bathroom if they end up sitting in the bin for some time.
7. A box of matches – if even despite using your odour blocking spray or drops, you’ve still caused a bit of a stink, you can use a couple of matches to burn away any unpleasant smells. Simply light a match and hold it while it burns down a little, then blow it out. You can repeat this with two or three matches if necessary. REMEMBER: Always extinguish your matches in water after use. You should use water to wet the matchsticks before disposing of them in the bin. Also, be careful when lighting matches in the bathroom to keep them away from fabrics and any flammable products such as aerosols and cleaning products.
December has arrived and the shops are getting busier already. People are trying to find thoughful gifts for their family, friends, colleagues or even for a secret santa. But what types of gift can you get for someone with a digestive disorder such as IBS, Diverticular Disease, Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, gastritis or even gallbladder disease/gallstones? Read on for my top gift ideas this Christmas.
Heat pad/Hot water bottle
A lot of digestive disorders cause abdominal pain and discomfort which can often be soothed a little with a heat pad or hot water bottle. There are a huge variety of different products to choose from, for example, you can get electric heat pads, hot water bottles with all sorts of soft and novelty covers, or even a hot pack that you can heat up in the microwave. These are available in a huge variety of stores both in the high street or online.
Primark also have some lovely hot water bottles this Christmas starting at just £4.
Reusable water bottle
Did you know that by the time you feel thirst, you are already dehydrated? Staying hydrated is hugely important for health and is extra important for those with digestive disorders. So, why not save the planet from a few more single-use plastic bottles and buy someone a reusable drinks bottle this Christmas? There are lots of different varieties to choose from; for example, you can get, aluminium (US: aluminum) bottles for those who avoid plastics, infuser bottles for those who aren’t a huge fan of drinking water and would like to add a little flavour (US: flavor)to it, bottles with flip up straws for easy sipping or even bottles that keep drinks cool or warm all day long.
Chilly’s water bottles are great for keeping a drink ice cold all day long. They cost around £25 each, but you can get them in some amazing designs and can even get them personalised (US: personalized).
You can pick up these bottles from pretty much anywhere, though. So have a good look around for something that suits your friend of family member best.
Hydration Devices
Again, hydration is SO important! So, if you know someone who finds it difficult to get in their 2-3 litres (US: liters) of water each day, or someone who enjoys gadgets, think about getting them a hydration device. These clever little devices can remind the user to have a drink throughout the day in order to meet their hydration goals. Some devices can even record how much you drank and how much is left before you meet your goal for the day. Here is an example of just two of these devices on the market, but I’m sure there are plenty more.
A pink Ulla device on a water bottle
Ulla device: This little device is small and cute. It’s available in a number of colours (US: colors) and designs but doesn’t monitor the amount you drink, just how often you drink. It is easy to attach to drinking bottles and will keep track of how often you are sipping from your bottle. These devices will set you back around 30 euros + shipping. However, if you are ordering multiple devices you will receive a discount and free shipping!
Example of a smart water hydration tracker
Smart water bottle: This genius water bottle is able to keep track of how often you drink and how much. It also encourages users to pace themselves throughout the day in order to meet their hydration goals. The bottle has a screen display which shows everything the user needs to know!
Food and symptom Diary
A food and symptom diary is a great gift for anyone who has a digestive disorder. Not only is it a good way for them to monitor their health, it is also an invaluable tool for their doctors. While there are numerous food and symptom diary printables and pdfs online, some people just prefer to have a physical book. You can get these diaries from various places. I found this particularly nice diary from The Food Diary Co. with lots of space to write all your details inside. However, it’s only available with a brown leather-look, vegan-friendly cover at the moment. I did find a couple on Amazon, too. But, you can look for one that suits your friend or family member’s preferences. You can make this an even better gift by adding some nice stationery to use alongside it!
