An ileostomy is a surgical procedure where the end of the small intestine is brought to the surface of the skin, creating a stoma. Following an ileostomy diet that avoids high-fiber foods and foods that can block the stoma can prevent digestive problems. Eating smaller, more frequent meals on a consistent schedule is also important.
An ileostomy is an opening in the abdomen that is made during a surgical procedure. A person who has an ileostomy will usually find that making certain dietary modifications can help keep them healthy. There is no one ileostomy diet that everyone who has this procedure must follow. Still, most people find that after surgery, following an ileostomy diet that restricts or avoids certain foods, especially those high in fiber, can help prevent digestive problems.
In an ileostomy, the end of the small intestine, called the ileum, is cut and brought to the surface of the skin. When the surgery is complete, the patient has a surgical opening in the skin, just above the groin, which is connected to the ileum. The surgical opening is called a stoma.
When someone eats an ileostomy, it passes through the digestive system to the ileum and is collected in an external pouch. Food, therefore, bypasses the rest of the digestive system, including the large intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. This surgery is sometimes used as a treatment for conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, which may require the removal of the colon or a section of the large intestine to preserve the patient’s health.
Following an ileostomy diet is often a matter of trial and error, because not everyone with an ileostomy will respond the same way to any given food. In general, however, high-fiber foods should be avoided, as they are difficult to digest. Foods that are capable of blocking the stoma should generally be avoided as well. Other problem foods can cause digestion problems, such as loose stools, excess gas, and pain.
Foods to avoid include the skins and seeds of fruits and vegetables, raw vegetables, nuts, popcorn, coconut, corn, salads, and dried fruits. All of these foods are high risk in terms of their potential to block the stoma. Chewing your food very well can help reduce this risk, but some people may find that a blockage still occurs.
An ileostomy diet can also include refined breads, cereals, and pastas only, in contrast to the general recommendation to eat whole grains. This is because the extra fiber in unrefined grains can cause digestion problems or stoma blockage. Meats should be well-done and tender, and meats with cartilage or other tough connective tissue should be avoided. It is also important to drink plenty of water and other fluids, to aid digestion and prevent dehydration.
In addition to changing what foods are eaten, an ileostomy diet may also change how you eat. Eating smaller, more frequent meals on a consistent schedule is important to promote regular digestion and stool production. Also, to reduce the amount of stool produced at night, the smallest meal of the day should be taken in the evening.
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