Recommended Foods For An Ileostomy Diet

An ileostomy is a surgery in which the colon and rectum are removed and the ileum section of the small intestine is attached to a stoma, an artificial opening into the abdomen. The stoma creates a new path for the excretion of feces. This procedure can result in significant fluid and electrolyte losses as well as more watery stools. Goals for nutrition therapy include consuming foods that decrease the risk of blockage, maintain normal fluid and electrolyte balance, reduce excessive fecal output and minimize gas and flatulence.

Post-Surgery

Following surgery, you will be on a clear liquid diet. This progresses as tolerated to a low-fiber diet with 4 to 6 small feedings a day. For the next 6 to 8 weeks, avoid any foods that may cause stoma obstruction including fibrous meats; vegetables like corn, cabbage, celery, green peppers and peas; and fruit skins and seeds, nuts, dried fruits and popcorn.

Fruits

If you are eating fruits, stick to canned, pureed and skinless fruits. Fruit juices and raw fruit tend to cause loose stools. Canned fruits that have skins and seeds may cause blockage.

Vegetables

Several raw vegetables cause excessive gas production and possibly odor, including legumes, asparagus, beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, garlic and onions. Instead, consume vegetable juices or pureed vegetables. Cooking vegetables will reduce gas production - limit cooked items to beets, broccoli or asparagus tips, carrots, peeled eggplant, potatoes and tomatoes, pumpkin and squash.

Other Foods

Use white or refined breads, cereal products, rice and pasta products. Whole grains contain a lot of insoluble fiber, which moves bulk through the intestines. Eat well-cooked, tender meat, poultry, eggs, fish and cheese. Avoid tough, fibrous meats or meats in casings, like hot dogs.

Alleviating Symptoms

If you are experiencing excessive or watery stools, increase the amount of soluble fiber in your diet while reducing the amount of insoluble fiber. The soluble fiber will thicken your stools. Foods with soluble fiber are applesauce, bananas, tapioca, potatoes, oatmeal, oat bran, cheese, smooth peanut butter, rice and pasta. Since feces is collected in a pouch at the stoma, foods that decrease odor are recommended. These include buttermilk, yogurt, kefir, parsley and cranberry juice.

Electrolytes

With an ileostomy, it is very easy to lose large amounts of the electrolytes potassium and sodium. Eat foods high in potassium, like avocados, peanut butter, milk, meat and poultry, potatoes, tomatoes, apricots, bananas, cantaloupe and citrus fruits. Foods high in sodium are table salt, ketchup, various sauces, canned soups and meats, packaged and convenience foods, salted popcorn, pretzels, cold cuts, pickles, cheese and salad dressings.

Other Recommendations

After an ileostomy, eat slowly, chew thoroughly and drink adequate fluids to prevent dehydration. Eating 4 to 6 smaller meals at the same times each day will promote a more regular bowel pattern, and eating smaller meals in the evening will reduce the fecal output at night. Test each new food out to see how your bowel reacts. With healing, foods become easier to tolerate.