Which Foods Can Cause Or Aggravate Appendicitis?
Appendicitis refers to the inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-like hollow organ found at the end of the large intestine. Appendicitis occurs due to an obstruction in its lumen which further leads to inflammation and distension of the appendix. The obstruction can occur due to parasitic infections, overgrowth of lymphoid tissues, fecaliths (hardened faeces that make stone-like structures) and any type of tumour near the appendix. It is usually associated with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, malaise, and light fever. Certain foods can trigger this condition. We'll explore more about what foods can cause appendicitis.
Food that can trigger appendictis
The food we eat plays an important role in managing appendicitis. Moreover, certain dietary choices can make a person prone to appendicitis. There are foods which can either reduce or promote appendicitis. So if you’re wondering what foods make appendicitis worse, we've listed below certain foods that you should avoid:
1. Spicy and acidic foods
If you suffer from appendicitis, you must avoid spicy foods as they can irritate your digestive system and worsen the symptoms of the ailment. Acidic foods also trigger appendicitis by inducing acidity.
2. Processed Meat & Fried Foods
Processed meats can aggravate appendicitis pain due to the presence of high amounts of preservatives. Fried foods are also a strict No for people suffering from appendicitis as they contain unhealthy fats. You must avoid fried foods, including French fries, pakoras or onion fritters, deep-fried chicken, etc.
3. Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates
Consuming foods high in sugar content and refined carbohydrates can cause digestion issues and inflammation. This can obstruct the appendix lumen, which can cause appendicitis.
4. High-Fat And High-Cholesterol Foods
Foods high in saturated fats, such as cheese, butter, and fatty meat, can cause digestive issues, leading to infection and inflammation of the appendix. One should also avoid foods rich in cholesterol, as it can cause stones and block the appendix lumen.
5. High-Lactose Dairy Products
Certain processed dairy products, like cheese and ice creams, can also trigger appendicitis.
6. Alcohol
Consuming excessive alcohol can worsen appendicitis.
Fruits to Avoid in Appendicitis
You must avoid consuming the following fruits if you have been diagnosed with appendicitis:
1. Orange
Citrus fruits like oranges can irritate the digestive tract and cause inflammation, increasing the risk of infection and blockages in the appendix.
2. Dates
Although rich in fibre, dates can cause discomfort in the digestive system, leading to bloating and gas.
3. Melon
Melons can cause excessive bloating, gas, and discomfort in some people, thus aggravating symptoms of appendicitis.
4. Fig
Figs contain small, hard seeds which can irritate the digestive tract and worsen the condition.
5. Grapes
Grapes can cause stomach discomfort in some people because of their acidic nature.
Conclusion
The best foods to help alleviate appendicitis pain are those which are healthy, rich in fibre, and easy on the stomach. Along with all the precautions, ensure you have a comprehensive health insurance plan to safeguard yourself during emergencies. It is also advisable to opt for critical illness insurance for additional financial protection if, unfortunately, you get diagnosed with appendix cancer.