Appendicitis is one of the most common types of abdominal pain that people experience, but it’s also one of the most serious and potentially deadly forms of abdominal pain, so anyone who experiences it should seek medical attention right away. However, since there are some foods you can’t eat if you have appendicitis, there are certain precautions you can take to help prevent this problem from occurring in the first place. Learn about these foods here.
What Foods Can Cause Appendicitis?
Foods consumed may not necessarily cause appendicitis to flare up, but they may trigger it if an individual is already predisposed to this disease.
Spicy food
The excessive amount of chilli peppers consumed can cause inflammation and painfully uncomfortable indigestion. Coupled with an issue like stomach illness, appendicitis can manifest.
Food that is not properly chewed
The food you consume if not properly chewed will not be digested by your body. This can cause blockages, inflammation, and maybe even appendicitis. Remember to chew all of your food thoroughly before swallowing it.
Low-fiber foods
Foods that are low in fiber typically contain high amounts of fats and sugar, which can lead to inflammation and bowel problems. Patients who eat high-fiber diets tend to have improved digestion and are 30-50% less likely to experience appendicitis.
Some things you should avoid if you have appendicitis
raw vegetables, fruits, yogurt and milk (not easy when you’re used to eating yogurt at least once a day). Some folks say spicy foods can also irritate your abdomen if you have appendicitis. To reduce abdominal pain from food that can cause appendicitis, cut down on processed carbohydrates and fast foods.
Suffer from gas or indigestion? Tame your problem with vinegar-water concoctions (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) sipped before meals. Or try ginger tea (freshly steeped for about 10 minutes). The nausea often associated with bad foods for people with appendicitis stems from an enlarged and overactive stomach lying against your intestines—there’s nothing more irritating than touching an already inflamed area!
Things That Cause Appendicitis
Acute appendicitis occurs when there is a blockage in a segment of your large intestine. The obstruction causes bacteria to accumulate and spread. The ensuing inflammation is responsible for the associated pain. Appendicitis often develops without any known cause.
It’s not clear why some people get acute appendicitis and others don’t. Studies suggest that genetics may play a role in who develops it and that there is an association between those of African American ethnicity and acute appendicitis. But other studies found no such correlation.
What are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?
The symptoms of appendicitis vary from person to person. Some people have what’s called a typical case, which means they experience all of these symptoms. Other people only experience some of them—and some people don’t even realize they have appendicitis until their appendix bursts. When it comes to your health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
So if you think you might have appendicitis, see your doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation. While he or she is taking care of you, keep an eye out for these common symptoms: Nausea and vomiting; abdominal pain that can spread throughout your abdomen; loss of appetite; constipation or diarrhea; and a low-grade fever (100°F).
How Do I Know if I Have Appendicitis?
Symptoms of appendicitis can include pain and swelling in your lower-right abdomen, fever, nausea and vomiting. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that you make an appointment with your doctor if you’re experiencing abdominal pain without any other sicknesses or issues. It’s also a good idea to keep track of what you ate within 24 hours before your symptoms emerged so that you can let your doctor know what foods may have caused your stomach to ache.
Conclusion
Now you know about foods that can cause appendicitis. Choose your favourite food, and avoid that during a surgery recovery time period. However, remember it is very important to read your body after surgery and if anything seems unusual it’s advised to contact a physician or surgeon immediately. Good luck with your recovery!
