Suffering From Appendicitis? Choose The Right Foods And Leave Out The Rest

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a longish tissue tube which extends from the large intestine. Appendicitis cannot be prevented, but we can definitely change our diet for the better to keep things under control, specially by avoiding foods when we have appendix pain.

Appendix pain needs to be treated urgently through surgery. But, if you ignore it for long (though appendix pain can be too severe to ignore), then it would eventually burst, spilling in the process infectious materials in and around the abdomen cavity, thereby leading to Peritonitis.

Symptoms Of Appendicitis:

Pain near the navel or upper abdomen, which gradually becomes intense towards the lower-right abdomen, is the initial sign of Appendicitis. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, swelling in the abdomen, high fever, etc. There can also be cramps and constipation or diarrhoea.

Foods To Avoid When You Have Appendicitis:

A healthy diet can help you in dealing with the appendix problem to a good extent, even though you can’t prevent it.

Here are some foods that you should avoid if you are suffering from appendicitis. As a rule, you should have lighter liquid intake to avoid severity.

1. Consumption of high-fat food is a strict no-no if you have appendicitis or in the post-surgery period, as these foods are difficult to digest. High-fat food contains meat, cooked egg, cheese, whole mik, chocolate, ice cream, fried foods and preparations having high butter and oil.

2. Food with high sugar content like sweets, candy, cake, muffins, sweeteners, ice cream, etc.

3. Canned foods and juices

4. Aerated drinks

5. Beverages

6. Alcohol

7. Pepper and spices

8. Condiments

10. Beans and cruciferous vegetables that form gas

11. Bakery items that contain cereal and white flour

Even after an appendix surgery, a strict food regime is required. A full liquid diet is required, while solid or regular foods including fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, eggs, fish, bread, etc., should be avoided, so that the digestive system is not put under stress soon after the treatment. It is best to go by the doctor’s advice in this regard.

Foods To Take If You Have Chronic Appendicitis:

Just like the foods you shouldn’t take, there are also foods that you should take if you are having an appendix problem. An all-fruit diet is perfect for those who have appendicitis. Besides the all-fruit diet, also add milk to it for thrice a week.

The following is an ideal daily diet for an appendicitis patient:

1. Fresh lime squeezed in lukewarm water and mixed with honey (one teaspoon) after getting up in the morning.

2. Fruits and milk for breakfast along with some nuts, if required. A full milk diet is also good for an appendicitis patient, though it has to be seen whether he/she is being able to take it without having a problem.

3. Steamed vegetables and buttermilk for lunch. May be a whole-wheat tortilla can be added.

4. Fresh fruit or vegetable juice in the afternoon.

5. Fresh vegetable salad, sprouted seeds, homemade cheese and buttermilk for dinner.

6. Juice of carrot, cucumber and beet really helps an appendicitis patient.

7. Tea made from fenugreek seeds also gives a soothing effect.

Post-surgery Diet Must Include These:

Once you are about to recover after the surgery, have adequate nutrients that prevent infection and quicken the healing process. Food items rich in protein, vitamin C and fibre should be taken regularly during this time. While eggs can be a good source of proteins and zinc, peppers can supply an adequate amount of vitamin C. Fibre comes from fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains and seeds.

A major problem of appendicitis is that it affects the patient’s bowel movement. While some get affected by diarrhoea, there are others who suffer from constipation.

It is difficult to apply pressure on the abdominal area after surgery to facilitate the bowel movement. There are also home remedies to address this problem, but one great aid is water.

It is good to drink 10-12 glasses of water daily, which will soften the body waste and help a patient who has had an appendicitis surgery to have a smooth bowel movement.