What foods should patients with appendicitis avoid eating?

Aug 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Chili peppers are highly irritating; upon entering the intestines, they directly stimulate the intestinal mucosa, potentially causing intestinal spasms and worsening abdominal pain, which is detrimental to the resolution of inflammation. Fried foods have a hard outer layer and high fat content, making them difficult to digest. Consuming these foods can increase the burden on the intestines and stomach, potentially leading to bloating, indigestion, and delaying recovery from illness.

Appendicitis patients should generally avoid the following foods: chili peppers, fried foods, fatty meats, spirits, and raw garlic. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Chili peppers: Chili peppers are highly irritating. Once entering the intestines, they directly stimulate the intestinal mucosa, possibly causing intestinal spasms, worsening abdominal pain, and delaying the resolution of inflammation.

2. Fried foods: Fried foods have a hard outer layer and high fat content, making them difficult to digest. Consumption may increase the burden on the intestines and lead to abdominal bloating and indigestion, which may hinder recovery.

3. Fatty meats: Fatty meats are rich in fat. During digestion, they may stimulate the intestines to secrete more digestive fluids, irritating the inflamed appendix, increasing abdominal discomfort, and delaying recovery.

4. Spirits: Spirits contain high concentrations of alcohol, which strongly irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa, interferes with normal intestinal peristalsis, and may cause intestinal wall congestion and edema, worsening appendicitis symptoms.

5. Raw garlic: Raw garlic has a spicy flavor and contains irritating components. Consumption may stimulate the intestines, cause intestinal motility disorders, and worsen symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

The diet of appendicitis patients should be light and easily digestible, with a preference for steamed or boiled foods. If discomfort occurs after consuming any of the above foods, consumption should be stopped immediately, and observation should be conducted. If necessary, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate management.

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