diet in intestinal pseudo-obstruction
For intestinal pseudo-obstruction, a diet low in fat, fiber, lactose, and fructose is generally recommended. Eating smaller, more frequent meals (5-6 per day) and using liquid meals or dietary supplements may also be beneficial. Cooking and blending vegetables can make them easier to digest.
Detailed Dietary Recommendations:
- Low Fiber: Reducing or avoiding fiber-rich foods can help prevent symptoms like abdominal cramping, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Low Fat: Limiting fat intake can also aid digestion.
- Avoid Lactose and Fructose: These sugars are found in dairy products and some fruits, and may worsen symptoms.
- Cook and Blend Vegetables: Cooking and blending vegetables can make them easier to digest.
- Small, Frequent Meals: Eating 5-6 small meals per day instead of 3 large ones can be better tolerated.
- Liquid Meals and Supplements: If necessary, liquid meals or dietary supplements can help meet nutritional needs.
- Vitamin Supplements: Talk to your doctor about whether vitamin supplements are needed.
Foods to Consider:
- Low-fiber options: Rice, potatoes (without skin), eggs, lean meats, chicken, fish.
- Cooked and pureed vegetables: Tomatoes, carrots, squash.
- Lactose-free milk and dairy alternatives: Soy milk, almond milk.
- Fructose-free fruits: Bananas, cooked and pureed fruits.
Foods to Avoid:
- High-fiber foods: Whole grains, bran, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, raw vegetables.
- Fatty foods: Fried foods, processed foods.
- Foods high in lactose: Milk, cheese, yogurt.
- Foods high in fructose: Many fruits, honey, high-fructose corn syrup.
- Raw or undercooked vegetables: Can be difficult to digest.
Important Considerations:
- Individual Needs: Dietary needs can vary. Work with a doctor or registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help with digestion and prevent dehydration.
- Medications: Some medications can worsen symptoms. Discuss any medications with your doctor.
- Nutritional Support: If oral intake is insufficient, nutritional support through enteral or parenteral nutrition may be necessary.