What kind of diet is needed for dolichosigma?

Dolichosigmoid colon is a pathological elongation of the sigmoid colon. When diagnosed with dolichosigma, diet is one of the main conditions for getting rid of gastrointestinal problems and improving the patient’s quality of life. Symptoms of the disease are prolonged constipation (from 3 days), bloating, pain in the intestinal area, which goes away after going to the toilet. The disease occurs in both children and adults, and can be successfully corrected with a properly selected diet and adherence to the diet.

General rules

Doligosigma is a pathology in which elongation of the sigmoid colon is noted. This feature of the anatomical structure of the intestine is often congenital and some people do not even know about this pathology. The appearance of regular constipation , which is the main manifestation of this disease, flatulence and pain in the intestines forces a person to be examined and pathology is revealed.
With the help of nutrition, you can normalize intestinal function. The diet for intestinal dolichosigma should contain an increased amount of dietary fiber (vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, cereals, bran). At the same time, it contains a reduced amount of animal fats, which inhibit intestinal motility, and more vegetable oils are introduced. In addition, foods that increase fermentation and rotting are excluded (legumes, fried foods, whole milk). All these requirements are met by treatment table No. 3 , which is a complete diet, so you can stick to it constantly.

Food is prepared in uncut form; baking, boiling and stewing are allowed. Most vegetables are recommended raw and some - boiled. Important for this disease is the need to drink a sufficient amount of fluid (1.5-2 l). This is explained by the fact that with insufficient fluid intake, water is absorbed from the stool and at the same time they become dense, and this makes their passage even more difficult.

Nutrition for dolichosigmoid intestines should include:

• Foods rich in dietary fiber - dried fruits, bran, legumes, wholemeal bread, nuts, raw vegetables and whole grains. In this regard, the diet should include zucchini, beets, carrots, raw cabbage (in the absence of flatulence ), pumpkin, cucumbers, apples, tomatoes, oranges, bran bread, and beetroot.
• Sugar-rich foods - dried fruits, jam, honey, milk sugar, which attract liquid and dilute stool. For example, prunes are consumed as an infusion: for 100 g of prunes, take 2 cups of boiling water and brew overnight. The next day, drink 0.5 cups of the infusion before each meal and eat several plums.
• Products containing organic acids that stimulate peristalsis (pickled and pickled vegetables, fermented milk drinks, sour fruits and juices, fruit drinks). Sauerkraut has a double effect as a source of fiber and organic acids.
• Drinks with carbon dioxide. For example, kumiss and kvass, which contain organic acids and gas.
• Egg yolks, vegetable oils, consumed on an empty stomach, 1-2 tbsp. l.
• Cold foods and drinks (15 degrees), consumed on an empty stomach. It is known that the difference between body temperature and the product is a motor stimulator.

At the same time, foods that delay emptying are excluded: strong tea, chocolate, soft cheeses, black coffee, cocoa, dogwood, pomegranate, lingonberries, blueberries, pears, slimy soups, pasta, jelly, red wine.

Often this disease in adults is accompanied by flatulence , in which case adjustments are made to the diet and foods that are dangerous in this regard are excluded. Flatulence can occur when consuming foods high in starch (potatoes, legumes), large amounts of raw fiber (cabbage, radishes, turnips, grapes, raisins, bananas), yeast baked goods, black bread, carbonated drinks and sweets. In addition, you need to take into account that a large amount of animal proteins taken at night also causes flatulence. This is due to the fact that underdigested proteins cause rotting and increased gas formation.

The diet should contain foods that do not cause flatulence:

• Dried wheat bread.
• Carrots, zucchini, greens, pumpkin, beets.
• Boiled lean meat.
• Cereals (with the exception of millet and pearl barley).
• Dairy products.
• Steamed omelette.
• Green tea, freshly squeezed juices (lemon, orange, apple).
• Apricots, prunes, pomegranates.

You can reduce bloating by properly preparing and consuming foods:

• Do not consume incompatible foods - carbohydrates and proteins. It is better if the dishes include a minimum amount of products.
• Before meals you need to drink 2 tbsp. l. infusion of dill seeds.
• Small and frequent meals are recommended that do not overload the gastrointestinal tract.
• Replace fresh vegetables and fruits with heat-treated ones, and consume fruits 2 hours after meals.
• Do not overuse seasonings.

