As concerned health enthusiasts we've made it our goal to help as many people as we possibly can with our combined knowledge of healthcare and nutrition not just for general day to day living but also, perhaps more importantly for some, as a means of effective management for a range of ailments and conditions.

As such, it only seemed fitting we addressed the increasingly common condition known as Diverticulitis in the best way we know how - by finding the best way to incorporate the right Smoothie and Juice ingredients into your Diverticulitis diet to ease, manage and as best as possible, remedy this uncomfortable and, at times, debilitating condition.

Let us take you through it now - don't despair - you might just be surprised!

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis (/diverticulosis) are related digestive conditions that affect the large intestine (colon).
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In Diverticular disease, small bulges or pockets (diverticula) form in the lining of the intestine. Diverticulitis is the condition whereby these pockets become inflamed or infected.

"Diverticula" is the medical term used to describe the small bulges protruding from the side of the large intestine (colon). "Diverticulosis" is a condition that describes small pouches in the wall of the digestive tract that occur when the inner layer of the digestive tract bulges through weak spots in the outer layer.

Symptoms of diverticular disease include:

• lower abdominal pain
• feeling bloated

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The majority of people with diverticula will not have any symptoms; this is known as diverticulosis.
Symptoms of diverticulitis tend to be more serious and include:

• more severe abdominal pain, especially on the left side
• high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
• diarrhoea or frequent bowel movements

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A high-fiber diet is the mainstay of diverticulosis and diverticulitis prevention.

• Start a high-fiber diet because it will decrease the risk of complications and the accompanying symptoms; however, will not make the diverticula a person has go away.
• Drinking plenty of fluids will also help the stool stay soft and pass quickly to prevent constipation and decrease the risk for diverticulosis.
• Get plenty of physical activity to keep bowels functioning properly.

Foods high in fiber include:

• Whole-grain cereals and breads (brown rice, quinoa, and bulgur)
• Fruits (apples, berries, peaches, pears)
• Vegetables (squash, broccoli, cabbage, and spinach)
• Beans, peas, and lentils
• Potatoes

• hot cereals (oatmeal, amaranth)

For a (dare we say?) pretty much complete list of Diverticulitis Fiber Foods check out our dedicated article here: Finding Fiber in our Foods! A Comprehensive List of Foods and their Typical Fiber Content 

Notice the focus on the combination of hydration and fiber intake? This immediately screams out that there is an effective and simple way to approach this condition. That list above is SO IMPORTANT for all of us here looking to create beneficial Smoothies and Juices to remedy your ailments and pains (which to be honest is the reason we put it together)!

In the past patients with diverticulosis/diverticulitis were told that foods to avoid included seeds, corn, and nuts because it was thought fragments of these foods would get stuck in the diverticula and cause inflammation. However, current research has not found this to be the case, and the fiber content of such foods may actually benefit individuals with diverticulosis/diverticulitis.

​With smoothies and juices you actually avoid this problem entirely thanks to varying degrees of pulp separation, so even though the research is on our side, using Juicers and Blenders is just one great way to reduce any risk of this being a problem even further in an effort to source that nutritional goodness.

So what are the foods to avoid with Diverticulitis? Well, let's be honest with the list above of what you should eat, working out what you shouldn't eat isn't that hard - but for completeness here you go!

AVOID

• ​Foods high in fat
• Fried foods 
• Processed and 'refined' foods which are packed with sugars, chemicals, and nutritionally devoid calories (Cookies, Crackers, Chips, etc)
• Excessive salt intake will dehydrate the body and aggravate the colon and cause constipation
• Red meat feeds bad bacteria in the gut -  best avoided with potential infection sites 

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So now we have a good idea of what it is we want to be including in our smoothies (if not have a quick look over our Fiber Foods article above as a refresher) you can see that the possibilities for smoothies really are endless! Of course you don't want a fiber overload so our best recommendations for Smoothies & Juices for Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis pain management, in no particular order, are:

• THE BANANA, ORANGE, AND RASPBERRY DELIGHT
• AVOCADO, PINEAPPLE AND BANANA IN COCONUT PARADISE
• DOUBLE APPLE AND PEARS PAIRED WITH CARROT

There are many many more great smoothies and juices we whole-heartedly recommend too so don't feel limited - use the category headings on the right hand side of this page to click on an ingredient to see all our recipes containing that particular ingredient if you have a favorite (just make sure at least one ingredient is on THIS LIST)!

