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An Overview of Appendix
The appendix is a vestigial organ shaped like a little finger, located on the right side of the belly. It is a part of our digestive system, even if it is a remnant of an organ. An obstruction in the appendix can cause appendicitis.
How you can get appendicitis
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. In most cases, inflammation is caused by bacterial infections that cause blockages. Due to its broad spectrum of symptoms, like a low fever and belly button pain, it is not easy to identify. Most often, it will be treated with antibiotics or mistaken for a stomachache, gallbladder problems, urinary tract infection or gastritis. If ignored, appendicitis has the potential to be lethal.
Your health will benefit from a nutritious appendicitis diet. Incorporate wholesome hi-fibrous foods in your diet to help you manage your appendicitis symptoms and lessen the discomfort.
Foods to Eat During Appendicitis
- Vegetable juice: To lessen discomfort, consume the juice of vegetables including cucumber, beets, bottle gourds, and carrots. Vegetable juices are an excellent source of nutrients for your body. You can also combine spinach, radish, and coriander for quicker and more effective pain relief. Note: Do remember to perform taste checks on both sides of cucumbers and bottle gourds to prevent food poisoning. Do not consume a vegetable or fruit if they taste bitter, rancid, or odd.
- High-fibre appendicitis diet: Fresh fruits, boiled sprouts, oats, and other foods. Snacks like poha, dalia, and upma are wholesome and simple-to-digest options. Also, zinc-rich foods, such as dried fruits, and whole grains, help fight infection and boost the production of white blood cells.
- Ginger & turmeric: Ginger and turmeric are well-known for their therapeutic qualities. Their anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties will boost your health and immunity. Take two servings of the ginger and turmeric mixture each day. Other appendicitis symptoms like edema, and nausea can also benefit from the diet.
- Fresh water and juices: Stay hydrated. Drink coconut water and fresh lemon and lime juices to boost digestion and immunity. Cranberry and pomegranate juices also detoxify and heal your body faster.
- Mint: Several appendicitis symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or gas, may be relieved by using this herb. Mint tea can be brewed by boiling mint leaves in water three times a day.
- Probiotics like buttermilk & yogurt: Dairy-free probiotics ease appendicitis symptoms. You can benefit from including sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, buttermilk, and curds in your appendicitis diet every day. Curd rice can assist better digestion and general wellness.
Foods to Avoid During Appendicitis
Avoid eating these foods to prevent your appendicitis from getting worse. Ask your doctor for advice on what to eat and foods to avoid during an appendicitis attack and after surgery to help you recuperate faster. Everybody is unique, and your underlying medical issues can influence your dietary limits.
Consuming the following foods might cause the appendix to rupture:
- Fried foods: Fried, oily meals can be detrimental to your digestive system. Eat as little fried junk food as you can as fried food can worsen your appendicitis symptoms.
- Alcohol: Give up drinking. It’s crucial for appendicitis patients to cut back on or stop drinking alcohol. It is essential to note that you may be medicated before, during and after your treatment or surgery. Consuming alcohol with medication can be counter-productive and you risk adverse reactions.
- Fatty foods: Some foods are difficult to digest. To change your general health, stay away from fatty meals, all kinds of meats. Also, rich, and heavy foods can worsen appendicitis.
- Sugar: Refined sugar is detrimental to your health and can worsen your appendicitis symptoms.
Diet after appendix surgery
- Morning cleanser: Lukewarm water with lime juice or wheatgrass juice in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Breakfast ideas: poha, upma or dalia, broth, herbal tea. You can have freshly squeezed vegetable juice on an empty stomach.
- Juices: White pumpkin, bottle gourd, cucumber, amla (Indian gooseberry), carrot
- Lunch ideas: Soup & steamed vegetables with gluten-free roti like bajra, nachni, rice. Rice or wheat-based dishes like idli, dosa, chillas etc. Add a probiotic like curds, sauerkraut, or yogurt.
- Afternoon: Fruit, handful of nuts & seeds, Steamed veggies with sauce or dressing of choice.
Dinner: Fresh vegetable salad, sprouts, soup, or broth.
