Tag Archives: Diverticulitis Info

Fennel Seeds to Restore Health

Fennel field typical in Mediterranean Countries

Across the fields of the Mediterranean country of Italy, yellow-flowered green feathery leaves gently move in the breeze. The “Florence Fennel” or Finocchio (feen o key oh) produces a vegetable and seed commonly used in promoting digestion at kitchen tables within Europe, India, Southeast Asia and North Africa.

Foeniculum Vulgare (genius) is listed under the species Apiaceae, or hollow stemmed plants, grouped with other family members including: anise, carrot, caraway, cilantro, cumin, dill, parsley and parsnip.The fennel seed is both green (soft and easy to chew) and yellowish in color (used in cooking) and full of nutrients.

Fennel seeds promote digestive healing. Limited to 1/2 tsp per day.

A dozen fennel seeds chewed on at a time will soothe and relieve various ailments in both men and women.

  • Breath freshener
  • Ease gum soreness
  • Assists in digestion
  • Combats acid reflux
  • Relieves flatulence, gas, stomach ache
  • Creates bile to promote bowel movement. Unclogs liver.
  • Due to their “expectorant properties”, fennel seeds ease coughs and treats bronchial congestion,  asthma
  • Reduces menstrual cramps, hot flashes, night sweats, water retention. Functions as a phytoestrogen and improves libido.
  • Curves stress eating!  ( 12 seeds 3x’s a day) Fennel Seeds or Flax Seeds are a natural “Appetite Suppressant” contributing to weight maintenance, or weight loss
  • Used to improve anxiety and depression
  • Lowers Blood Pressure
  • Fennel seeds can be purchased in the grocery isle that sells herbs and spices.
Eaten raw, steamed or boiled, fennel is encouraged to be part of ones nutritional intake. The texture of the smooth white fennel bulb when sliced releases a gentle aroma of lemon and licorice. The mouth feel of the vegetable is similar to celery. Full of fiber, it is an easy snack to pack, or consumed as an after dinner palate cleanser. Gently boil sliced fennel and green leaves for about 10 minutes. Pour water from pan into a mug and slowly drink water to promote intestinal healing.

Fennel can be eaten raw, steamed or boiled

FENNEL’S Nutrient Composition: “Fennel seeds contain antioxidants, dietary fibers, vitamins A, B and C. Minerals that promote healing are also present: copper, iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc and magnesium. Its active components anethole, limonene, fenchone, anisic aldehyde, chavicol, myrcene, cineole and pinene are what make fennel seeds effective in their many restorative and curative functions in different body systems like the digestive system, respiratory system and the female reproductive system.”
WARNINGS: Fennel seeds oil is considered volatile. Those who experience plant allergies should approach fennel consumption with caution. Consult with your doctor before consuming fennel seeds if: pregnant, experience allergies or before giving to a child or baby.  Important to note that research has not proven fennel’s ability to calm colic in babies.
By: Kimberly Crocker-Scardicchio

Roasted Pepper and Carrot Soup

Roasted Pepper and Carrot Soup

Roasted Red Pepper and Carrot Soup
Serves 4-6
Preparation time 15 minutes
Cooking time 30 minutes
Various methods may be used for roasting peppers: under oven broiler, heat oven to 250 C / 500 F, or grilled.

Roast peppers under the oven broiler or on the grill, then remove skin.

