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May 21, 2025

Missing Sweet Corn on the Cob with an Ileostomy

The topic at hand is about enjoying sweet corn on the cob after having an ileostomy. If you've had an ileostomy and are wondering whether you can indulge in this summertime favorite, here are some insights and advice from others who have been in your shoes:

1. High-risk warnings:
- Many people with ileostomies find that corn on the cob, along with popcorn, can often lead to blockages. Some have even needed emergency room visits, hospital stays, or surgery because of it.
- If you have a lot of scar tissue or a history of obstructions, it's strongly advised to avoid corn altogether.
- Be cautious with foods that have tough skins or hulls, like nuts, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, blueberries, coconut, broccoli stems, and leafy greens, as they can cause similar issues.

2. Successful strategies for those who do eat corn:
- Practice portion control by limiting yourself to just a few bites, half a cob, or a small cob. Avoid overindulging.
- Chew each kernel thoroughly until it's almost liquid, and drink plenty of fluids to help it pass through your system.
- Start with a very small amount to see how your body reacts, and if all goes well, you can gradually increase the amount.
- Consider mechanical help by slicing through the rows with a sharp knife before eating or cutting the kernels off the cob. You can also chop the kernels, blend them into soup, or use canned or frozen kernels instead of whole ones.
- Some people with long-term ileostomies have had no issues when following these practices.

3. Mixed personal experiences:
- Some people eat corn regularly without any problems.
- Others have experienced painful partial blockages after eating a large cob but now manage small portions with careful chewing and hydration.
- A few are so concerned about the risk that they avoid corn entirely.
- Individual anatomy plays a big role in tolerance, including stoma size, flexibility, and the presence of adhesions.

4. Alternative snacks and work-arounds:
- Chester’s Puffcorn is recommended as a popcorn substitute because it dissolves easily.
- For the taste of corn without the kernels, try pureeing corn into soups, like chicken-and-sweet-corn soup.

5. General consensus:
- There is no one-size-fits-all rule; tolerance varies greatly from person to person.
- If you decide to try corn, do so cautiously, in tiny amounts, and make sure it's well-chewed and you're well-hydrated. Stop immediately if you feel any discomfort.
- Those with a history of obstructions or significant adhesions often choose to avoid corn permanently, as no food is worth the risk of another blockage.
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