Ileostomy Diet Tips

By: ColostomyCentral Staff

Ileostomy Diet

is intended for people who are already on post-ileostomy surgery stage. Much like colostomy diet, it is comprised of soft, easily digestable, and low on fiber. However, some foods that can be easily eaten by those having a colostomy is not applicable to patients who should have an Ileostomy Diet. That's what this article is about.

First off, you need to understand why an Ileostomy diet is different from the ones of other ostomies. Here's why: specific parts of our GI tract absorb specific nutrients from the food we eat. For instance, the minerals like Zinc, Calcium, Iron and Magnesium is absorbed in the duodenum (the part of the intestine right after the stomach).

 Your sugars like the glucose, fructose and sucrose are absorbed in the jejunum (located right after the duodenum). The vitamins (Vitamin A, D, E & K), on the other hand, is absorbed in the ileum, hence the name "ileostomy". The only thing that follows this sequence is water absorption in the Colon or large intestine which follows right after the ileum. This is how your ileostomy diet differ from colostomy diet.

What type of foods to eat when on Post Ileostomy Diet?

• Carbs are your companions. Eating a bunch of carbohydrates in your diet will yield great benefits in the longs run. This can be comprised of white bread, crackers, low-fiber cereals, pasta and rice. Eating 6-11 small but frequent servings of carbs is recommended.
• Fruits and Veggies Galore. If you never liked eating fruits and veggies, then you are missing out on something big for your ileostomy nutrition. Your body needs to get alot of vitamins and minerals from these sources. Otherwise, sooner or later, you will show signs of deficiencies that will not be good for you or for your stoma. If you never liked to eat veggies, then a good nutritional supplement is your best bet. Check out recommended supplements here.
• You still need your lactose. Having at least 2 servings of milk products a day will help you keep a balanced diet. This can be in the form of milk, cheese, and other dairy products. It is healthy as long as you keep it in moderation.
• Tone down your Oils, Fats, and Sweets. These type of foods has to be used sparingly in your daily diet and nutritional preference. A good way to keep this is to have a "sweet indulgement day" wherein you keep a day wherein you can eat more sweets than average serving. On all other days, tone them down. However, if youre diabetic, always use caution and keep your doctor's advise.

          That's your Ileostomy Diet Tip for today folks! Keep coming back for more tips and tricks to finally manage and control your stoma. If you want a more detailed, complete and customized for your needs, you can check out "The Ileostomy/Colostomy Patient's Diet Guide".  Don't miss out on anything by subscribing to our newsletter for free!