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Creating New Healthy recipes and choices for individual who has Diverticulis Issues. Any suggestion

1K views 11 replies 5 participants last post by  pete 
#1 ·
Hi Everyone:

Today, I'm extermely sadden to hear that my sister was diagnois with Diverticulitis.  It's a disorder of the gastro-intestinal tract which affects the colon.  It creats pockets with in the colon walls which tends to weaken the areas of bowl.  It can be serious if not cared properly. 

I want to help her in any way that I can to make her new journey with food a more healthy choice of lifestyle.  High fiber diet will be difficult for her to digest so it said a low-fiber diet are a better choice.  More fish, refine whites, squash, zucchini, carrots, pasta water crackers, english muffins are some example.  She is a lover of red meat and now it's something she must remove from her dinner menu along with nuts, dried fruits, raisins, broccoli, spicy and cheese. 

I'm asking for some suggestions on a variety types of food and recipes so I can help with her transitions. To create a starting menu with be a good first step. If anyone is experiencing similar diagnois and would like to share the type of menu in which you incorporated for a better healthy life style, please let me know. 

I'm reaching out as well as acquiring knowledge through my research on this new disease. 

Thank you.

Susie
 
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#2 · (Edited)
Susie,

I am so sorry to hear that she was diagnosed with this. There is one thing you should know about this disease, it effects each person differently.

What one patient may be able to eat may cause terrible discomfort for another.

The only way "She" will know what foods she can eat is by the effect each item has on her system. Strawberries may not affect her but maybe poppy seeds do. Trial and error. And as she tests her foods out , she will have to journal it everyday.

Her Gastroenterologist can guide her along the way too.

Reading personal stories and what others do in their situation is good but will not always apply to her.

Just a thought.

Petals.
 
#3 ·
Thank you I didn't know that. You see that why it's so good to network and find out what other people thoughts are on this issue. It can be so educational. She will be consulting with her Gastroenterologist in getting help on her new and improve menu but it will be awhile since these things are by appointment and as critical this is appointments usually run 2-3 week schedule. Annoying really!
 
#5 ·
I'm surprised that your sister should stay away from a high fiber diet.  I was diagnosed with diverticulitis about 2 1/2 years ago and had one bout that put me in the hospital for 4 days.  Still hoping to avoid surgery, but not counting on that.  The one thing my doctor told me, and what I have read seems to support this, is that I need to get more fiber into my diet.  There are some schools of thought that actually feel a low fiber diet is a contributing factor to the onset of this condition, but it seems to be pretty well accepted that eating a higher fiber diet helps to keep flare ups at bay.  There is still some truth about eating nuts, seeds, popcorn, etc., but they my doctors have not put so much emphasis  on avoiding these foods as much as making sure I keep enough fiber in my diet.  Their claim is that with the proper amount of fiber things like nuts get push out quick enough to usually not cause a problem.  Of course, each person is different and doctors still have differing views on that point, but I would check again about her doctor wanting her on a low fiber diet.  Also with this condition it is important to always keep yourself well hydrated.
 
#6 ·
I too have Diverticulitis (12 years)  and as has been said previously, it affects everybody differently.

The main thing here is that you want to have as much fiber as possible.

The fiber is what helps your waste travel through the colon faster and easier with less discomfort.

The fiber bulks up your waste so less of it will get caught in those pockets, degrade and cause infection.

I suggest your sister re up on all the new stuff being discovered about the disease.

There's a lot of mis information out there too.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Hello,

I am sorry to hear about your sister, but I am glad to see you're being proactive and a leader! I'm a health nut, so I have a lot of recipes that I use. Unfortunately, I also love spice and nuts, so I won't be as much help as I would like to be /img/vbsmilies/smilies/frown.gif. Here are a couple(and I will be thinking of more that I use so I can revisit):

Protein Shake: Okay, you have to take off your skeptic hat when you read this! It's actually really great!
1/4 cup of cottage cheese
1/4 to 1/3 cup skim milk
4 to 5 straw berries
1/2 banana(or skip the strawberries and use a whole banana)
1/4 avocado
1 scoop of protein powder(I recommend EAS. It's cheap and effective. Also, if you live near a BJ's you can buy it for a steal!)
-Add water to bring to the desired consistency. It will be too thick if you don't!

