A bowel obstruction occurs when a blockage in the intestine partially or fully prevents the passage of digested food or stool. This can lead to severe pain, abdominal bloating, vomiting, constipation, and an inability to pass gas. While surgery is often required for complete blockages, certain foods may help manage mild to moderate symptoms associated with partial obstructions. Here are some of the top foods that can help with bowel obstructions.
High Fiber Foods
Adding high fiber foods can help soften stool, allowing it to more easily pass through partial obstructions. Slowly increase fiber intake by incorporating:
- Whole grains like oatmeal, bran cereal, brown rice, whole wheat pasta
- Fruits like berries, pears, bananas, apples, oranges
- Vegetables like broccoli, green beans, squash, carrots, potatoes with skin
- Beans, lentils and other legumes
- Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, chia and flax seeds
Aim for 25-35 grams of fiber daily, spread throughout meals and snacks. Be sure to stay well hydrated when increasing fiber intake. Too much fiber at once can back up an obstruction.
Probiotic Foods
Probiotics may help improve intestinal motility and stool consistency. Try incorporating:
- Yogurt with active cultures
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Miso
- Tempeh
Look for products labeled “contains live and active cultures.” Aim for 1-2 servings daily. Probiotic supplements can also be used.
Prune Juice
Prune juice contains sorbitol, which has natural laxative effects. It may help soften compacted stool while providing fluid to aid in passage. Start with 4-8 ounces daily, preferably on an empty stomach. If well tolerated, can increase to 12 ounces spread throughout the day.
Clear Liquids
Staying hydrated with clear fluids may help thin out intestinal blockages. Useful options include:
- Water
- Fruit juices like apple, white grape, lemonade
- Tea
- Clear broths like chicken or vegetable broth
- Electrolyte beverages like Gatorade
- Gelatin
- Popsicles
Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids daily. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate.
Low Fiber Foods
While increasing fiber is helpful long-term, severely obstructed patients may need to start with lower fiber foods that can more easily pass through blockages. Foods to try include:
- White bread, white rice, crackers, refined cereals
- Canned or cooked fruits without skins/seeds like applesauce or peaches
- Vegetable juices
- Tender, skinless vegetables like carrots and green beans
- Soft, peeled fruits like melons, bananas
- Yogurt
- Milk
- Eggs
- Smooth nut butters
- Tofu
- Clear broth soups
- Juices
- Herbal teas
Slowly increase fiber containing foods as obstructions resolve.
Avoid Gas Producing Foods
Foods that may increase gas and abdominal discomfort should also be avoided, including:
- Dried beans and legumes
- Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower
- Onions
- Carbonated beverages
- Chewing gum
As symptoms improve, gas-producing foods can be slowly reintroduced.
Nourishing Smoothies
For patients struggling with eating solid foods, nutrient rich smoothies can help provide sustenance while avoiding fiber-heavy ingredients. Useful smoothie additions include:
- Greek yogurt for protein
- Full fat milk, almond milk, soy milk
- Fruit juices like orange, apple, grape
- Ripe bananas
- Avocado
- Peanut butter
- Ground flax or chia seeds
- Honey
- Ice
Avoid adding raw fruits and vegetables with skins and seeds which may be hard to digest.
Lean Protein Foods
For patients needing extra calories and protein, lean protein foods that are easy to digest can help without excess fiber. Options include:
- Eggs
- Skinless poultry like chicken or turkey
- Fish like salmon, tuna, tilapia
- Dairy like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese
- Tofu
- Smooth nut butters
- Protein shakes made with milk or yogurt
Avoid tough, fibrous meats which are harder to digest.
Well-Cooked Vegetables
While raw vegetables should be avoided, cooked vegetables provide key nutrients without much fiber. Go for options like:
- Steamed green beans, carrots, zucchini, squash
- Well-cooked spinach, kale
- Roasted or pureed potatoes
- Pureed peas, carrots
- Low-fiber tomato sauces
Remove peels and seeds before cooking. Roasting and pureeing helps break down fiber.
Avoid Problematic Foods
Certain foods are more likely to aggravate obstructions and should be avoided, including:
- Nuts, seeds, popcorn
- Whole grains with bran
- Raw fruits and vegetables with skins
- Dried fruits
- Red meat
- Fried, greasy foods
These fibrous, gas-producing foods put strain on blocked intestines. Stick to low fiber options prepared without added fats.
