Soumita Biswas, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Aster RV Hospital

If you are wondering what is appendix? It is a small tube-like structure found at the end of a large intestine. Although this organ has no observable purpose it is susceptible to infection. That restricts blood supply to it resulting in inflammation and appendix pain.

Causes

Bacterial and viral infection in the digestive tract induces swelling of the lymph nodes which in turn exerts pressure on the appendix and causes obstruction. The pressure may restrict blood supply to the organ leading to inflammation. An inflamed appendix meaning an appendix with blockages may require surgical removal.

Symptoms

• Sharp pain in the lower abdomen especially around the belly button.
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty in passing gas
• Persistent feeling of bloating
• Indigestion and nausea
• Abdominal swelling accompanied by low fever

Food to stick to during appendicitis

A healthy and balanced diet consisting of certain food and nutrients can help in controlling the symptoms. By alleviating appendix pain, facilitating easy digestion, and boosting appetite.

·  Buttermilk: Buttermilk serves as a detoxifying agent and prevents bacterial growth in the appendix. It is advisable to prepare it organically at home.

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·  Vegetable juice: Vegetables are packed with essential nutrients and minerals that not only promote overall health. But also play a significant role in alleviating symptoms of appendicitis. Freshly squeezed juices from cucumber, carrot, radish, beetroot, and coriander have been found to lower abdominal pain and discomfort.

·Ginger: Grounded ginger, honey, and turmeric powder form a concoction known for its medicinal properties, which can help with inflammation, nausea, and bloating if taken twice a day. Ayurvedic medicines use ginger widely because it has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.

· Fenugreek seeds: Simply, add two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in one liter of water and boil it for half an hour. After cooling, drink this concoction twice daily to lower the pain from appendicitis. Fenugreek has medicinal properties which prevent the buildup of mucus and pus in the appendix.

· Mint:Mint leaves contain Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, along with a wealth of antioxidants and cooling properties. Experts recommend boiling mint leaves in water and consuming the drink thrice a day to reduce irritable bowel syndrome and soothe abdominal pain. Mint leaves also help with other symptoms of appendicitis like nausea and bloating.

·High-fiber diets include food items and recipes rich in fiber and low in fat that the body digests easily. People can cook fresh fruits, oats, boiled sprouts, and seeds with minimal oil and spices. Appendicitis patients can easily digest fiber-rich recipes such as upma, dalia, and khichdi.

Patients should avoid certain foods during appendicitis because these foods tend to aggravate the medical condition by inducing inflammation, pain, and discomfort.

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·  Patients should avoid junk food and dishes cooked in too much oil and spices to effectively manage appendicitis. Fried food is difficult to digest, which in turn can worsen the symptoms of appendicitis.

· Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol affects the overall gut health by promoting the growth of microbes in the gut and weakening the digestive system. Intake of alcohol can inflame the appendix causing unbearable abdominal pain.

· Fatty food: Fatty foods are a strict no-no in the diet of a patient with appendicitis. Fatty foods include meat, cheese, cooked eggs, chocolate, ice cream, cheese, whole milk, chocolate, ice cream, fried foods and dishes containing high butter and oil. These foods are difficult to digest and wear out the gut extensively, thereby worsening appendicitis symptoms.

· Sugar: Except for natural sugar extracted from fruits, all other kinds of sugar are detrimental for a patient suffering from appendicitis. Refined or synthetic sugar can trigger diarrhea and aggravate the symptoms. Sugar based foods like chocolate, ice cream, and sweets should be avoided as much as possible.

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