This is an incredible meal to start your day with. This is because you want to focus most of your carbs in the earlier part of the day, which the fruit deliver. Here is the macronutrient breakdown:
Protein: 35.9 grams(40%) Carbohydrates: 35.7 grams(40%) Fats:8.3 grams(20%) --------> Calories: 355
Note: You can't taste the avocado. The reason why it is in here is because it contains healthy fats such as mono/polyunsaturated fat! It's really a tasty shake. Also, if you find out it is okay for your sister to have a high fiber diet, I recommend adding 1 tsp of physllium husks to the shake. It is basically raw fiber.

Another great meal idea would be stuffed green peppers! It is actually phenomenal with ground chicken. I would actually recommend getting a hand crank meat grinder. They're pretty cheap new, and I think you can even get them a lot cheaper at flea markets/craigslist. It's nice to have one because you can control how much fat is in your meat!

Apple Pie Greek Yogurt:
Okay, so it doesn't taste exactly like apple pie, but it taste good! Here goes:
1 container of greek yogurt(plain 0% fat--basically, no flavor!)
1/2 apple(your choice)
1/4 teaspon cinnamon
1/4 teaspon ginger
1/2 tbsp honey(or to taste)
Cut the apple into small bits. It can be small cubes, minced, or even pureed; it just needs to be small. Now that I think about it, pureed sounds great--I think I'll give that a try :). Then just mix it all up in a bowl and enjoy!
-You might need to adjust the spices accordingly. I usually just do the "a touch of this and a touch of that" style of measuring.
Macronutrient breakdown:
Protein: 15 grams(45%) Carbohydrates:18 grams(55%) Fat: 0 grams(0%)-------> Calories: 135

Note: This is great snack between meals or even better paired up with a lean protein(maybe lemon chicken?). Also, it is fantastic after a workout! This is because the simple carbohydrates(from honey and sugar from apple) will help spike insulin! This is one of the few times you want an insulin spike because it helps restore glycogen levels and insulin helps shuttle nutrients to cells!

Lemon Chicken!
-Chicken breasts(2-3)
-1 to 2 whole lemons
-Sage
-Garlic(fresh or powder)
-Onion power
-Oregano
-Salt/Pepper
-Okay. Filet the chicken lengthwise to make two halves. Then in a tupperware container large enough to fit all of your chicken breasts into, juice the heck out of one lemon(or two if you'd like--I love a strong lemon flavor /img/vbsmilies/smilies/smile.gif ) Next add about 1/2 to 1 tbsp of sage, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp oregano(optional), pepper(your call in terms of quantity) and a healthy portion of salt. I'd say about 3 tbsp. Then mix it all up and soak the chicken in it between 20 minutes and 2 hours. I would strongly recommend using the zest from the lemon in this recipe! It's fantastic when it gets slightly caramelized :). Next, take your chicken out and finish them off on the stovetop!

Note: Once again, you'll probably have to play with the spices. I never measure, so it is difficult writing out recipes haha.

Something that would also pair well with lemon chicken is carrots and hummus! I like to add extra olive oil to the hummus. Speaking of hummus, I have a pita chip recipe that is great.

