Diverticulosis of the colon
These are bulges in the mucosa of the colon, preferably in the area of weak points at vascular passages. With low-fiber food, the low colon filling causes increased pressure in the intestinal lumen and diverticula can develop. This is supported by the fact that this disease occurs very rarely in population groups with high dietary fiber intake.
Vegetarians suffer less frequently than non-vegetarians. Diverticula do not regress with a diet high in dietary fiber. However, the symptoms associated with diverticulosis (abdominal pain, stool irregularities) can be alleviated and diverticulitis (inflammation of the bulges) can be counteracted.
The administration of wheat bran has proven to be effective. As a fiber carrier, it significantly increases the stool volume. It is essential to ensure an adequate fluid intake!
As a preventive measure, a diet rich in dietary fiber is recommended. In existing diverticula, the administration of wheat bran can improve the symptoms. Supply sufficient liquid.
Irritable bowel
This functional disorder of the large intestine is characterized by intermittent cramp-like pain and often alternates between diarrhea and constipation without there being any disease of the gastrointestinal tract (chronic inflammatory diseases, colon cancer). There is also no clear correlation between diet and irritable bowel symptoms. These patients only have certain intolerances (coffee, raw fruit, fried foods) which can vary greatly from one individual to another. A diet rich in dietary fibre does not alleviate the symptoms. If constipation exists, the administration of wheat bran can help.
Summary
Avoid foods that experience has shown to cause or aggravate the symptoms. In case of simultaneous constipation, the administration of wheat bran (sufficient fluid intake!) can help.
The development of intestinal cancer is significantly influenced by environmental factors. Nutritional surveys conducted so far have for the most part revealed the following risks that can promote the development of intestinal cancer: The diet is rich in fat and animal protein and poor in complex carbohydrates (fiber, starch). A certain protective effect is attributed to the minerals calcium and selenium and the vitamins A, C, D and beta-carotene.
It seems that not only the amount but also the type of fat ingested is important. Animal fats and polyunsaturated fats have a more negative effect, while monounsaturated fats (for example olive oil, rapeseed oil) and fish oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids have a positive and protective effect. The negative influence of high-fat nutrition is explained by the increased release of bile acids after a high-fat meal.
Most of the fat is reabsorbed in the small intestine and brought back into the circulation. A small portion reaches the large intestine, where it is broken down by bacteria, and in animal experiments this has increased the risk of developing colon cancer. A high consumption of meat increases the risk of intestinal cancer.
Due to the high fat content of some types of meat, the above-described connection between fat intake and bile acids could also be used to explain this. Fiber increases stool volume and the intestinal contents pass more quickly through the intestinal tract. As a result, any harmful substances contained in the food have less contact with the intestinal mucosa.
This effect can prevent the development of cancer. In addition it comes that in the large intestine from ballast materials as final product short-chain fatty acids develop. One of them is the fatty acid n-butyrate.
In laboratory tests, this fatty acid inhibits the growth of colon cancer cells. Colon cancer is less frequent in population groups that eat a calcium-rich diet (mainly milk and dairy products). Selenium has shown a positive effect in animal experiments.
However, this effect of selenium has not yet been proven in humans and the additional administration of selenium (toxic in high doses) should therefore be avoided. Studies proved that Vitamin C and beta carotin work protecting and Vitamin D has possibly together with calcium a positive influence. This hypothesis requires however still the confirmation.
All these connections between nutrition and emergence of intestine cancer are not completely secured. Nevertheless there are recommendations for the reduction of the cancer risk by the German society for nutrition.Recommendations for the prevention of colon cancer Vegetables, wholemeal products, fruit, potatoes and legumes should become the main part of the diet. Reduce fat and prefer positive fats (rapeseed oil, olive oil, fish oils with omega-3 fatty acids from cold water fish such as salmon, herring).
Low-fat milk and dairy products daily Fish and poultry should be preferred to red meat. The alcohol consumption should not exceed 20 g per day. Excessive calorie intake should be avoided and daily physical exercise is recommended.