Hydrating Soups
Brothy soups provide hydration and nutrients without straining the bowel:
- Chicken noodle soup with white meat, noodles
- Vegetable soup with soft cooked veggies
- Bean-free minestrone
- Miso soup
Avoid chunky ingredients like beans, raw vegetables. Puree soup if needed for easier digestion.
Helpful Tips
Other tips to manage bowel obstructions through diet:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Chew foods very thoroughly
- Limit high fat foods which can worsen nausea
- Stay upright after eating
- Avoid carbonated drinks which can cause gas and bloating
- Keep a food journal to identify problem foods
Consult a registered dietitian to develop a customized eating plan. Diets may need to be progressed slowly from clear liquids to low residue as obstructions resolve.
Foods to Avoid
To summarize, foods that should generally be avoided with a bowel obstruction include:
- Whole grains with bran
- Brown rice
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Raw produce with skins and seeds
- Nuts and seeds
- Red meat
- Fried foods
- Processed meats like hot dogs
- Cheese
- Chips and popcorn
- Legumes
- Gas producing foods like broccoli, onions
These fibrous, difficult to digest picks can make obstructions worse. Focus on well-cooked options without added fats or irritating ingredients.
Sample Menu
Here is a sample one day menu with bowel obstruction friendly foods:
Breakfast:
- 1 cup oatmeal made with milk, sliced bananas on top
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh apple juice
Lunch:
- Pea soup pureed
- Grilled chicken sandwich on white bread with lettuce, tomato
- Melon chunks
Dinner:
- Herb roasted chicken breast
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed carrots
- White rice
- 1 cup milk
Focus on incorporating lean proteins, well-cooked produce, refined grains and dairy. Avoid excessive added fat, spices, raw fruits/vegetables and gas producing foods. Stay hydrated with water, juices, tea, broths.
Key Takeaways
In summary, the following diet tips may help relieve symptoms of a bowel obstruction:
- Gradually increase high fiber foods like whole grains, produce, legumes
- Eat probiotic foods like yogurt to support gut health
- Drink prune juice to provide fluid and aid in bowel movements
- Stay hydrated with clear liquids like water, juices, broths
- Start with low fiber foods, then slowly increase as tolerated
- Avoid gas producing foods, greasy fried fare
- Puree soups, make smoothies for easier nutrient absorption
- Focus on lean proteins, well-cooked vegetables
Work closely with your doctor and dietitian to tailor dietary approaches as obstructions resolve. Proper nutrition can help support recovery and prevent recurrent blockages.
| Type | Foods to Include | Foods to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Grains | Refined grains like white rice, bread, pasta; oatmeal | Whole grains with bran; brown rice |
| Fruits & Vegetables | Well-cooked, peeled, pureed veggies; canned or cooked fruits without skin/seeds | Raw produce; skins, seeds; dried fruits and veggies |
| Proteins | Eggs, dairy, smooth nut butters, tender meats, tofu | Tough, fibrous meats; chunky nut butters |
| Beverages | Water, juice, tea, electrolyte drinks, broths | Carbonated beverages; alcohol; caffeinated drinks |
| Other | Smoothies; soups; gelatin | Nuts, seeds; greasy fried foods; gas producing foods |
When to Seek Medical Care
While diet can help manage mild obstructions, seek immediate medical care for:
- Inability to have a bowel movement for 3+ days
- Intense and unrelenting abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- High fever
- Blood in vomit or stool
Complete bowel obstructions usually require hospitalization, IV fluids, decompression tubes, and often surgery. Never try to self-treat a complete blockage at home. Delaying medical care raises the risk of bowel perforation and sepsis.
Conclusion
Bowel obstructions disrupt normal intestinal function, but strategic dietary choices can help alleviate discomfort. Focus on well-cooked vegetables, soft fruits, low fiber grains, lean proteins, and probiotics while staying hydrated. Avoid raw produce, excess fat, and gas-producing foods. Work with a medical team to ensure proper treatment as well as nutritional support for optimal recovery. While the right foods won’t cure an obstruction, they can go a long way towards managing symptoms and preventing complications when part of a comprehensive treatment plan.