Your Child's Ileostomy: Nutritional Management

Avoiding digestive problems

Your child does not have to eat a special diet just because they have had an ileostomy. Most foods, when chewed well and eaten slowly, will not give your child problems — unless they did before. However, you may need to be more aware of foods that make your child's stool more watery than normal and foods that cause gas or odor. Your child will also need plenty of fluids and vitamins.

Choosing foods 

Learning which foods cause gas or odor or make your child's stool too watery takes a little time. You may want to add foods back to your child's diet one at a time. Remember the following:

• Your child should only eat small amounts at first to see how their body reacts.
• Make sure your child chews their food well.
• If a food causes a problem, wait and try it again in a few weeks. Once your child's system adjusts, you may find the food does not give them trouble anymore.
• Your child should eat low fiber foods.

Preventing fluid loss

The small intestine does not absorb as much water as the colon. That means your child's body loses fluids and can become dehydrated more quickly. To prevent this, make sure your child drinks at least 8 to 12 cups (2 to 3 quarts) of fluids each day.

Taking supplements and medicines

When the large intestine is removed or disconnected, some vitamins and medicines cannot be absorbed:

• Your child's healthcare provider may prescribe vitamin supplements or have your child eat more of some foods, like bananas.
• Time-release capsules and coated pills are not absorbed in the small intestine. Be sure all your child's healthcare providers know your child has an ileostomy before the healthcare provider prescribes any medicines.

Causes of diarrhea

If your child has stool that is more watery than normal (diarrhea), it can be a sign of an illness such as the flu. Some foods and medicines can also cause more watery stool:

• If your child's stool is more watery than normal, have them drink plenty of fluids. This helps replace lost fluids and prevent dehydration.
• Avoid foods that can make the stool loose, such as raw fruits and vegetables, garlic, onions, milk, beer, and iced drinks.
• Lactose intolerance can add to diarrhea. If your child is lactose intolerant, choose dairy products that are lactose-free. 
• Check with your healthcare provider before you give your child any medicines for diarrhea.

Causes of gas and odor

Some gas is normal, but constant gas is not. Neither is constant odor from stool. What causes gas or odor can differ from person to person:

• Gas is often caused by swallowing air. To avoid this, make sure your child eats slowly.  Your child should chew each bite well. Eating smaller amounts of food more often may help. Have your child sip fluids and do not let them use a straw.
• If your child has excess gas, they may want to go easy on things like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, dried beans, milk, mushrooms, nuts, onions, peas, sodas, and spicy foods.
• If odor is a problem, your child may want to eat less asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cheese, eggs, fish, garlic, horseradish, and spices, such as coriander, cumin, dill, and fennel. 

© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.