Diverticulitis is a condition that develops in the intestines. It occurs when the walls of the large intestine become inflamed and pouches are formed along the wall. These pouches are called diverticula and are common for individuals who are over 50 years old. The regularly smooth walls of the intestine weaken and the pouches form. Usually, they don’t cause any problems for the person and only become a concern when they are inflamed. Lifestyle choices and in-home care providers can help seniors reduce the risk of diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis Symptoms
When the diverticula becomes inflamed, the body sends increased amounts of blood flow and fluids to the site because the immune system is delivering disease-fighting cells to the area. This action can result in several painful conditions:
- Sudden and intense pain in the lower abdomen
- Tenderness of the abdomen when touched
- Extreme nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Changes in stool, such as sudden diarrhea or constipation
If any of these symptoms occur, your loved one should see a doctor immediately to determine the cause.
Lifestyle Habits That Increase the Risk of Diverticulitis
Some very specific lifestyle choices can increase a person’s risk of developing Diverticulitis. If your loved one practices many of these habits, his risk increases for developing this condition.
- Low-fiber diet
- High red-meat consumption
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol use
- Obesity
- Lack of regular exercise
- Low Vitamin D levels
Making Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Future Attacks
If your loved one has had an attack, he’s probably pretty sure he never wants to have another attack of Diverticulitis. It is a painful and scary thing, and while most attacks can be treated and your loved one will be released with some medications, multiple attacks can cause serious damage that might require surgery.
If you read that list of risk factors and see multiple ones that pertain to your loved one’s lifestyle, now is the time to help him make new choices to live a healthier life. Change can be hard, but with support from in-home care and family, your loved one can be successful.
Because support can be so important for anyone considering making lifestyle changes, this can be a great time to have an in-home care team as part of your loved one’s support group. An in-home care team can help him implement changes around the home, including what he does for activities and his diet. Having accountability and guidance from in-home care professionals can increase the possibility of your loved one making life-long changes.
Better Lifestyle Choices for Preventing Diverticulitis
- Eat a diet that is rich in fiber and low in red meat. This may mean adding more fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. One fiber-rich food doctors don’t recommend for those with diverticulitis is nuts and seeds. Look for other foods to increase fiber intake.
- Curb smoking and drinking. This may be the hardest change to make but with the proper support, your loved one can be successful in quitting these unhealthy habits.
- Get outside and exercise. Getting outside helps increase the amount of Vitamin D a person gets (the best source of Vitamin D is the sun) and reduces obesity. Being active also helps keep the body regular, preventing constipation, which can cause pressure on the intestine walls.
If your loved one has numerous areas that need adjusting, try one at a time with the help of in-home care to avoid overwhelming him and making him want to give up entirely.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care in Southern Pines, NC, please contact the caring staff at Affordable Family Care.
Serving Raleigh, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call today at (919) 676-1070
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