Table: Food for appendix patients to boost recovery after a medical procedure.
|
Recommended foods |
Appendix foods to avoid |
|
|
Must have |
Seasonal, local, and whole foods. |
All packaged foods. |
|
Juices |
Coconut water, carrot juice, beetroot juice, cucumber juice, herbal tea, green tea. |
Carbonated drinks & alcohol. |
|
Best fruits for appendix patient |
Bananas, apples, oranges, papaya, all melons, guava, amla, pineapple, apricots, plums, peaches, and all seasonal fruits. |
Packaged or canned fruits. |
|
Vegetables |
Green leafy vegetables like spinach, radish leaves, cabbage, squashes, beans, capsicum, all types of gourds, beetroot, and cucumber, beetroot, cucumber, potatoes, among others. |
Cruciferous vegetables for certain medical cases. |
|
Legumes |
All types of sprouts, chickpeas, green & yellow lentils, horse gram & green gram & beans. |
|
|
Grains |
Semolina upma, barley, oats or wheat porridge, unpolished red, brown & white rice. |
White flour, pastas & breads. |
|
Nuts, Seeds & dry fruits |
Dates, raisins, almonds, pumpkins & watermelon seeds, walnuts. Include a handful of nuts & seeds daily for natural oils. |
|
|
Spices |
Turmeric, fenugreek, ginger, coriander. |
Over consumption of salt & sugar. |
|
Oils |
Any filtered or cold-pressed oil. |
Minimise refined oil in foods. |
|
Note: |
|
Eat to Heal
Appendicitis is a painful ailment that requires medical attention and surgery; however, including some fibre-rich and whole foods in your daily diet can help you manage your appendicitis more effectively. A well-balanced diet containing vegetable, fruits and fruit juices, fibres and proteins is necessary for maintaining health and can help faster recovery from appendicitis during and after surgery. In addition to the enlisted foods, balance your lifestyle by exercising regularly.
Food to Eat During Appendicitis FAQs
Is banana good for appendicitis?
Bananas are generally considered good for appendicitis; however, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for specific dietary recommendations during appendicitis. The appropriate diet can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual circumstances. They will be able to provide personalised advice tailored to your needs and guide you on whether bananas are suitable for you during your specific phase of appendicitis.
What foods make appendicitis worse?
During an acute episode of appendicitis, it is generally advised to avoid certain foods that may aggravate symptoms or increase the risk of complications. While individual recommendations may vary, in general it is advisable to avoid high-fibre foods, greasy or fatty foods, spicy foods, carbonated beverages, and dairy products. These can be hard to digest, increase discomfort, irritate the digestive system, and contribute to bloating.
What food can cause appendicitis?
There is some evidence suggesting a potential association between the consumption of fried foods and processed meats and an increase in the likelihood of developing appendicitis. Processed meats such as hot dogs, bacon, and sausages, which are high in sodium, fat, and preservatives, may have the potential to negatively impact the digestive system. Therefore, it is advisable to limit the intake of these foods to reduce the risk of appendicitis.
Can you eat with appendicitis?
If you experience symptoms resembling appendicitis, it is crucial to avoid consuming unhealthy foods. Eating or drinking unhealthy, using pain medications, laxatives, antacids, or applying heating pads can potentially cause the inflamed appendix to rupture. It is important to consult a doctor for guidance on the appropriate diet to follow when managing appendicitis.
What foods are good for the appendix?
Foods that are considered good for the appendix or promote overall digestive health include high-fibre foods (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes), probiotic-rich foods (yoghurt, fermented foods), lean proteins, and anti-inflammatory foods (berries, leafy greens, fatty fish). Consult a healthcare professional for personalised dietary advice.
Is watermelon good for the appendix?
Watermelon is a hydrating fruit that is easy to digest and often well tolerated. It can be a refreshing option for individuals during the recovery phase of appendicitis. However, it is important to note that individual tolerance may vary, and it is always advisable to consult a doctor for personalised dietary recommendations.(
Which fruit is good for appendix patients?
Immune-boosting fruits such as apples, strawberries, oranges, kiwis, and papaya are good for appendix patients. These fruits contribute to optimal gastrointestinal health and support the overall recovery process. Consult a doctor for personalised dietary guidance.
What food can prevent appendicitis?
Appendicitis cannot be entirely prevented, but its occurrence may be less common among individuals who consume a diet rich in fibre, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
