Small bowel obstruction occurs in the small intestine and prevents food or fluid from passing though. Pre-existing medical conditions including inflammatory bowel disease or kidney disease may increase your risk of intestinal obstruction. However, tissue clusters called adhesions, tumors, foreign objects and intestinal twisting can also cause bowel obstruction. You may have to follow a specific diet to promote digestive movement if you have a partial obstruction or if you have surgery to remove the blockage.
Diet Based on Symptoms
Symptoms of small bowel obstruction are based on the severity of the obstruction and can include abdominal stretching, pain and cramps in the stomach area, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea and excess gas. Medical testing that reveals a fully obstructed bowel generally results in hospitalization to correct the problem because a fully obstructed bowel can become life threatening. If you have a partial bowel obstruction, your doctor may recommend a low-fiber diet. If surgery is required, you may have to start a liquid diet and gradually re-introduce solid foods. Consultation with your physician can reveal the exact dietary changes you need for your condition.
Low Fiber Diet
Limiting your fiber consumption can help rest your digestive tract and minimize gas, cramping, pain and bloating associated with partial bowel obstruction. Foods high in fiber include whole grains and raw fruits or vegetables with skins. Lower-fiber versions of grains and produce can still provide you with essential nutrients without causing further bowel damage. Choose refined white grains like white rice or bread, puffed wheat and oatmeal, plain bagels or English muffins and white pasta varieties. Potatoes without the skin and well-cooked vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms and tomatoes are low-fiber options. Canned or skinless fruit, applesauce, bananas and watermelon are also low-fiber alternatives.
Meat and Dairy
Lean meats like fish and baked poultry provide a low-fat source of protein. Proteins take longer to digest so make sure you cut your meats and chew them thoroughly before swallowing. Choose tender meat cuts and make sure they are well cooked to prevent bacterial infections in your digestive tract. If you have lactose intolerance, choose lactose-free dairy, otherwise opt for low-fat dairy to keep your fat content down. Avoid fried foods and use of oils, butter or grease in cooking to minimize your risk of digestive upset.
Liquid Diet
Severe symptoms of bowel obstruction may warrant a temporary liquid diet. Consult your physician for the exact recommendations of a liquid diet, which should not last longer than five days unless otherwise indicated. A clear liquid diet include bouillon, pulp-free fruit juices, clear broth and ice pops. A full fluids may include tolerated dairy such as plain yogurt, milk pudding and plain milk, as well as vegetable juice, cream soups or cream of rice.
Additional Considerations
If you have a partial small bowel obstruction, you may be able to decrease your risk of full obstruction with dietary changes. But do not alter your diet unless your doctor recommends it. A liquid diet or low-fiber diet are generally temporary until you heal from the obstruction.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Intestinal Obstruction; Mayo Clinic Staff; September 18, 2010
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Abdominal Adhesions; January 2009
- Penn Medicine: Prevention of a Small Bowel Obstruction
- Hamilton Health Sciences; What to Eat When You Have a Partial Bowel Obstruction; October 2010
- Memorial Sloan-Ketterins Cancer Center; Nutrition Guidelines for Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome; Dianna Glauner, RD; 1998
- NYU Langone Medical Center; Small Bowel Obstrucation; Daus Mahnke, M.D.; 2010