With all the great information contained above it can be easy to get carried away. Perhaps one of the most important things we can tell you now that we have equipped you with this knowledge is to NOT GET CARRIED AWAY.

Remember this is your gut we're talking about here. While we wholly recommend a change to a healthier diet and lifestyle if you aren't consciously doing so already, remember that ANY drastic and abrupt change to your diet, particularly if you suffer from a gastro-intestinal condition, is not going to be welcomed by your expectant, regular body chemistry and processes.

We therefore recommend careful planning to phase your way into incorporating the smoothie and juice recipes into your diet while you cut out the bad stuff to give your body the best possible chance to adapt to its new surroundings with the least amount of upset to yourself.

With an improved diet and the inclusion of smoothies and juices packed with nutritional goodness we have every confidence that in no time at all you will feel like a totally new you! Good luck!

Check out our latest article for awesome diverticulitis friendly meals broken down by breakfast, lunch and dinner options for even the fussiest palettes! Click here for Delicious Recipes for Diverticulitis Sufferers!

​Here at The Healthy Juice and Diet Life we pride ourselves on our mission to help as many people as possible with our combined knowledge of healthcare and nutrition. Being in good health in general, alongside having an understanding of how this plays an important role in our mental processes such as decision making and emotional harmony, has been shown to have a strong positive correlation with key indicators of a positive, happy and fulfilled life.

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that affects between 250,000 and 500,000 people across the USA and just shy of 150,000 people in the UK. These are not small numbers!

With something as important as quality of life at stake for this many people we know just how frustrating it can be trying to find reliable, accurate and trustworthy information to point you in the right direction for specific ailments and conditions when it comes to not just medication but also, more importantly, effective, natural and nutritious goodness!

So, if you're sick of feeling sick, this article will set you well on your way to a full and well rounded understanding of Ulcerative Colitis, what it is, what it means for you and what you should (and shouldn't!) be doing. We also give you some great examples of juice recipes for Ulcerative Colitis to get your taste buds tingling and have found some of the best resources available online to assist in maintaining a, flare-free, full and rewarding life with Ulcerative Colitis. 

Let's get to it!

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic (long term) condition whereby the colon (large intestine / bowel) and rectum become inflamed. Ulcers can develop on the lining of the colon as with other similarly affecting Gastro-intestinal diseases such as Diverticulitis and Chrohn's disease, these can become infected, bleed and ooze puss into the affected areas.

The main symptoms of Ulcerative colitis include:

• Abdominal cramping and stomach pains
• Frequent diarrhoea, often containing blood, puss, or mucus
• Feeling the need to empty your bowels more than usual

Sufferers also note other symptoms including fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.

When a 'flare up' occurs some people also encounter symptoms in other areas of the body including:

• Mouth ulcers
• Arthritis (Painful and swollen joints)
• Irritated, itchy, red eyes
• Patches of red, painful, swollen skin

Having to empty your bowels 6 or more times a day is defined as a serious case of Ulcerative Colitis and has been documented with additional symptoms such as:

• Fever and having a high temperature
• Shortness of breath
• An irregular or fast heartbeat
• More prominent blood in stools

Depending on the extent of the affected area, Ulcerative colitis is identified in differing terms: Ulcerative Proctitis refers to when just the area inside the rectum is affected, Proctosigmoiditis involves the rectum and the Sigmoid colon (the lower end of the colon), Distal (or commonly 'left-sided') colitis includes the rectum and up the left side to the Sigmoid and descending colon, and finally, Pancolitis refers to when the entire colon is affected - at this stage one should absolutely seek both medical and nutritional intervention if not already doing so.

