Diet Nutrition Guide
BASIC FOOD GROUPS CHART
Nutritional goals for individuals who have had ostomy or related surgeries require some adaptation of dietary information provided for the general public. Specifics of adaptation depend on the type of ostomy and its management. Ostomy nutritional guidelines provide a base of knowledge for selection of a personalized dietary plan and sound nutritional advice for good eating habits. The American Dietetic Association recommends the following food categories and servings. Consider the following recommendations for a healthy diet for ostomates:
Digestion
Digestion begins in the mouth when food is broken down by chewing and mixed with ptyalin, a digestive enzyme in saliva. In the stomach, food is mixed with gastric juices into a semi-liquid state. The stomach has two valves which help regulate emptying into the small intestine. The small intestine is approximately 21 feet long. Bile and pancreatic enzymes, along with small intestine enzymes, break food down so it can be absorbed and used for energy. The digestion process usually takes two to six hours to complete through the small intestine.
The large intestine, or colon, is five to six feet in length and serves as a storage area for the residues of digestion (wastes). Some water and sodium are absorbed from the stool in the colon. The stool may remain in the colon for 12 to 48 hours.
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