This topic is about whether cooking pineapple, like when it's baked on a ham-and-pineapple pizza, makes it safer for someone with an ileostomy to eat. The concern is that uncooked pineapple might cause a blockage, and the question is if cooking it reduces that risk.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Cooking vs. raw: Many people find that cooking pineapple doesn't significantly change the risk of blockage. Cooking might soften the fruit, but it doesn't remove the insoluble fiber.

2. Start small: Try just a few pieces of pineapple at first and keep an eye on how your body reacts. If there's a blockage, it should be minor and resolve quickly because the portion was small.

3. Chew thoroughly: Make sure to chew each bite until it's mushy before swallowing. Proper chewing is often more crucial than whether the pineapple is cooked.

4. Spit out fibrous bits: If you come across any pieces that feel tough or can't be chewed down completely, it's best to spit them out instead of swallowing.

5. Individual tolerance varies: Some people with an ileostomy can eat pineapple, whether raw or cooked, without any issues, while others might not tolerate it at all. What works for one person might not work for another.

6. Portion control: Small amounts of pineapple on pizza are usually easier to handle than large servings. Many people avoid eating large quantities of high-fiber foods like pineapple, peas, green beans, corn, bell peppers, and onions.

7. Enzyme note: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps with digestion, but cooking it above about 160 °F deactivates this enzyme, so cooked pineapple loses this potential benefit.

8. Remove the core: The hard, woody center of the pineapple is more likely to cause problems, so it's best to use only the softer outer flesh for toppings.

9. Practical tips: Keep a small cup nearby for any discarded skins, seeds, or membranes, and try dining at home until you understand your food tolerance better.

10. Alternatives: If you're still unsure, you might want to skip the pineapple topping altogether or enjoy your ham pizza with a small glass of pineapple juice instead.