Diet and rules of nutrition

Nutrition for intestinal dolichosigma of both an adult and a child with such a diagnosis must be made fractional, i.e. break your three usual meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) into 4-6 meals a day. You should eat the same small portions, every day at the same time. It is strictly not recommended to overeat! This regimen will contribute to the rhythmic functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the manifestations of the disease.

Each meal triggers the natural motility of the gastrointestinal tract, so if you eat once a day, which modern busy people are especially guilty of, food can begin to stagnate in the intestines.

In addition to the diet, a patient with dolichosigma also needs to establish a drinking regimen.

For the normal functioning of internal organs and the thermal exchange system, any person requires a certain amount of fluid. If a person drinks less than his body requires, the missing liquid is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and the contents of the intestines become dry and harden. Due to dehydration of feces, constipation begins, and as a result, particles of solid intestinal contents can get caught on its walls, so-called intestinal constipation occurs. fecal stones. This can lead to intoxication of the body, proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in these areas, and a feeling of constant heaviness in the stomach.

The average amount of fluid an adult should drink is 1.5 liters of water per day. For chronic constipation, it is necessary to increase the amount of fluid consumed to 2-2.5 liters per day to soften the stool and allow food to pass through the intestines more quickly. An infant needs 100 ml of water per 1 kg of weight; at an older age, about 1 liter per day for a child 6-8 years old. It is recommended to consult your pediatrician on this issue.

Contraindications include severe kidney disease and cardiovascular problems, so before increasing fluid intake it is always better to consult a doctor about this.

It is recommended to change your drinking regime, gradually drinking a little more water every day than the previous day. Nutritionists recommend drinking water half an hour before meals, or several hours after meals. The occurrence of edema is a sign that the volume of fluid taken should be reduced. Improvement in the condition of the gastrointestinal tract and a decrease in the manifestations of dolichosigma with the establishment of a drinking regime can occur within one to two months.

Authorized Products

• The diet should include all vegetables, used raw (in the absence of flatulence), boiled or stewed. If there is no bloating, green peas and cabbage are allowed, but boiled.
• You can make vegetable caviar with vegetable oil and add seaweed to all salads. It can be dried (powder 1-3 tsp per day) or chopped.
• Soups are prepared with a weak broth, but vegetable broth is better. You should prepare more vegetable soups (beetroot soups, cold soups, borscht, cabbage soup).
• Remember that meat dishes are difficult to digest and therefore it is not advisable to eat them daily, as constipation may worsen. Among protein products, you should prefer fish. If you cannot do without meat dishes, then choose dietary varieties (chicken, turkey), as they are easier to digest. Meat and fish dishes should be cooked boiled or baked as a whole piece.
• From cereals (preferably whole grains) crumbly porridges are prepared (except “smear porridges”) and casseroles. It is important not to overcook the porridge so that all the beneficial substances are preserved and it is crumbly. You can add dried fruits to sweet porridges, and vegetable oil to the finished ones.
• Fermented milk drinks are useful for constipation and you can choose matsoni, kefir, yogurt, koumiss or acidophilus yogurt according to your taste, but remember that all products must be fresh (one day old). In this regard, it is better to start making it at home using starter cultures.
• Milk is allowed only in dishes; cottage cheese and cheeses should be consumed sparingly, as they can be strong because they contain calcium. Eggs in quantities of up to 2 pieces (steam omelettes, soft-boiled, omelettes with vegetables).
• Sweet fruits and berries, soaked dried fruits (dried apricots, apricots, figs and prunes) should be present in unlimited quantities, which should be added to dishes or fermented milk drinks.
• Wheat bread (2nd grade), doctor's bread, and grain bread are allowed. If you tolerate rye well, then you can eat it too. All bread products must be stale or dried.
• Allowed: weak tea, herbal teas, carbonated drinks, juices (plum, potato, carrot, beet, apricot, tomato), sparkling water (if there is no bloating or belching), rosehip infusion, coffee substitutes.