Progression from Pancolitis to the more life threatening Fulminant colitis is absolutely avoidable with a diligent focus on diet, which we highly recommend as further progression from this stage can lead to severe and lethal conditions including toxic megacolon and bowel perforation! Not to get the wind up your back!

While it's no 'Cotton-eyed Joe' the exact cause of Ulcerative colitis is unknown. However, as an autoimmune condition, the leading theory is that the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy gut bacteria as a threat, thereby attacking the tissues of the colon leading to inflammation. Experts point to both underlying genetic and environmental factors that cause the immune system to act in this way.

Ulcerative colitis is a tricky condition to tackle with a 'one size fits all' approach. While there are certain preferences in terms of food groups and types, lifestyle factors including stress and more typical factors such as local infection, Ulcerative colitis 'flare ups' can come and go with almost very little to no warning and often with seemingly no identifiable cause.

​The coming and going of Ulcerative Colitis flare ups (relapses) and subsequent periods of milder symptoms (remission) can make life particularly troublesome if a good understanding of the nutritional and medical requirements during each phase is not in place.

While a specific diet has not been linked to the cause of Ulcerative colitis, it is clear that dietary changes will help to manage the condition once acquired and also minimise the impact and duration of flare-ups. On an individual basis you will find specific or alternative foods that work best for you which may not necessarily exactly match someone of a similar condition. Remember this is your journey and your body and while you won't be able to gorge on too many 'cheat foods' there will certainly be a healthy selection for you to enjoy!

In general, people with Ulcerative colitis will benefit from dietary changes including:

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals. 5-6 smaller meals is preferable over 3 main meals.
• Hydration is key make sure you do not become dehydrated especially during bouts of severe diarrhoea. Water, water, WATER is your go-to.
• Nutritional supplements. As a condition of the intestine, often our nutritional uptake is negatively affected - be sure to keep on top of your daily vitamin and mineral intake! Your GP should be able to advise if this course of action is likely to benefit you. Typically the increased intake of magnesium and potassium is advised to recover those nutrients lost from the body during diarrhoea.
• Blackberries, raspberries and blueberries contain phyto-nutrients are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants which induce intestinal anti-inflammatory responses.
• Apple, pears, guavas, plums, gooseberries and oranges, along with other citrus fruits contain large amounts of pectin which soothes the intestinal mucous membranes.
• Apricot, beetroot, carrot and papaya are high in beta-carotene which heals inflamed intestinal mucous membranes.
• Cabbage, dandelion, and garlic are high in organosulfur (organic sulphur/sulfur) which plays an important part in the effective protection of the liver function while healing the bowel.
• Leafy, green, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, spinach and pak choi (bok choy) are high in vitamin K which strengthens the immune system positively enhancing natural gut bacteria decomposition.

• Fiber. Whilst the intake of a certain amount of fiber aids smooth digestion, those suffering from severe Ulcerative colitis want to avoid a high-fiber diet as this will help reduce the frequency of bowel movements and abdominal cramps.
• Most high-fructose corn based products, processed fruit juice, honey and molasses are poorly absorbed leading to typical digestive irritation including bloating, gas and diarrhoea.
• Caffeine. Found in chocolate, coffee, tea and many carbonated drinks. Caffeine has been identified and pointed to as a potential cause of irritation and flare-ups across the globe.
• When looking for pectin, be aware soft fruits such as grapes, cherries and strawberries only contain small amounts. See above for high-pectin foods.
• Dairy products are well-documented as an 'avoid' food group for many digestive disorders. The consumption of too much lactose can negatively affect digestion and can cause or develop symptoms including diarrhoea, gas, and cramping.
• Alcohol. On the best of days alcohol doesn't do wonders for our digestion. As a rule it is best avoided or consumed in regulated quantities in line with a balanced lifestyle.
• Nuts and Seeds can cause cramping, abdominal pain and, bloating and diarrhoea. Small seeds may become lodged in the intestine and can cause, or irritate, a flare-up.
• Gluten - found in wheat, rye, barley and many processed white-bread products can trigger symptoms of Ulcerative colitis.

