Topic Explanation:
The discussion revolves around the observation that cornmeal, when consumed by someone with an ileostomy, appears undigested in the ostomy bag. The original poster is curious about why this happens, particularly since the cornmeal is only a light dusting on the bottom of English muffins. The question raised is whether this is typical for all corn products due to their composition, or if it's a unique occurrence.

Advice and Insights:
1. Digestibility of Corn Products:
- Corn, including cornmeal, is primarily composed of cellulose, which is an insoluble fiber. Humans lack the enzymes necessary to break down cellulose completely, which explains why corn products might appear undigested in an ostomy bag.

2. Personal Experiences with Corn Products:
- Some individuals with ileostomies have mentioned they can consume other corn-based products like grits and cornbread without noticing undigested remnants. This suggests that the digestibility can vary based on the form of the corn product and individual differences in digestion.

3. Type of Cornmeal:
- If the cornmeal is whole grain or stone-ground, it is more likely to appear undigested. This type of cornmeal retains more of the hull and germ, which are harder to break down. Milled cornmeal, where the hull and germ are removed, generally leaves less residue.

4. Handling Cornmeal on Foods:
- A practical tip offered is to rub the bottoms of English muffins together before eating to remove excess cornmeal, potentially reducing the amount that appears undigested in the ostomy bag.

5. Caution with New Corn Products:
- When trying new corn-based products like Pop Chips, it is advised to start with a small amount to see how well it is tolerated, given the potential for blockages or indigestion with corn products in those with ileostomies.

6. General Observation and Management:
- It is noted that many foods may not be fully digested and can appear in the ostomy bag. As long as these do not cause discomfort or other issues, they generally do not pose a problem. The focus should be on monitoring for any symptoms of blockage or discomfort rather than the presence of undigested food itself.