A fistula is an abnormal connection between two different organs. Fistulas can occur between blood vessels, organs, and skin.
What causes a fistula?
Constipation
Obesity
Strains during defecation
Poor personal hygiene
How to avoid fistula
While causes like post-surgery complications can not be avoided, the following best practices should be a part of your routine to prevent fistula:
Drink plenty of fluids
This will help keep the bowel and rectum hydrated and will also help flush out any bacteria that may be present.
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Eat smaller meals
Smaller meals can help avoid fistulas by reducing pressure on the tissues. This will help to prevent inflammation and the formation of abnormal connections.
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Wash your hands
Good hygiene is important when it comes to avoiding fistula. Wash your hands regularly, especially if you use a shared bathroom.
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Foods to avoidwith fistula
The following are some foods that will make life easier for you if you are suffering from fistula:
Dairy products
The problem with high-fat dairy products is they are likely to cause various digestive issues, such as diarrhea and constipation.
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Junk food
Eating junk food will slow down your healing process, as it will likely worsen your symptoms. Junk food is high in sugar, fat, and salt, which can all aggravate your fistula.
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Red meat
If you suffer from an anal fistula, you may want to avoid red meat. Red meat can aggravate the symptoms of an anal fistula.
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Spicy foods
If you have a fistula, you should avoid spicy foods. Spicy food can irritate the already inflamed tissue and make the pain worse.
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Fried foods
If you have a fistula, it's important to avoid fried foods. Fried foods are hard to digest because they are high in fat, which takes longer to digest.
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Salty foods
Salty foods have the potential to worsen your condition. Consuming too much salt can lead to swelling and inflammation.
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Caffeine and alcohol
The diuretic nature of caffeine can cause dehydration. If you have a fistula, you are already at risk for dehydration, and it is important to stay hydrated.
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Ideal foods forfistula patients
The best foods for fistula patients are rich in protein, crucial for tissue repair:
Leafy vegetables
Leafy vegetables are a good source of fiber, leading to a healthier digestive system with softer stool.
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Legumes
Legumes have a good amount of fiber and protein, which can help to bulk up stools and promote regularity.
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Fruits
Fruit is an excellent way to treat and heal a fistula. The high fiber content in fruits helps prevent constipation, a common complication of fistulas.
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Whole grains
Whole grains include high amounts of dietary fiber. Therefore, they will reduce your digestive issues.
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Conclusion
Fistula is an unpleasant medical condition that usually requires professional care. However, you can still practice good hygiene, adjust your diet, and stay hydrated to avoid fistula.