All about fiber

Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet, but how many know why that's the case? Or how best to get it? Here's what you need to know:

How to get fiber in your diet

Forego the juice in favor of whole, unrefined plants. Legumes are the best source of fiber. Fiber binds and adds bulk to food, so juice doesn't have much fiber in it. Even 100% juices are really just a sugar water with some vitamins. And our internal calorie counters aren't as good at remembering the liquid calories we've consumed; that is, we recognize the food we eat, more so than what we drink, as calories consumed. And liquid calories often enlarge our carbon footprints more so than whole fruits and vegetables (especially if the latter are purchased from a local farmer's market) since liquid calories require processing.

Why we need fiber

Fiber is thought to help prevent colon cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, constipation, diverticulosis, and hemorrhoids. It speeds the flow of waste through the intestines so toxins and carcinogens have less contact time with your body. Also, because fiber adds bulk to food, it will helps one to feel satiated quicker in a meal so you'll consume less calories. And fiber itself won't be adding any pounds to the scale since it's a carbohydrate that the body can't digest.

How much fiber you need

According to the Harvard Nutrition Source, most adult women should shoot for over 20 grams of fiber a day; men should shoot for over 30 grams.

So this morning, pour yourself some whole grain cereal, bite into a piece of fruit, maybe skip the juice, and know you're doing something good for your body.

This article is a reprint of http://www.diverticulitis-diverticulosis.com/search?updated-max=2009-05-21T12%3A38%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7 The time or date displayed reflects when an article was added to Google News. ‎Jun 24, 2009‎

How are diverticular disease and diverticulitis diagnosed?

Diagnosing diverticular disease and diverticulitis.

As there are several illnesses and conditions with similar symptoms, such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), diagnosis of diverticular disease is not easy. A doctor can rule out other conditions by having some blood tests done.

Colonoscopy - the doctor has a look inside the patient's colon by using a colonoscope - a thin tube with a camera at the end. The colonoscope enters the patient through the rectum. Before the procedure begins most patients are given a laxative to clear their bowels. A local anesthetic is given before the procedure starts. The aim of the colonoscopy is to see whether any diverticula are present.

Barium enema X-ray - a tube is inserted into the patient's rectum and a barium liquid is squirted into the tube and up the rectum. Barium is a liquid that shows up in X-rays. When the inside surface of organs that do not show up on X-ray are coated with barium, they become visible. The aim here is to see whether the X-ray may confirm the presence of diverticula. The procedure is not painful.

Diagnosing diverticulitis

If a patient has a history of diverticular disease, the GP (general practitioner, primary care physician) will be able to diagnose diverticulitis by carrying out a physical examination and asking the patient some questions regarding symptoms and his/her medical history. A blood test is useful, because if it reveals a high number of white blood cells it probably means there is an infection.

Patients who have no history of diverticular disease will need additional tests. There are other conditions which may have similar symptoms, such as a hernia or gallstones. A computer topography (CT) scan may be used, as well as a barium enema X-ray. If the patient's symptoms are severe the CT scan may tell whether the infection has spread to another part of the body, or whether there is an abscess.

For a full information on colonoscopy visit www.colonoscopy.org

Arthritis may be a warning symptom of IBD

Often, arthritis can appear before the symptoms of IBD, especially in children with Crohn's disease. If your child develops arthritis, Crohn's should be considered, even if your child isn't yet experiencing any intestinal symptoms and occult stool tests are negative.

Another form of arthritis called "spinal arthritis" - or spondylitis - can occur years before the onset of more common IBD symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Spondylitis produces pain and stiffness in the lower spine and sacroiliac joints. A more sinister and rare form of spinal arthritis called "ankylosing spondylitis" can lead to inflammation of the eyes, lungs and heart valves. Both forms of spondylitis are serious illnesses that can severely limit your quality of life and lead to serious complications. It's important to seek timely treatment or better yet, try to prevent the onset of arthritis if you're at risk because you suffer from IBD.

Prevention is key for IBD sufferers.

If you suffer from IBD - be it either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease - it's important to talk to a doctor about preventative measures you can take to avoid arthritis. As the saying goes - and it's particularly true in this case - the best offense is defense.

Clearly, people suffering from colitis and arthritis need to address both diseases. Otherwise, you'll be simply relieving symptoms rather than treating the underlying cause. For example, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen) along with steroid injections are often used to treat arthritis and lessen pain associated with it. But if you're an IBD sufferer - beware! NSAIDs can irritate your intestinal lining and lead to more inflammation. It's important that your treatment plan considers all aspects of both conditions.

If you're overweight, try to lose weight. Your diet should be modified according to your body neeeds, avoiding specific triggers that lead to your symptoms. Although you need to follow a special diet (i.e. gluten-free in celiac disease or meat-free in gout and other arthitic pain), it is important to keep all the essential nutrients, especially protein, in balance with proper quantity and quality of minerals and vitamins. Controlling your nutrition will be the most important tool on your road to wellness.