Table of permitted products

Fully or partially limited products

• Products that contain dyes, preservatives, flavors and shelf-stable products.
• You should not eat bread made from premium flour, products made from yeast dough or puff pastry. Chocolate, cookies, chips, and any products with cream are not allowed.
• Jelly made from bird cherry, quince, blueberry, pear, dogwood, strong tea, cocoa, coffee, as they contain tannins.
• Dishes with a viscous consistency that slowly pass through the intestines (mucous decoctions and soups, mashed potatoes, jelly, jelly, pureed porridge).
• Difficult to digest fatty meats, poultry (duck, pork, goose) and fish, canned food, fried foods, hard-boiled eggs, and smoked foods are excluded.
• Hot sauces, horseradish and mustard, which disrupt the function of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Foods you should limit include: rice, noodles, sago, semolina, vermicelli, potatoes, and legumes.

Table of prohibited products

Menu (Power Mode)

The main rule of nutrition is to avoid overeating, so you should have several snacks throughout the day. Eating a large amount of food at night will only make the situation worse. Also remember that you need to consume 25-30 g of dietary fiber daily (their content in 100 g of product can be found on the websites). Do not forget about taking juices with pulp, water with honey, prune infusion, and dried fruit compote on an empty stomach.

Wheat bran is an effective remedy, but you need to take it, gradually increasing the amount until it produces an effect. Start taking it with a teaspoon 2-3 times, 20 minutes before meals, with 100 ml of liquid. Bran should swell in the gastrointestinal tract, so you should not fill it with water or add it to kefir or soup. After 5 days, the dose of bran is increased by 2 times, eventually brought to 1-2 tablespoons. When introducing bran, maintain a drinking regime; this is very important, since bran can cause constipation if you do not drink enough water.

If bile stagnates, you can drink 1 tbsp 20 minutes before meals. l. vegetable oil, since it has a choleretic effect and stimulates motor skills. Every night at night, drink kefir with several prunes, and exclude foods from the menu if they cause you increased gas (these are all legumes, raw white cabbage, carbonated drinks and whole milk).

For children

Dolichosigma is a relatively rare disease and occurs in 1 in 5,000 newborns. There is an elongation of the sigmoid colon, and it forms 2-3 additional loops. Newborns usually do not pass meconium in the first 48 hours, when the baby begins to eat, and there is bloating and bilious vomiting. Older children tend to experience constipation and significant bloating.

For dolichosigma, surgical treatment is indicated only for decompensated dolichosigma with intestinal obstruction . In the first (compensated) and second stages, the problem is eliminated with the help of diet. With the help of proper nutrition and massage, it is possible to achieve regular bowel movements, since constipation worsens the child’s well-being and contributes to the appearance of other gastrointestinal diseases.

The diet for dolichosigma in children, of any age, includes:

• avoiding the consumption of proteins and animal fats in large quantities, as they inhibit peristalsis;
• introduction of dietary fiber into the diet;
• normalization of intestinal microflora (taking pre- and probiotics ).

In breastfed children, breast milk is the food product, so the mother must follow these nutritional principles. In her diet, it is necessary to reduce the amount of animal fat, partially replacing it with vegetable oils. A nursing mother should include foods with dietary fiber (cereals, vegetables, fruits, wholemeal bread), which will have a beneficial effect on the baby’s intestinal motility.

When artificial feeding:

• The diet should include fermented milk products (first adapted mixtures, and from 8-10 months, baby yogurt and whole kefir).
• Timely introduce fruit and vegetable purees (apple, carrot, plum), juices with pulp (apple, apricot, plum, beetroot), porridge, grated beets, zucchini. When introducing dishes with a high fiber content, you need to remember about the possibility of negative effects (bloating).

If these measures are effective, specialized milk formulas are prescribed for children with constipation.

• Mixtures with lactulose (for example, "Samper Bifidus" ). Lactulose is not broken down and enters the lower intestine, where bifidobacteria and lactobacilli metabolize its lactose, producing acids (acetic, butyric, propionic). They, irritating the receptors, stimulate the motor activity of the colon. High concentrations of lactulose create increased pressure in the intestines, attracting water, which helps soften stool and promote bowel movements.
• A mixture with the polysaccharide galactomanan ( "Fris" ) can be given in full or with other mixtures.
• Combined milk mixture "Nutrilon Omneo" , which contains vegetable oils and galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides that have a prebiotic effect.

