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Ileostomy diet

Beautiful, young woman holding a clock with food chart/eating schedule

In the bypass of large intestine, a surgical opening or stoma is made which is known as Ileasotomy. When the food moves to the small intestine, it is excreted from the created opening into a pouch rather than large intestine. The patient needs to follow a particular diet where suitable foods are allowed to eat in order to cope with the post surgery condition.

Ileostomy Diet

The diet is based on the principle to eat suitable foods that are easy to digest. On the other hand, diet eliminates foods that are not tolerable for the patient. Here is the detail of Ileostomy Diet:

Short Term – The diet should be continued for 6 weeks after the surgery. Here, you can depend on eating clear liquids as much as you like. Tea, apple juice, broth and other liquids are good to include in this diet. Solid foods are intolerable for the patients. You must avoid all solid foods as they can cause diarrhea, gas, blockage or odor.

Long Term – Here, you need to avoid garlic, eggs, fish, peanuts, dried beans, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, peas, broccoli, onions, cabbage and carbonated beverages because they can cause gas. Drinking from straws, chewing gum and eating quickly can also cause gas. Buttermilk, kefir, parsley, cranberry juice and yogurt are able to reduce odors.

You can avoid blockage by eating raw cabbage, celery, coleslaw, popcorn, corn, unpeeled apples, nuts, grapes, coconut, dried fruits and nuts. Have these foods in low quantity and chew properly. Dieters are recommended to stay away from spicy foods, foods with additional sugar, prune juice, grape juice, fried foods and high fat foods.

The key is to eat small meals. It becomes easier for the digestive system to digest the food. Rice, pasta, peanut butter, applesauce, tapioca, potatoes, bananas and cheese can be eaten to thicken stool. Well cooked veggies and vegetable juice are excellent to include. Pork, beef, fish and chicken without extra fat can be included in Ileostomy Diet while healing from the surgery.

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