Pita Chips(whole wheat)
-Pita bread
-Cut the pita bread longitudinally to separate both halves. This will sort of make two really thin pitas.
-Now, cut each half into 1/3s(making 6 pita triangles)---->Basically, one pita should make 12 chips
-Drizzle olive oil over the pita triangles(both sides)
-Coat them to taste with salt/pepper(both sides).
-Crank oven up to about 400--let it preheat
-Get a sheet pan large enough to hold your pitas(I used to get two sheet pans so I could do up 6 pitas worth of chips)
-Now, you must be diligent when watching these. The first side should be ready in about 5 minutes. Flip them and wait/watch. You want to cook these enough so they have a great crunch factor, but it is easy to burn them!
-Enjoy with hummus and a good movie /img/vbsmilies/smilies/biggrin.gif.

I'll be thinking of more recipes. These are some that are off the top of the head that I enjoy.

Enjoy,

Patrick
 
#8 ·
One thing is for sure: fiber, water and exercise help alot for most.

It is strange how our body talks to us in the sense that when its in distress, we feel it right away. We are wonderfully made. I know so many that have it and I feel for you Pete and Chefross, as it can cause so much pain when it does hit.

@ Pat : for your protein drink, instead of protein powder (what is in that ?) have you ever concidered an egg ? .....keeping it all natural. I guess I am not into the whole fitness thing as you are, gee, 1/4 avocado, I might even be prone to toss 1/2 (114 calories)  . I know , the fat in the avocado. Oh so smooth with s&p.
 
#9 ·
Petals,

Protein powder is a wonder material for people who train/condition really hard! Don't quote me, but I think it is usually derived from dairy(mostly whey protein); however, better brands get their proteins from different sources. An example that comes to mind was a protein powder I bought that had protein that contained casein protein(slower digesting protein=keeps you full longer), whey's protein(derived from dairy mostly), and protein from egg(higher absorbency rate). It's not culinarily savvy, but it is super useful when your activities demand so much calorie intake(especially when your calorie intake demands protein for rebuilding!) Eggs do work in shakes, but I've moved away from them because it leaves a weird texture--some people swear by eggs in shakes though! Also, each scoop is 23 grams of protein and cost roughly thirty five cent per scoop(broke college student's delight /img/vbsmilies/smilies/smile.gif). Haha, and I normally would throw in a half of an avocado because they're so perfect in shakes, but I have to fit a certain amount of calories in per meal while making sure I have the right amount of proteins/carbs/fats. It's a labor of love, haha.

Sincerely,

Pat
 
#10 ·
Pat,

Thank you for explaining this to me. There is a science behind it all, and I absolutely respect the fact that your are conscientious of your diet and calorie intake. I am not but should be though.

One of my brothers works out in the gym on a regular basis. They call it "ripped", I think thats the word he used, not sure,  (can't remember word) In any event , he makes alot of shakes at his house and he has them down to a high tech recipe.

It must all work, he looks good, but he is at it daily.

Petals.
 
#11 ·
These are great suggestions. I've read so much but at the end she's going to have a sit down with Dr In 2 weeks Too much mix reviews from my research reading. . Until then fish fish fish its a few fiber. Can't go wrong. Plus water, which she hardly takes. She needs to get acquainted with it again. Thank you wholeheartedly.
 
#12 ·
I think where the confusion lies, in regards to a low-fiber vs a high-fiber diet comes from the fact that often when you see your doctor and you are diagnosed with diverticulitis it is often during an attack (the condition where the diverticula-which are always present-become inflamed).  To clear the attack up and reduce the swelling doctors will often prescribe a low-fiber diet (in severe cases it may even be a strict clear liquid diet like I had when I was in the hospital).  This gives the colon a chance to heal.  Once the symptoms have cleared up doctors will often recommend a high-fiber diet as it helps to avoid constipation, loosens the stool and helps move things along the digestive tract which can help prevent further instances of inflamation.

Diverticula - small pouches that develop in the colon or large intestine

Diverticulosis - the condition of having diverticula develop, not all people who develop diverticulosis develop any symptoms

Diverticulitis - when the diverticula become inflamed or infected.  This is the condition that creates severe cramping, constipation and more severe symptoms and can lead to death.
 
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