Whether or not to include fibre, and to what extent, should be based on the ileostomates' tolerance of foods. The intestine has a remarkable capacity to adapt. Digested food in the small intestine is quite watery, and after it moves into the large intestine, a good portion of the water is reabsorbed into the body. Most fibre is indigestible material (from plants) that acts like a sponge, soaking up water and increasing the bulk of the intestinal contents - making matter move through the system more quickly.In a person with a colon, fibre is essential in preventing constipation and keeps a person "regular". This is the main function of fibre. Another theory about fibre is that it promotes mucosa growth, thus keeping the intestines healthier, promoting gut function.
Usually a person without a colon (ileostomate) doesn't have a problem with constipation and may have mostly watery stools or diarrhea. Again, over time, a person may adapt, especially if the last section of the small bowel (ileum) is still intact. So, consuming too much fibre, or too much "insoluble" fibre, may aggravate a person's diarrhea or watery stools. If this is the case, limiting insoluble fibre such as bran, popcorn hulls, seeds, nuts, skin/seeds, stringy parts of fruits and vegetables may be helpful.
However, another type of fibre (soluble) may be beneficial to the ileostomate. The function of soluble fibre is to make intestinal contents "thicker" and can actually prevent diarrhea. This fibre is found in oatmeal, barley, dried beans, peas, Metamucil and the pulp of fruits and vegetables. Most foods have a combination of both types of fibre, but the above examples show the difference.