 Ingredients
  • 3 large Red Peppers (quartered and de-seeded)
  • 10 Carrots (peeled and roughly chopped)
  • 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 Onions peeled and diced
  • 2 Potatoes peeled and quartered
  • Pinch of ground Cinnamon
  • 1.8 Liters Vegetable Stock
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 4 teaspoons Panna or Heavy Cream (optional)
  • Paprika
  • Parsley for decoration
Preparation 15 minutes
Place peppers on flat pan and into the a very hot oven for 10 minutes.
(Optional: Hot roasted peppers may have skin removed by placing them in a sealed container and after 10 minutes remove peel.)
Peel onions and in large pan gently saute` the onion in 2 Tablespoons of olive oil for 10 minutes. Peel carrots and potatoes. Toss carrots, potatoes and  roasted peppers in 2 Tablespoons olive oil.
Simmering  time,  30 minutes on stove top
Add carrots, potatoes and peppers  to the onions with the cinnamon, salt and pepper to taste; toss together in pan.
Add stock and lime juice, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
With a ladle add cooked vegetables into a blender and  then puree` for about 20 seconds, add back to soup and reheat for10 minutes.
Serving and Presentation
Ladle soup into a bowl, sprinkle chopped parsley on top and drizzle the panna or  heavy cream.
Serve soup with a spoonful of Creme` Fraiche and pinch of paprika.
Enjoy!!!

Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis Diet Tips

 
Diverticula are small pouches in the wall of the digestive tract. They occur when the inner layer of the digestive tract bulges through weak spots in the outer layer. (This is similar to what happens when an inner tube bulges through a tire.) People who have these pouches are said to have diverticulosis. Sometimes one or more of these pouches becomes inflamed or infected, a condition called diverticulitis. Some people with diverticulosis become aware of the condition only when diverticulitis occurs.
Diverticulosis is a very common condition in the United States.
Diverticulosis is more common in developed or industrialized countries, such as the United States, England, and Australia, where the typical diet is low in fiber and high in highly processed carbohydrates, diverticulosis is common. Diverticulosis first appeared in the United States in about 1900. This was the same time that processed foods were first introduced into the US diet.
Diverticulosis is much less common in countries of Asia and Africa, where the typical diet is high in fiber. (For more information on diverticulitis, check with the Mayo Clinic at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diverticulitis-diet/HQ00548)

Most people recover from diverticulitis without problems if they receive appropriate treatment. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis can be prevented by changes in lifestyle and habits.

Diverticulosis is thought to be caused by increased pressure on the intestinal wall from inside the intestine. As the body ages, the outer layer of the intestinal wall thickens. This causes the open space inside the intestine to narrow. Stool (feces) moves more slowly through the colon, increasing the pressure. Hard stools, such as those produced by a diet low in fiber or slower stool “transit time” through the colon, can further increase pressure. Frequent, repeated straining during bowel movements also increases pressure and contributes to formation of diverticula.
Diverticulosis in developed countries is blamed largely on the typical diet, which is low in fiber. For more information on Diverticulosis.

Diet Plan for Diverticulitis

  1. Grains
    enriched refined white bread, buns, bagels, english muffins
    plain cereals e.g. Cheerios, Cornflakes, Cream of Wheat, Rice Krispies, Special K
    arrowroot cookies, tea biscuits, soda crackers, plain melba toast
    white rice, refined pasta and noodles
    avoid whole grains as the seeds can get add to the inflammation within the intestine.
  2. Fruits:
    fruit juices except prune juice
    applesauce, apricots, banana (1/2), cantaloupe, canned fruit cocktail, grapes, honeydew melon, peaches, watermelon
    avoid raw and dried fruits, raisins and berries.
  3. Vegetables:
    Vegetable Juices
    Potatoes no skin
    beets, green/yellow beans, carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, green/red peppers, potatoes (peeled), squash, zucchini
    avoid vegetables from the cruciferous family such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard etc
  4. Meat and Protein Choice:
    Well done, tender meat (lean), fish (wild caught) high in Omega 3 which will reduce inflammation within intestine. eggs
    Avoid beans & lentils
    Avoid all nuts and seeds, as well as foods that may contain seeds (such as yogurt)
  5. Dairy
    Two servings per day skim or 1% milk
  6. FATS
    Avoid saturated fats such as butter, margarine, Trans Fats, mealt high in fat content.
    MCT oil is most gentle on the intestine. You can also try plant oils. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, canola, avocado and peanut oils.

By: K. Crocker