So now we have a good understanding of Ulcerative colitis, what food groups are potential triggers and which food types and groups can counter the symptoms, you can see the endless possibilities for delicious, mouth-watering concoctions! Of course, you don't want to overdo it on any drastic diet changes as this can cause inadvertent upset so we recommend a gradual shift so as not to force the natural transformation of the gut to a healthier state.

So, here are three fantastic juicing recipes for Ulcerative Colitis pain management for you to get whipping up!

​*PLEASE NOTE* As fiber is not our intended goal here please ensure you use a pulp-separating juicer and not a blender when following the recipes below.

• THE CRUCIFEROUS BETA-CRUNCH!
• THE BANANA, ORANGE, AND RASPBERRY DELIGHT
• DOUBLE APPLE AND PEARS PAIRED WITH CARROT

There are many many more great smoothies and juices we whole-heartedly recommend too so don't feel limited - use the category headings on the right hand side of this page to click on an ingredient to see all our recipes containing that particular ingredient if you have a preference or see our links below to some of the best resources online for Ulcerative colitis treatment, natural remedies and management strategies! 

With an improved diet and the inclusion of smoothies and juices packed with nutritional goodness we have every confidence that in no time at all you will feel like a totally new you! Good luck!

Bursting with nutritional content The Cruciferous Beta-Crunch recipe focuses on restorative and protective countermeasures to poor digestion and digestive disorders. A great juice recipe for sufferers of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis, Ulcerative Colitis as well as general conditions relating to poor digestive health.

For this fantastically nutritious gut-soothing recipe you will need the following:

• 2 Carrots
• 3-4 Celery Sticks
• 3-4 Cabbage or Dandelion Leaves
• 1/2 Beetroot
• 1 Large or 2 Smaller Apples OR Pears
• 3 Spinach Leaves

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Optional extras can be added to enhance specific nutritional content and/or flavour and preference - feel free to experiment with different ingredients until you find your perfect combination!

Optional extras include:

•  3 Apricots
• 1/2 Red Onion
• 1 Papaya
• 1 Clove of Garlic
• 1 Cup of  Blackberries
• 1 Cup of Chopped Fennel

A really simple juice to make with minimal waste and maximum yield!

After washing down the ingredients to prevent any unwanted contaminants making their way in, proceed to chop your ingredients and send them all through your juicer.

Inflamed intestines sometimes are unable to stomach (pardon the pun) such a concentrated mixture depending on your chosen optional extras. It is thoroughly recommended that the yielded juice be diluted to approximately 50% strength using either water or a suitable herbal tea replacement (see below). 

You should aim to be making enough for approximately 1 Litre (35oz) of diluted juice per day, which should be consumed over the course of the day in quantities of approximately 5-7oz servings. (Roughly 5-7 servings per day).

SUITABLE HERBAL TEA INGREDIENTS
The herbal tea ingredients below have a restorative effect on the intestine and bowel and can be used in the place of water above to dilute down the concentrated juice.

• Golden Seal
• Marshmallow
• Dandelion Root
• Chamomile
• Cinnamon

This hugely healthy smoothie recipe contains two, great, nutritionally dense superfoods (Avocado and Pineapple).

Pineapple
As well as being rich in nutrients such as Vitamin C and fiber, as well as trace elements manganese and copper, pineapples contain bromelain - an enzyme with many great health benefits including the digestion of proteins and anti-cancer properties. It is fantastic in the treatment of digestive disorders, improved surgery recovery times, sinus infection control and reducing joint pain.

Avocado
To get an appreciate of just how nutritionally dense Avocados are, here is a breakdown of a typical 100g (3.5 Oz) serving.

