Diet For Diverticular diseases

Fibers are cell walls from plants. It is mostly found in the outer layers of plants. Fiber is a special type of carbohydrate that passes through the person’s digestive system. It is virtually unchanged, without being broken down into nutrients. Carbohydrate is the mother source of energy for all body functions, especially on motor development and brain functions. Cereals, veggies, fruits, rice, potatoes and flour products are major source of carbohydrates.

There are two mother types of fiber and they have relatively different effects on the body. Insoluble fibers are classified mainly made up of plant cell walls. Although they cannot be dissolved in water but it has an excellent laxative effect. Soluble fiber is made up of polysaccharides (carbohydrates that contain three or more molecules of simple carbohydrates). These fibers have beneficial effect on body chemistry such as lowering your blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Because foods containing fiber-rich elements, they needed to be digested and chewed more thoroughly. Fiber slows down the eating process and it helps contribute to a feeling of being full. These in turn can help prevent obesity and other related diseases due to overeating. Fiber has an influence on the digestion process from start to finish. Fiber makes food more satisfying probably because the contents of the stomach are bulkier and it stays there longer. Fiber slows down digestion and absorption so that glucose in your food. As soon as it enters the bloodstream, it feeds the body slowly which keeps blood sugar on a more controlled level. Fiber is broken down in the colon by bacteria. This process is called fermentation and the simple organic acids are produced by this process and helps to nourish the lining of the colon. These acids elements also provide fuel energy for the rest of the body especially the liver, where it plays an important role in metabolism.

There are good sources of fiber. These would include whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, citrus fruits, vegetables, and some dietary supplement that they claim to have fiber packed. Some of the recommended supplements are Citrucel or Metamucil. Oily foods such as nuts, popcorn hulls, and sunflower must be avoided. People have difference appetites but decisions about diet should be based on what works best for each person general health.

Try to read food labels for bread and cereal products listing whole grain or whole wheat as the first ingredient. When in a hurry, look for cooked and ready to eat cereals that have at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. Eating fruits and green leafy vegetables has more fiber elements than cooked or canned foods, or processed juice. Dried fruits are also good sources of fiber.

Increase fiber in meat dishes by adding pinto beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, bran, or oatmeal. Try adding 2-3 tsp. of unprocessed wheat bran to foods such as meatloaf, casseroles, homemade breads, muffins and other baked goods. Dairy foods provide little fiber. Increase fiber by adding fresh fruit, whole grain or bran cereals to yogurt or cottage cheese.