diet in Short Bowel Syndrome
Short Bowel Syndrome, a diet focused on small, frequent meals, high in protein and complex carbohydrates, and low in simple sugars and fat, with adequate hydration, is crucial for managing symptoms and promoting absorption of nutrients.
General Principles:
- Small, Frequent Meals: Aim for 6-8 small meals or snacks throughout the day rather than 3 large meals.
- Eat Slowly and Chew Well: This aids in digestion and absorption.
- Hydration: Drink fluids between meals, not with them, and consider oral rehydration solutions if needed.
- Prioritize Complex Carbohydrates: Choose foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, and bread over simple sugars (lollies, soft drinks).
- Choose High-Protein Foods: Include lean meats, fish, eggs, poultry, and dairy products.
- Limit Fat Intake: If you have a short bowel, you may have difficulty absorbing fat, so choose lower-fat alternatives.
- Avoid or Reduce Alcohol and Caffeine: These can worsen diarrhea.
- Consider Low-Oxalate Diet: If you have had your terminal ileum removed, consider a low-oxalate diet to reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Foods to Include:
- High-Protein Foods: Fish, eggs, tofu, poultry, meat, dairy products, and smooth peanut butter.
- Complex Carbohydrates: White bread, cereals like Rice Krispies and corn flakes, white rice, pasta, and potatoes.
- Soluble Fiber: Canned fruit, fresh fruit without skins, peels, membranes, or seeds, oatmeal, barley, legumes (in small amounts).
- Low-Fiber Options: Puffed wheat, puffed rice, corn flakes, cream of wheat or rice, farina, white rice, white bread, matzoh, and Italian bread without seeds, regular pasta (not whole wheat), baked or mashed potatoes without skin.
- Bland Foods: Fish, meat, non-spicy soups, white rice, pasta, potatoes, poultry, and refined breads and crackers.
Foods to Limit or Avoid:
- Simple Sugars: Cakes, candy, chocolate, cookies, donuts, icings, pastries, sweet rolls, and syrups.
- Sugary Drinks: Fruit juices, sports drinks, and regular soda.
- Foods High in Oxalates: Cocoa, peanut products, tea, coffee, wheat germ, rhubarb, beets, collards, spinach, tofu and soybeans, citrus drinks, tomatoes, and fruit.
- Insoluble Fiber: Skins, stalks, or seeds of fruits and vegetables.
- Raw Vegetables: Cooked vegetables are generally better tolerated.
- Large, Greasy Meals: These can be difficult to digest.
Important Considerations:
- Individual Needs: Dietary needs can vary depending on the severity of short bowel syndrome and the presence or absence of the colon.
- Consult with a Healthcare Professional: Work with your doctor or a registered dietitian to develop a personalized nutrition plan.
- Supplementation: You may need to take supplements to ensure adequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
- Oral Rehydration Solutions: If you are experiencing significant diarrhea, your healthcare team may recommend oral rehydration solutions.
- Intestinal Adaptation: Over time, the remaining intestine may adapt and improve nutrient absorption.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel after eating different foods and adjust your diet accordingly.