• Vitamin B5: 14% of RDA.
• Vitamin B6: 13% of RDA.
• Vitamin C: 17% of RDA.
• Vitamin E: 10% of RDA.
• Folate: 20% of RDA.
• Vitamin K: 26% of RDA.
• Potassium: 14% of RDA.
• Also trace amounts of of Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin).

High in potassium and loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids (mostly Oleic acid). Oleic acid has been linked to beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer and reducing inflammation. Avocados are also high in both soluble (25%) and insoluble (75%) fiber and are great in the treatment of digestive problems. 

The health benefits of Avocados really are astonishing with benefits ranging from Cardiovascular and Cholesterol effects, Anti-cancer properties, Weight Loss, Antioxidants, Eye and eyesight improvements, Nutrient uptake and many more. In the coming weeks we will be releasing a dedicated article on avocados and their immeasurable health benefits. We will link this HERE once published.
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• Digestive and Gut Problems
• Healthy Skin and Anti-aging Properties
• Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Management
• Detox and Metabolism Boosting
• Immunity Booster
• Weight Loss

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While we do always encourage an alternative natural, fresh source for your fruits and vegetables we recognize that sometimes this just isn't feasibly possible. Whether due to bodily intolerances or simple taste incompatibilities don't panic! You can always turn to supplementary extracts to add to your chosen smoothies and juice recipes in their place to get these great health benefits.

Just bear in mind that the final result itself may have varying consistency to your expected smoothies and juices without the usual mass and plant matter going in - but for the positives it's worth it.

Here are some great supplementary options and alternative sources to turn to if you suffer the above. To be taken alongside your smoothie mix, or added as an ingredient, depending on the product.

Another great tasting smoothie recipe to try out. Green and Red Apples, Pears and Carrots blended to a refreshing sweet puree! This recipe is full of fiber and antioxidants - great for digestion / gut issues and a natural defense against many illnesses and chronic conditions!

Wash all the ingredients under cool, running water to remove any unwanted contaminants from the production and sale process making their way into your delicious smoothie. 

Depending on the strength capabilities and size of your blender/juicer slice the ingredients to an appropriate size and then one by one add the ingredients ensuring the carrots are included between the other ingredients so that a more complete blend is easily obtained.

With a blender you will have the benefit of the full fiber intake as all the material is included in the smoothie created. You may wish to add ice according to taste as a way to alter the thickness of your smoothie or extend the yield of a particular batch.

Juicers, on the other hand, typically remove the pulp from your returned yield, thereby dramatically reducing the amount of fiber retained in the final juice mix, leading to a more liquid 'juice' in the end. Bear this in mind when using the ingredient mix as a therapeutic aid for digestive issues where fiber is your focus.

Apples, pears and carrots are all high high in dietary fiber which is great for the gut and digestive health.

Apples: Rich in fiber and important antioxidants, and flavanoids. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

Pears: Another great fiber and antioxidant containing fruit, with an abundance of vitamins - calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, folate etc.

Of important note: A new analysis of the Nurse's Health Study showed that across all fruit and vegetables analyzed for flavonoid content, the combination of apples and pears produced the most consistent ability to lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Carrots: An excellent source of beta-carotene, fibre, and antioxidants. Rich in Vitamin A, C, K, B8, pantothenic acid, folate, potassium, iron, copper and manganese, carrots are a truly nutrient rich veg.

Ok let’s get the spiel out of the way - since we wouldn't want to be accused of advocating a fiber-only diet (could you imagine such a treacherous and "windy" path to go down!). Your diet should be balanced and include at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, plus whole grains.
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Adults should aim to eat 18g (0.6oz) to 30g (1.05oz) of fiber a day, depending on their height and weight. Your health specialist / doctor can provide a more specific target for those more concerned for health reasons. 