The menu of older children should include steamed dishes. The emphasis is on vegetable salads with vegetable oil and plenty of fruit. Undigested dietary fiber retains water in the intestines and softens stool, while at the same time increasing propulsive peristalsis. It’s good if the child eats grated beets, carrot and apple salads, pumpkin, sauerkraut, porridge with pumpkin and dried fruits. Melon, plum, prunes, figs, dried apricots, rhubarb, rowan jam have a laxative effect and, most likely, the child will prefer any product from this list.

In addition to main meals during the day, include foods that to some extent activate peristalsis:

• In the morning, give a drink of prune infusion, rosehip infusion or water with honey.
• As a snack, offer fruit juices, purees (from carrots, beets and apples with chopped plums), and prune decoction. Perhaps he will prefer mashed boiled dried fruits, and you can decorate it with ice cream.
• During the day, give your child a drink: rhubarb compote, decoctions of vegetables and fruits with the addition of lemon or orange juice, water. After all, it is very important that the child drinks a lot with this pathology.
• You can prepare a chopped mixture of prunes, figs and dried apricots, add honey and give it to your baby as a healthy candy from 1 teaspoon to 1 dessert spoon twice a day: on an empty stomach, and an hour before bedtime with kefir.

Breakfast is important in treating constipation. And it is important that in the morning the reflexes are immediately triggered: orthostatic (transition from a lying position to an upright one) and filling the stomach with food are factors that stimulate motor skills. Very often parents do not pay attention to this and if the child does not want to have breakfast, he may wait until lunch. Particular attention should be paid to maintaining a regimen that promotes bowel function and regular bowel movements.

Changing the composition of the microflora can aggravate the situation and increase constipation. Fermented milk drinks normalize the intestinal microflora, but you need to learn how to prepare them yourself. This way, you will be sure that you are giving your child kefir with live bifidobacteria and that it is fresh, “one day old.”

If a child experiences increased bloating and fermentation while following this diet, then you need to switch to boiled and pureed vegetables, but still include them in the diet in sufficient quantities. These undesirable processes can be observed when consuming simple carbohydrates (sweets, jam, honey), so you need to reduce their amount.

Products for which you should be careful when consuming

Chocolate, which children love so much, should be limited in case of this disease and certain rules for its consumption should be followed. The fact is that when mixed with other food in the intestines, it can cause fermentation processes and delay the evacuation of intestinal contents. It can be eaten after meals, an hour after the last meal, and the stomach should remain empty for another hour after chocolate.

Milk, black tea, cocoa must be consumed with caution, monitoring your condition. It is recommended to replace meat with fish, if possible, as it is easier for digestion. Among the permitted desserts, marshmallows can be consumed unsystematically, due to its soft consistency, it does not linger in the intestines and does not cause constipation. However, it is advisable not to mix marshmallows with other foods so as not to cause bloating.

Reviews and results

According to reviews, a proper diet for this disease allows you to improve your stool. Many have rated the effectiveness of therapeutic nutrition and have only positive reviews about it. The main principle of nutrition for adults and children with this pathology is not to overload the gastrointestinal tract with difficult-to-digest food, include vegetables and fruits with a laxative effect, and be sure to follow a drinking regime.

