- With Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist
Michael Picco, M.D.
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Michael Picco, M.D.
Michael Picco, M.D.
Dr. Michael F. Picco has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Picco is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and a consultant in gastroenterology at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
He has authored numerous publications in the area of gastroenterology, including original research, editorials and textbook chapters. He works with a team of gastroenterologists that takes care of complex gastrointestinal conditions and has a particular interest in diarrheal illnesses and inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease). He is also active in medical education in training new gastroenterologist and internists.
"MayoClinic.com is an invaluable resource for patients and their families," Dr. Picco said. "Informed patients are better able to participate in their own health care. A patient's participation is vital to the treatment of his or her disease. I hope to assist in helping patients understand their digestive problems and current treatments that are offered. This will allow for better communication between patients, their physicians and other health care professionals."
Dr. Picco serves as a reviewer of new research for several medical journals in the area of gastroenterology and is an active member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. He serves on numerous committees that address physician training, research and clinical practice in gastroenterology, both at Mayo Clinic and at the national level.
"Patients need to know about their disease, what to expect, the latest treatments and side effects so that they can make informed decisions about their health care. Gastrointestinal disease affects not only patients but also their families. My goal is to assure that our Web site provides accurate, reliable information and resources for patients. We must always provide the latest, most cutting-edge information to assist patients in dealing with their medical problems," Dr. Picco said.
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Question
Diverticulitis diet: Can certain foods trigger an attack?
What foods are most likely to trigger a diverticulitis attack?
Answer
from Michael Picco, M.D.
Diverticulitis occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract become infected and inflamed — causing severe abdominal pain, fever and nausea. It's a common misconception that diet can trigger diverticulitis. In fact, however, no specific foods are known to trigger diverticulitis attacks. Although nuts, seeds and popcorn were once discouraged in the diverticulitis diet, that's no longer the case. Researchers have found that these foods don't increase the risk of diverticulitis or diverticular bleeding.
To prevent attacks of diverticulitis, it may help to:
- Eat more fiber. High-fiber foods — such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains — soften waste and help it pass more quickly through the colon. This reduces pressure within the digestive tract, which can reduce the risk of diverticulitis attacks.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Fiber works by absorbing water and increasing the soft, bulky waste in the colon. But if you don't drink enough liquid to replace what's absorbed, fiber can be constipating — which increases pressure within the colon.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise promotes normal bowel function and reduces pressure inside the colon, which can reduce the risk of diverticulitis attacks.
Butter vs. margarine: Which is better for my heart?
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. Sept. 22, 2008.
- Strate LL, et al. Nut, corn, and popcorn consumption and the incidence of diverticular disease. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2008;300(8):907-914.
- Diverticulosis and diverticulitis. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diverticulosis. Accessed Sept. 22, 2008.