Comfy Pyjamas and Clothing
As someone with multiple digestive disorders, let me tell you, pyjamas (US: pajamas) and comfy lounge-wear is always a great gift. People with digestive problems can often bloat up without any notice, so loose and comfortable clothing is really useful for these times. It’s great to be able to wear something that doesn’t hurt or dig into our tummy and is perfect for those days when we aren’t feeling well enough to leave the house. Lounge-wear and pyjamas are wonderful and you can get ones with great designs from pretty much anywhere (even your local supermarket). You could buy them some extra fluffy ones for the winter or even some novelty Christmas ones that they can put on immediately.
Men’s Christmas pyjamas from George @ ASDA – £10.33
Primark Christmas women’s pyjamas – £10
What did you think to my suggestions? Did you buy any of them for someone this Christmas?
Support the author and buy her a coffee by making a donation here: paypal.me/haylaki
Do you ever get a burning sensation in your throat or chest? If you do, it’s likely that you are suffering from acid reflux. People may also refer to acid reflux as ‘heartburn’ or ‘indigestion’.
So what is acid reflux? Well, in our stomach, there is a very strong acid. This acid is important for killing bad bacteria and for helping us to break down our food as a part of digestion. The stomach has a special lining to prevent this acid from damaging the walls of the stomach. However, if the acid happens to leave the stomach and move up the oesophagus (US: esophagus) then we may feel the acid burning in our throat or chest.
What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
There are a number of symptoms that people experience. For example, some people get a burning in their throat or chest, other get quite bad chest pains. Acid reflux can even wake us up in the night. In fact, a lot of sufferers find the symptoms of acid reflux worse when they lay down. Some people also experience nausea or a bitter taste in their mouth due to acid reflux
What are the causes of acid reflux?
There are many causes of acid reflux and so this list is not exhaustive, but here are a few of the most common causes.
Overindulgence – eating too much or food that is too rich in fat or sugar can cause acid reflux.
Poor eating habits – eating too large an amount, eating large bites without sufficient chewing, Eating too quickly, swallowing air while eating, eating too late at night. Find out more, here.
Too many antacids – taking too many antacids can make acid reflux even worse by over neutralizing stomach acid
Upset stomach – stomach bugs or eating something that doesn’t agree with us can cause reflux
Overproduction of acid – The overproduction of acid can mean that it travels up the oesophagus
Gastritis – inflammation of the stomach can mean that it produces excess acid or travels up the
Hiatus hernia – this may prevent food passing properly and can make it more difficult for acid to stay down in the stomach
Diseases of the digestive system – For reasons not always understood, bowel conditions such as Diverticular Disease and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn’s and Ulcerative colitis can be linked to acid reflux.
Gallbladder problems or removal – Dysfunction or removal of the gallbladder can cause excess bile which can lead to acid reflux. If you have severe reflux immediately after gallbladder removal, speak with the surgeon.
IBS – Irritable bowel syndrome can affect the transit of food and cause cramping which may lead to acid reflux.
Stomach/Gastric ulcer – stomach ulcers can cause excess acid production
H. Pylori infection – A overgrowth of a bacteria called H. Pylori in the stomach can lead to poor digestion and acid reflux as a result.
Antibiotics/Certain medications – Antibiotics often kill both bad and good bacteria and so a lack of good bacteria that aid digestion can cause some acid reflux, also, some other medications may affect digestion or stomach acid production
Obesity – the excess pressure on the body caused by excess weight can make acid travel up into the oesophagus, causing reflux.
Gastroparesis/Delayed gastric emptying – acid reflux can occur when food stays in the stomach for too long.
Stress/Anxiety – digestion slows down when we experience stress and anxiety, because of this, food tends to stick around in the stomach a little longer and so we can experience acid reflux.
Bariatric surgery – weight loss surgeries can increase the chance of reflux due to the tiny size of the stomach pouch. If this happens, you need to speak with your surgeon to find a solution; this may include medication or further surgery.
How can I prevent acid reflux?
Good eating habits – adopting good eating habits will help prevent reflux. This means eating small meals, taking small bites, chewing well and eating slowly. It also involves not eating late at night. You can read my post on good digestion habitsto find out more.