• “... Dolichosigma was discovered in a child at 2.5 years old, and he had constipation from birth. There were cases when my daughter did not recover for a week, and gas accumulated in her. We lost a year while we were “treating” intestinal dysbiosis, then a non-existent food allergy. After taking the picture, this diagnosis was made. They prescribed massage and electrophoresis, and my daughter began to recover within a day. At first, the procedures were done three times a year, plus a diet and water regime. Prunes and beets help her very well, and baked pumpkin works well. It’s not difficult, but you need to constantly monitor your diet”;
• “... My grandson is 6 years old, and now we have passed the period when he did not have a bowel movement for three days. Microlax was a life-saving remedy, but you can’t constantly use a laxative, and we tried to correct it with nutrition. When he grew up, they began to give him Donat mineral water. It has a taste and it was not always possible to force it to drink. They gave us salads with vegetable oil, fruit and grain bread. Now he goes to the toilet every day, but we always follow the diet”;
• “... With this diagnosis, I was prescribed Diet 3 and a decoction of herbs (nettle, buckthorn and yarrow) for a week. I introduced olive oil into my diet on an empty stomach in the morning, beets 2-3 times a day, 2 tbsp. spoons, prunes during the day, 2-3 pieces. This is the only way I try to maintain normal intestinal function, and I succeed. I noticed that pasta, rolls and cottage cheese are fastened. I completely eliminated the first 2 products, and I eat cottage cheese once or twice a week. I love kefir and yogurt, and I learned to make them myself - a little for one day, so that it is always fresh. I came to the conclusion that you definitely need to watch your diet, and diet helps.”

Recommended menu

The diet for dolichosigma should be aimed at preventing constipation and reducing the transit time of food through the gastrointestinal tract. The most important rule is that food should not be hard, dry, or consist of large pieces; it is better to cut everything smaller or grate it and cook with the addition of liquid and fat.

As for drinks, in addition to clean drinking water, for this disease it may be recommended to consume compotes and fruit drinks from fresh and dried fruits, prune decoction, vegetable and fruit juices. Instead of sugar, it is better to add natural honey to drinks.

You can drink warm bean coffee and freshly brewed green tea with milk. It shouldn't be hot. To enhance intestinal motility, you can add a little table salt to the tea, literally at the tip of a knife.

Homemade lemonade can also be recommended by nutritionists for dolichosigma.

A decoction of unpeeled oats has a therapeutic effect on the gastrointestinal tract and is indicated for regular use. If the patient is going to introduce mineral water into his diet, then it should be consumed warm. Mineral water "Borjomi" and "Essentuki 17" will be especially useful for the functioning of the digestive system.

Sometimes, on the contrary, cold drinks can sharply increase peristalsis and give the desired laxative effect; in any case, each organism is individual, and it is necessary to independently check the reaction of the gastrointestinal tract to the recommended temperature of the liquid taken.

For constipation, fresh vegetables and fruits should be included in the menu every day. The thing is that they contain fiber, which is extremely useful for stimulating the gastrointestinal tract. Fruit peels, leaves and stems of plants contain the most fiber.

Dark green vegetables contain the valuable mineral magnesium, which has a positive effect on intestinal motility, so they should be regularly included in your diet. For children, it is recommended to puree vegetables.

Your diet should include porridge made from whole natural grains; they need to be soaked before cooking; it is important not to overcook the porridge during cooking in order to preserve all the beneficial substances. When cooking sweet porridges, you can add dried fruits, bee honey, and green vegetables will be a very useful addition. In case of dolichosigma, adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the finished porridge is recommended - it can be flaxseed oil, olive oil and even regular sunflower oil will improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Instant cereals with added preservatives will not bring any benefit, but buckwheat, brown or brown rice, millet and oats can become the basis of the diet.

Stewed and boiled vegetables are extremely useful for such a pathological condition as dolichosigma. Indicated for consumption are potatoes, pumpkin, zucchini, and beets.

Some fruits for this disease are indicated for use in baked form - these are apples and pears. This is especially true for the diet of children. These products contain pectin, which is especially important for gastrointestinal problems and constipation.

The menu for adults and children must include such a useful additive as bran, from 2 tablespoons per day. Bran promotes faster passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract.

Food should be steamed or baked. It is advisable to exclude smoked and fried foods. Low-fat vegetable soups, on the contrary, should be on the menu as often as possible.

It is advisable to boil or bake lean meat and fish. Cottage cheese will help diversify your protein menu.

Bran bread, rye bread, crispbread, crackers can be included in the diet for dolichosigma.

Another very useful product is pumpkin seeds; they contain magnesium, which is necessary for the rhythmic functioning of the intestines.

Fermented milk products should be consumed at night, perhaps adding a teaspoon of olive oil