In brief, fiber is found in:

• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Nuts
• Breakfast cereals – but check fiber content as some are very low
• Starchy foods – such as brown bread, rice and pasta

Ok so what about this food then? Lets break this down a bit shall we? After all, what's the point of a dedicated article if we don't put some numbers to it!? Below you will find the listed foods each with the amount of fiber typically found in the given portion.

Good sources of fiber in fresh fruit include:

• Avocado – a medium-sized avocado - 4.9g of fiber
• Pear (with skin) – a medium-sized pear - 3.7g of fiber
• Orange – a medium-sized orange - 2.7g of fiber
• Apple (with skin) – a medium-sized apple - 2g of fiber
• Raspberries – two handfuls of raspberries (80g) - 2g of fiber
• Banana – a medium-sized banana - 1.7g of fiber
• Tomato juice – one small glass of tomato juice (200ml) - 1.2g of fiber

Good sources of fiber in dried fruit include:

• Apricots – three whole apricots - 5g of fiber
• Prunes – three whole prunes - 4.6g of fiber

Good sources of fiber in vegetables include:

• Baked beans – a half can of baked beans (200g) - 7.4g of fiber
• Kidney beans – three tablespoons of red kidney beans - 5.4g of fiber
• Peas – three heaped tablespoons of peas - 3.6g of fiber
• French beans (boiled) – four heaped tablespoons of French beans - 3.3g of fiber
• Brussel sprouts (boiled) – eight Brussel sprouts - 2.5g of fiber
• Potatoes  – one medium-sized potato - 2.4g of fiber
• Spring greens – four heaped tablespoons of Spring greens - 2.1g of fiber
• Carrots – three heaped tablespoons of carrots - 2g of fiber

Good sources of fiber in nuts include:

• Almonds – 20 almonds - 2.4g of fiber
• Peanuts (plain) – a tablespoon of peanuts - 1.6g of fiber
• Mixed nuts – a tablespoon of mixed nuts - 1.5g of fiber
• Brazil nuts – 10 Brazil nuts - 1.4g of fiber

​Good sources of fiber in breakfast cereals include:

• All-Bran – a medium-sized bowl of All-Bran - 9.8g of fiber
• Shredded Wheat – two pieces of Shredded wheat - 4.3g of fiber
• Bran Flakes – one medium-sized bowl of Bran flakes - 3.9g of fiber
• Weetabix – two Weetabix - 3.6g of fiber
• Muesli (no added sugar) – one medium-sized bowl of muesli - 3.4g of fiber
  
• Porridge (milk or water) – one medium-sized bowl of porridge - 2.3g of fiber

Good sources of fiber in starchy food include:

• Crispbread – four crispbreads - 4.2g of fiber
• Pitta bread (wholemeal) – one piece (75g) - 3.9g of fiber
• Pasta – one medium portion of pasta (200g) - 3.8g of fiber
• Wholemeal bread – two slices of wholemeal bread - 3.5g of fiber
• Naan bread – one piece of naan bread - 3.2g of fiber
• Brown bread – two slices of brown bread - 2.5g of fiber
• Brown rice – one medium portion of brown rice (200g) - 1.6g of fiber

By including a range of fiber sources in our daily and weerkly intake we get access to both soluble and insoluble fiber types. 

Soluble fiber dissolves in the water in your digestive system. It helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol in your blood. If you have constipation, gradually increasing sources of soluble fiber can help soften your stools and make them easier to pass.

Insoluble fiber doesn't dissolve in water. It passes through your gut without being broken down and helps other foods move through your digestive system more easily. Insoluble fiber keeps your bowels healthy and helps prevent digestive problems.

In general, a diet with adequate fiber helps to prevent heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, some cancers and improves digestive health. It is an excellent dietary focal point for many intestinal problems due to its ability to cleanse and flush the system, particularly for conditions such as Diverticulosis - check out our article on Diverticulitis, Juices and Smoothies for more on this.

​But don't suddenly start eating loads to make up for lost time! A sudden increase in fiber intake is a one way ticket to some heavy flatulence. Don't say we didn't warn you!