Avoiding acidic foods – fruit juices, tomatoes, citrus fruits, alcohol, vinegar, coffee are all acidic foods that we eat. Some people can stop their reflux by simple cutting down on acidic foods or removing them from their diet.
Avoiding trigger foods – Some people are triggered by different foods, common triggers may involve nuts, cheese, carbonated drinks, etc. By using a food and symptom diary to identify trigger foods, you can cut these out of your diet.
Avoid smoking and alcohol – smoking and drinking alcohol are both thought to increase the chance of acid reflux since they are both harsh on the stomach. Smoking can also increase the chances of stomach ulcers, so if you suffer with reflux, it’s a good idea to try to quit.
Avoid taking a lot of painkillers unless told to by your doctor – taking too many painkillers can lead to stomach ulcers and excess acid production
Make sure when taking medications to follow the instructions (such as taking with food) – taking medicine on an empty stomach can be bad for the stomach, so be sure to
Avoid stressful situations – Trying our best to not get too stressed out or anxious can help prevent acid reflux.
How can I treat acid reflux?
If this is just a one-off episode of acid reflux, you can take a simple over the counter medication such as an antacid. Branded examples include Gaviscon, Pepto-Bismol, Rennie and Zantac (ranitidine). Take the lowest recommended dose and give it some time to work. This is important because if you take too much of these medicines, they can actually make the reflux worse by causing your stomach to produce even more acid.
If you are experiencing reflux regularly, have a look at if there is something specific that you are eating or doing to cause it. For example, does it only happen after a glass of wine? Or perhaps it happens after you eat tomatoes or drink coffee… The best way to investigate this is to keep a food and symptom diary, you can download a tracker from here. If you do find a trigger, consider cutting this out of your diet.
Sometimes alcohol triggers acid reflux – in some cases it’s best to just avoid it completely…
If you can’t find a specific trigger but you’re a smoker, consider quitting smoking to see if it makes a difference.
Now, if the acid reflux is happens regularly and you are unable to find relief by changing your diets or habits, then it is time to visit your doctor. Be sure to tell the doctor about any other symptoms you are experiencing, for example, abdominal pains or cramps, a change in bowel habits, nausea or vomiting, excessive belching/burping or passing gas and any disruptions to your sleep. If you have been keeping a food and symptom diary, take this along to your appointment. It will really help the doctor to understand your symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis.
Your doctor may prescribe you a medication to take regularly in order to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces such as ppis (proton pump inhibitors) such as Omeprazole. However, it is important to find the cause of the reflux rather than only treating the symptoms. To diagnose problems, a doctor may suggest you take a breath test for H. Pylori (a bacteria that can survive in the stomach’s acidic conditions) or undergo an endoscopy/gastroscopy where a camera inserted into the stomach. This allows a doctor to identify problems such as ulcers or inflammation. They can also take tissue biopsies during the endoscopy to test for further problems.
Why you shouldn’t ignore acid reflux…
If you get acid reflux regularly, it’s very important to not ignore it and make sure to get it treated because long-term acid reflux can cause bigger problems. For example, regular acid reflux can cause tooth decay/and tooth acid erosion. It can also cause stomach ulcers, and can even increase your risk of stomach and oesophageal (US: esophageal) cancer in the future.
Do you suffer with acid reflux? Do you have a trigger food or drink? How do you deal with it?
When diagnosing diverticulitis, the first thing that doctors usually do is carry out a blood test followed by other tests such as CT scans, X-rays and even ultrasounds.
Full Blood Count
The full blood count can tell doctors a lot about your current health. The number of red blood cells can tell doctors if you’re anaemic and perhaps losing blood. But one of the most important markers in a blood test when trying to check for diverticulitis is the white blood cell count.
White blood cells are a part of the immune system and are responsible for fighting diseases and illnesses. When a pathogen (harmful bacteria or virus) enters the body, it is identified by the immune system which then increases the number of white blood cells. An amount of white blood cells higher than the normal range could be considered to be a sign of infection. However, it is possible to have diverticulitis but not have a measurable increase in white blood cells. So a normal blood result doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t have an infection or inflammation in the bowel.
