Diet/Nutritional Care for Individuals with Functioning lleoanal Pouch - Follow a low fiber diet for approximately two weeks following closure of the temporary ileostomy. After this, gradually increase fiber as tolerated until you are eating a regular diet. Follow the Canada Food Guide or something similar to plan nutritionally balanced meals and snacks. Emphasis is placed on good eating habits, eating meals at regular intervals, eating in a relaxed atmosphere and chewing thoroughly. Skipping meals will not stop pouch output. In fact, the practice may result in greater production of gas and increase the risk of dehydration.
Eat moderate amounts and chew your food well! Some individuals find pouch output too high in the afternoon and increasing towards the evening. You may wish to try experimenting with timing of meals. Perhaps try your larger meals earlier in the day or limiting the amount of food and fluid intake towards the end of the day.
If a particular food is not tolerated, try it again at a later date. Drink at least six to eight glasses of fluid each day (between-meal consumption of fluids is recommended over large volume with meals). There may be an increased requirement for sodium; use salt with meals unless otherwise indicated. High potassium foods will be required in the presence of diarrhea. Good sources of potassium include: meat, fish, poultry, dried fruits, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, fruit juices, milk, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
Limit the intake of foods high in simple sugars since these can aggravate diarrhea: e.g. sugar, honey, candy, jam, jellies, pastries, and sweetened beverages (soda pop).