Alli Diet Pills and Digestive Disorders

Alli diet pills: Not Wise Choice For Those with Chronic Digestive Conditions.

If you have a chronic digestive condition, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's or Colitis) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), where diarrhea is predominant, you shouldn't take Alli fat burners, since this drug would likely make your diarrhea much worse. However for those with IBS where constipation is the main symptom, Alli could actually help. But IBS patients looking to alleviate their constipation shouldn't take Alli just to treat constipation if they aren't trying to lose weight.

Low Residue Diet

Colon health for people experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of gastrointestinal disease.

Low residue diet, low in fiber and residue content, is basically meant for those who are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of gastrointestinal disease. The menu of this diet is prepared in way that food puts less strain on the bowels. The foods included in the low residue diet chart are light and quickly digestible. This diet basically intends to reduce frequency and volume of stools. It helps provide a phase of relaxation and comfort to the bowel muscles, so that the existing infection heals up soon.

Low residue diet is prescribed only when the gastro-intestinal has become extremely weak and is unable to handle high fiber contents. It might also be suggested before certain medical examinations. Other conditions when low residue diet can be suggested include regional enteritis, diverticulitis, colitis, 1st and 2nd stages of labor, pre and post abdominal/ intestinal surgery, during upset bowel (inflammation or irritation), during chemotherapy, before radio-therapy of lower abdomen or pelvis, before endoscopy and while preparation for and participation in space flight.

Low Residue Diet Food

As the name suggests, the low residue diet should include only those food items that leave minimal or no residue in the gastro-intestinal tract. So, make sure that, while on the diet, you intake less than 10-15 grams of fiber per day. Here is a list of food items you should consume and avoid, as a part of the diet.

What To Consume

White bread
Refined pasta
Cereals
White rice
Cooked and peeled vegetable
Peeled fruits, with less fiber content
Pulp and fiber-free juiceWell cooked meat, fish and egg (in limit)
Light dairy products like yoghurt

What To Avoid

Heavy dairy product, like cheese and butter
Whole grain items
Unpeeled vegetables and fruits
Fruits and vegetable with high fiber content
Dried beansPeas and nuts
Legumes
Coconut
Cocoa Products
Caffeine

What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Patients also may experience:

•· anemia
•· fatigue
•· weight loss
•· loss of appetite
•· rectal bleeding
•· loss of body fluids and nutrients
•· skin lesions
•· joint pain
•· growth failure (specifically in children)

About half of the people diagnosed with ulcerative colitis have mild symptoms. Others suffer frequent fevers, bloody diarrhea, nausea, and severe abdominal cramps. Ulcerative colitis may also cause problems such as arthritis, inflammation of the eye, liver disease, and osteoporosis. It is not known why these problems occur outside the colon. Scientists think these complications may be the result of inflammation triggered by the immune system. Some of these problems go away when the colitis is treated.

Diverticulosis Prevention

Diverticulosis, which are little outpouchings of the gastrointestinal wall, and may contribute to a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, and irregularity in bowel movements. No treatment has been found to prevent the complication of diverticulosis. However, there are some guidelines that can be followed to manage the condition. They are as follows:


Eat a high fiber diet, consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread, cereals and bran.

Avoid foods containing indigestible roughage, such as celery and corn, and use bran to prevent constipation.

Avoid straining during bowel movements.

Establish a normal bowel routine. Try to have a bowel movement at approximately the same time every day and spend at least 10 minutes in the attempt.

Add bulk to stools by eating fruits and vegetables with a high fiber content, such as seedless grapes, fresh peaches, carrots and lettuce.

Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and fluids (which cause gas).

Avoid alcohol (which irritates the bowel).

Lose weight if you are overweight.

Exercise moderately.

Use natural laxatives (only when needed).

Drink at least three (3) to five (5) glasses of water or other liquid per day.

Do not smoke (it irritates the gastric mucosa).

How is ulcerative colitis diagnosed?

Many tests are used to diagnose ulcerative colitis. A physical exam and medical history are usually the first step.

Blood tests may be done to check for anemia, which could indicate bleeding in the colon or rectum, or they may uncover a high white blood cell count, which is a sign of inflammation somewhere in the body.

A stool sample can also reveal white blood cells, whose presence indicates ulcerative colitis or inflammatory disease. In addition, a stool sample allows the doctor to detect bleeding or infection in the colon or rectum caused by bacteria, a virus, or parasites.

A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy are the most accurate methods for making a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and ruling-out other possible conditions, such as Crohn's disease, diverticular disease, or colon cancer. For both tests, the doctor inserts an endoscope a long, flexible, lighted tube connected to a computer and TV monitor into the anus to see the inside of the colon and rectum. The doctor will be able to see any inflammation, bleeding, or ulcers on the colon wall. During the exam, the doctor may do a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the colon to view with a microscope.

Sometimes x rays such as a barium enema or CT scans are also used to diagnose ulcerative colitis or its complications.