CRP (C-Reative Protein)
CRP is known as an inflammation marker – it is a protein released by human tissues when they are inflamed. The higher the amount of CRP in the blood, the more inflammation there is. Having elevated CRP in addition to abdominal pain and other symptoms is a good indicator of diverticulitis. However, your doctor should also check carry out an abdominal examination too just in case the inflammation is coming from somewhere else.
An abdominal exam can help doctors find out if there is anything strange going on…
Abdominal Examination
It’s likely your doctor may carry our an abdominal examination. This is where the doctor will press on your abdomen to discover where the pain originates and if it is the bowel that is inflamed. It’s important to be very honest about the pain you are feeling at this point so that the doctor can rules out any other issues or sources of inflammation.
CT scanner…in you go!
CT scan
This is usually the most effective way to diagnose diverticulitis. A CT scan can be done with or without contrast, but contrast certainly helps when interpreting the results. The two main types of contrast are oral and intravenous (IV). The oral contrast is often a liquid mixed with water that you drink before the scan. It helps to highlight the digestive tract on your scan. The IV contrast is injected into a vein and reaches the tissues and helps them show up better on the scan. Some hospitals may choose to have their patients take both types of contrast. However, it is important than you let the doctor know of any allergies you have before you receive any contrast agents.
A CT scan is painless and just requires the patient to hold their breath for short periods. Let the technician or doctor performing the scan know if you suffer from asthma or COPD or any problem that makes you find it difficult to hold your breath.
After the scan, your results will not be ready immediately since they will need to be looked at by a doctor and a thorough report written. See my post on CT scans for more information.
X-rays
Some doctors may choose to send their patients for X-rays. This is to check for perforations in the bowel since X-rays can easily pick up excess gas in the abdomen that may be leaking out from the bowel. The results of an X-ray are much more immediate which is why this test might be chosen particularly if the patient is in a lot of pain or has a history of perforations and sepsis.
Ultrasound
Again, some doctors may want to send their patients for an ultrasound. This is very common during first time diagnoses when patients are doctors don’t know that the patient even has diverticular disease yet. An ultrasound may also show an abscess or cyst as a result of diverticulitis. It may also be able to detect excess air of material in the abdomen. However, it is not as clear as a CT scan, but the results are more immediate.
Why don’t doctors use colonoscopies to diagnose diverticulitis?
It’s very rare that a doctor would use a colonoscopy to diagnose diverticulitis because while a patient has an infection, it would be very painful and a little dangerous to insert an endoscope. There is a chance that the colonoscopy during an infection could make it even worse or could even cause damage to the colon.
Have you been diagnosed with diverticulitis? Which methods did the doctors use to diagnose you?
People who have digestive conditions often find that their symptoms differ from day-to-day. Some days, they might feel okay and at other times, they may experience a ‘flare up’ of their condition. This happens with lots of digestive ailments such as IBS, diverticular disease, Crohn’s and other IBDs.
During these flare ups, lots of patients are advised to eat a low-residue diet. But what exactly is that? Well, it’s a diet that produces little waste in the bowel and can be mostly absorbed by the body. The foods that are low-residue tend to be low in fibre (US: fiber) since fibre cannot be absorbed by the body and so makes up the bulk of our stools.
Eating a low-residue diet allows our bowel to rest a little until we are feeling better. But, don’t worry, it’s not as restrictive as you might think. In fact, it’s definitely possible to enjoy your food while on a low-residue diet.
So, what foods are included in a low-residue diet?
Go ahead :
white refined grains such as white breads and white crackers
Cooked cereal such as cream of wheat or grits
Cold cereal such as puffed rice (Rice Krispies/Coco Pops/Ricicles), or corn flakes.
White pasta, white noodles, white rice, White rice noodles, etc.
