This topic is all about understanding how to prevent blockages for people with ileostomies. It focuses on the role of insoluble fiber, high-risk foods, and safe eating techniques to help manage this condition.

- People with ileostomies have a narrower small-bowel diameter at the stoma, which makes them more prone to blockages.
- Foods that pose a blockage risk often contain insoluble fiber and other indigestible parts like cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, fruit and vegetable skins, seeds, nuts, popcorn, tough meat gristle, and casings.
- There are detailed lists of high-risk foods, including whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds, dried fruit, coconut, citrus pith, mushrooms, and meat casings. These lists explain why these foods can be problematic and suggest ways to modify or avoid them.
- Key prevention strategies include:
1. Chewing food thoroughly until it becomes a saliva-coated mush.
2. Staying well-hydrated to keep fiber moving smoothly through the system.
3. Preparing food carefully by peeling, de-seeding, cooking until very soft, chopping, mincing, puréeing, or opting for processed alternatives like smooth nut butters and seedless jams.
4. Practicing portion control and gradually reintroducing higher-risk foods in very small amounts.
- Understanding the reasons behind these strategies can make it easier to experiment with different foods and find what works best for you.

For those managing with little or no saliva, such as individuals with Sjogren’s syndrome or post-radiation:

- Opt for moist, soft dishes like homemade vegetable soups, fruit smoothies, yogurt, spinach-and-cheese egg casseroles, and moist pasta meals.
- Avoid dry foods such as crackers, bread, and most pizza crusts.
- Nutritional supplements like Boost or Ensure can help fill nutritional gaps, though they may lead to taste fatigue over time.
- Commercial saliva substitutes, including moistening pills, gels, and sprays, might offer some relief, but it often requires trying different products to find what works.
- When eating out, choose naturally moist entrées, such as lasagna at a pizza restaurant.
- Consider working with a dietitian to develop personalized strategies and get recipe ideas tailored to your needs.