Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Short Bowel Syndrome

What should I eat and drink if I have short bowel syndrome?

If you have short bowel syndrome, talk with your doctor about what you should eat and drink. Your doctor may refer you to a registered dietitian to help you plan a healthy diet. Check on the cost of a dietitian’s services and whether your health insurance may pay for some or all of these services.

Your doctor or dietitian will recommend foods and drinks to

• help you get enough nutrients, fluids, and electrolytes
• help your intestines adapt, or change to work better
• improve your symptoms and prevent complications

Different people with short bowel syndrome may need different diets. Health care professionals can recommend a diet that’s right for you based on many factors, including

• which parts of your intestines are missing, and which parts are present and work well
• your stage of short bowel syndrome and how much nutrition support you receive
• your symptoms

If you have short bowel syndrome, talk with your doctor or dietitian about what you should eat and drink.