Boiled/mashed/baked potatoes with no skins
Well cooked carrots, beetroot, mushrooms, spinach and pumpkin (no seeds)
canned/cooked fruits without seeds and skins such as applesauce, tinned pears/peaches, etc.
Soft cantaloupe or honeydew melon
White fish, chicken or turkey (no skin) and cooked without too much fat
Jelly (US: Jello)
Decaffeinated drinks
Fruit and vegetable juices without pulp
In moderation:
dairy such as milk, cream, ice cream, custard and butter (avoid these if you are lactose intolerant)
Meats such as lean beef and lean pork (opt for lean cuts or remove as much fat as possible before consumption)
Plain cakes and biscuits/cookies
Eggs
Avocado
Avoid:
Brown bread, grains, rice, pasta, noodles
Prune juice and juices with pulp
raw fruit and vegetables
beans, lentils and tofu
nuts and seeds
popcorn
sweetcorn/corn on the cob/cornbread
fatty or cured meats (prosciutto, lamb, duck, Serrano ham and other deli meats, bacon)
coconut
pickles, olives, dressings and burger relishes or chutneys
Jams (US: jelly)
Certain cooked vegetables, including peas, broccoli, winter squash, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, cauliflower, baked beans
NOTE: A low residue diet is NOT a low FODMAP diet. These are different things. Some people get confused between the two. For now, I haven’t written a post on a FODMAPs, but when I do, I’ll link it right here.
Of course, as with any food guidelines, you may find that some of the foods on the ‘go ahead’ or ‘in moderation’ lists bother you and cause undesirable symptoms, if this happens, just simply cut it out of your diet.
It can be difficult to figure out which foods cause your problems.
Having trouble figuring out which foods are causing you issues? Use my Diverticular Disease Tracker to monitor your food intake and any symptoms you get (You don’t need to have diverticular disease to find this document useful). You may also need to introduce new foods gradually and one at a time. Also, when you are over your flare up, it’s important to slowly increase your fibre intake otherwise you may cause yourself discomfort.
Diverticulitis is an inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula (pouches) in the bowel. It can cause diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or discomfort, blood in the stools, a fever and various other symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with diverticulitis, chances are that you’ll be taking antibiotics to help clear the infection. You may also be advised in some cases to undertake a clear liquid diet. For a detailed explanation of what this entails, click here.
You may also be told you are allowed a soft foods/low residue/low fibre diet. This means plain/bland and easily digestible foods that do not contain much fibre. This allows the bowel to rest.
Include:
white bread
white pasta
white rice
white crackers (e.g. Saltines)
chicken/turkey breast (no skin and cooked without adding fat)
white fish (no skin and cooked without adding fat)
boiled/mashed potatoes (no skin)
clear Jelly/Jello
limited low fat dairy (a small portion of low/no fat yoghurt)
limited eggs (preferably cooked without the addition of fats)
decaffeinated tea/coffee and carbonated drinks
applesauce, stewed fruits without seeds of skins
well boiled carrot and courgette with no skin
strained fruit juices without pulp
Even crackers can taste yummy after a clear liquid diet…
Please avoid:
fried foods (including fried eggs, potatoes, etc)
rare or medium cooked meat
fatty meats such as duck, lamb and pork
bacon and sausages
high fat dairy products such as cream and butter
brown, high-fibre bread, pasta, rice, quinoa, etc.
fruit juices with pulp
raw fruit and vegetables with seeds and skin
alcoholic beverages
caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, cola, energy drinks
very high sugar sweets
chocolate
unhealthy fatty and salty snacks such as crisps, biscuits, cakes, etc.
Save the cake for when you’re feeling better…
Remember that everyone is different and sometimes even these foods may cause discomfort. Because of this, I recommend tracking your food and water intake alongside your symptoms to have a clear picture of what is going on. You can do this by using my Diverticular Disease Tracker which is available to download for free and print out immediately.
In addition, I’d recommend eating slowly, and having small portions regularly so that your digestive system isn’t overwhelmed by large meals. You can pick up more tips for good digestion by reading this post.
