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Mar 16, 2021

Nutrition tips for ileostomy recovery?

This topic is about finding ways to regain appetite and rebuild strength after having a permanent ileostomy surgery, especially when dealing with pre-surgery malnutrition. Here are some helpful strategies and tips:

1. High-Calorie and Protein Nutrition Shakes:
- Try Ensure PLUS in Dark Chocolate flavor, which offers 13 grams of protein and 350 calories, along with 26 vitamins and minerals. Sip it slowly to make it easier to consume.
- Ensure High Protein in Milk Chocolate flavor is also recommended for when your appetite is low.

2. Vitamin and Mineral Supplements:
- Consider Tangy Tangerine 2.0, an organic multivitamin and mineral powder that you can mix with water. It's available on Amazon.
- Liquid vitamins are generally easier to absorb and can be a good alternative to large tablets.

3. Hydration and Electrolytes:
- Keep sipping water throughout the day to stay hydrated, as dehydration is a common issue after ileostomy surgery.
- Pedialyte, available in baby-care aisles or on Amazon, is great for electrolytes. Popular flavors include red and grape.
- Gatorade is another option for electrolytes, though it contains more sugar and is less expensive.
- Drinking about 20 ounces of water before bed can help with fluid absorption.
- Slightly saltier foods can stimulate thirst and help retain fluids, but check with your doctor if you need to limit sodium.

4. Easy-to-Tolerate, Nutrient-Dense Foods:
- Start with yogurt, kefir drinks, puddings, Jell-O, warmed bone broth, creamed soups, and regular V8 Juice.
- Smoothies made with fruit and yogurt are also good options.
- Try soft-cooked eggs, cottage or cheddar cheese, hummus with pita chips, tuna or chicken salad, small bowls of pasta with tomato sauce, and stir-fried rice with vegetables.
- Water-rich produce like watermelon, strawberries, citrus, bell peppers, cucumber, and tomato can be refreshing.
- Introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts, and keep an eye on your stoma output and comfort.

5. Tips to Prevent Blockages:
- Chew your food thoroughly until it is nearly paste-like.
- Be cautious with sticky cheeses, refined carbs, nut butters, cooked mushrooms, leafy greens, fruit and vegetable peels, and dried fruit.
- If you eat sticky items, pair them with fluids and some fiber to prevent them from forming a blockage.

6. Small, Frequent Meals and Activity:
- Eating small portions, like reheated mini-bowls of pasta several times a day, can help when your appetite is low.
- Light walking twice a day can boost your appetite and aid in recovery.

7. Extra Energy Boosters:
- Beet juice powder mixed with water can provide a quick energy boost.

8. Key Reminders:
- Start with liquids and soft foods, then gradually add proteins, grains, and softly cooked vegetables as you can tolerate them.
- Learn from the experiences of other ostomates, keep asking questions, and adjust your diet based on what works for you.
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