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There is no sure way to prevent appendicitis, but appendicitis is less common in areas of the world where people eat high-fiber diets and more common in countries where people eat fewer fruits, grains, and vegetables. This suggests eating a high-fiber diet may help prevent acute appendicitis.

Fiber is a non-digestible part of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other food that comes from plants. Eating dietary fiber, also known as “roughage,” results in large, soft stools that pass easily through the colon.

How can you prevent appendicitis?

While there is no way to prevent appendicitis completely, the condition is less common in people who eat foods high in fiber. High-fiber foods include:

  • bran cereals,
  • beans,
  • peas,
  • artichokes,
  • pears,
  • pumpkin seeds,
  • avocados,
  • apples,
  • raspberries, and
  • collards.

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