What do you eat when you have diverticulitis? Are you able to tolerate all of the foods on this suggested list? If not, which are unsuitable foods for you?
If you’ve got diverticular disease (DD)/Diverticulosis, you may be unlucky enough to experience diverticulitis. Don’t know the difference? Check out my post on Diverticular Disease/Diverticulosis Vs Diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is an inflammation or infection of one or more of the diverticula (pouches) in your bowel. Diverticulitis can vary in severity and can go from being a mild flare up, to an infection so severe that it can carry life-threatening complications. So, what can you do if you suspect you may be getting a flare up?
For a start, symptoms of a flare up can include:
abdominal pain/discomfort
high temperature/fever
painful bowel movements
generally feeling poorly (nausea, headache, stomachache)
diarrhoea/constipation
loss of appetite
Change to stools (excessive mucus, blood, huge change is regularity or stool type)
If you are experiencing some of the symptoms above, it’s a good idea to prepare for a flare up by doing the following things:
DO:
drink lots of water – 2-3 litres a day will help flush your system and keep you hydrated. It may also help relieve constipation.
Try a clear liquid diet – eliminating solid foods and dairy from your diet for a day is the best way to rest the bowel and give time for the inflammation to go down on its own.
Keep track of your temperature – on a notepad, note down your temperature every couple of hours so you can monitor any changes. Please note that diverticulitis does NOT always cause high temperature/fever.
Rest – Take time to relax and rest as well as removing yourself as best you can from stressful situations. Sometimes a duvet day and a few extra hours sleep can help the body heal.
Listen to your body – Remember that our body usually knows what is best for it. For example, if you’re tired and want to sleep, do it. If you have no appetite, don’t eat just because it’s dinner time and someone has said you ‘should eat something’.
Take paracetamol-based pain killers to relieve the pain if necessary. This include brands such as Panadol in the UK or Tylenol in the US.
Seek advice from a medical professional – If you are in a lot of pain, have a very high temperature or feel very unwell, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice from a professional. This may include booking an appointment with your GP/PCP, Gastroenterologist/GI doctor or even visiting the local A&E/ER.
If you suspect you may be experiencing a flare up, there are a few things you should avoid doing in order to not make things worse.
DON’T:
eat high-fibre foods – If you suspect a flare up, it’s best to go for a clear liquid diet, but if you want to try solid food, you should stick to low-fibre/low residue foods such as white bread, chicken breast, white pasta or rice.
Take NSAIDs without approval from a medical professional – NSAIDs are not recommended for people with diverticular disease because they can increase the chance of bleeding from the diverticula or increase the risk of perforation.
Take Codeine-based painkillers without approval from a medical professional – codeine is known for causing constipation and so can worsen the infection if stools are not passed through the bowel.
Eat large portions – if you decide to eat, stick to small portions that won’t overwhelm the system.
Take anti-diarrhoea medication without approval from a medical professional – stopping diarrhoea can be a bad thing since you may be keeping infected waste inside your bowel and allowing the infection to become more severe.
These tips and tricks may be able to help you rest the bowel before medical treatment is required. However, if your symptoms become worse or do not subside, it’s important to seek advice from a medical professional.
If it turns out antibiotics are required, there are a number of things you could be prescribed. For example, common antibiotics include: Ciproxin, Flagyl (metro), Co-amoxiclav, Augmentin and several others. However, Ciproxin and Flagyl are the ones most suitable for those with a penicillin allergy. Please note that some of these antibiotics have some significant side-effects and you should make yourself aware of these by reading the leaflet or discussing it with your doctor before you take them.
In a more severe situation, you may even be admitted to hospital to receive treatment for diverticulitis. Here, they will usually give you antibiotics, fluids and pain relief intravenously. You can read about what I like to pack in my hospital bag here.
What symptoms do you experience before a flare up? Have you managed to treat a flare up without antibiotics? How did you do it?
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Tummy Trouble 