Since the colon (which I do not have) absorbs much of the nutrients, how do I get my nutrition?

Has anyone done research about vitamin water? I like to think I am getting all of those vitamins for my body when I drink it, but for some reason I am skeptical. Besides vitamin water, I drink V8 Fusion which has basically a liquid version of fruits and vegetables. I am more certain about this drink. I also take a iron pill supplement since I am anemic. Also, I take a Calcium pill that has calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.

Any thoughts on this topic? I feel like all these things are synthetic and not as good as getting it the natural way from eating fruits and veggies. But what can I do, right? There is no colon to absorb the nutrients!

Am I getting all of the nutrition I need? What other ways can I get my nutrition? Any insights and thoughts would be helpful. Thanks! Maybe I should see a nutritionist.

Your small intestine (which you should have) absorbs your nutrients, not the large intestine so you are ok. With the exception of a small amount of vitamins, (not enough to make a difference) the colon mostly absorbs water, which is why your stool is now more loose than it was with a colon (before UC).
I drink Vitamin Water occasionally but not too much because it does have quite a bit of sugar (I wish it had less) but I have had good results with the added vitamins.
Why can you not eat fruits and veggies??

I saw on the diet list of this site that raw fruits and veggies result in more frequency. I already go 11+ times a day when I do not eat them so I am hesitant to include them in my diet.

I guess I really am uninformed about the role of my digestive system in terms of my small intestine. Maybe I will try and see what happens. thanks for your help.

Do you get any specific symptoms or flare ups when eating too much sugar?

Vitamins and minerals are only a small portion of the nutrients we need and you should get an ample quantity by eating a varied diet. Taking a multivitamin with minerals can be good insurance that you get those things, but there are undoubtedly numerous phytochemicals that are necessary for good health that we don't even know about. This is why it is important to make sure to eat real food that is varied.

Yes, some raw fruits and vegetables can cause increased output. This varies from person to person, and even day to day in the same person. You will find your tolerances improve as time goes on. Concentrated sugar tends to increase output because it pulls water into the intestine and if you cannot reabsorb it before it gets to the end, there you go. But this also varies. You just have to experiment.

It is primarily hydration issues that you have due to the loss of your colon.

Jan

I had simmilar concerns when they removed my colon 11 years ago but they were totally unfounded.The small intestine absorbs all the nutrients you need. And as Jan says its not just the vitamins but the phytochemicals that are needed which only a varied healthy diet can provide. Even when I had an end ileostomy for the last 11 years I never suffered any deficiencies healthwise. My health in fact improved tremendously as evidenced by all normal bloods tests every year and my high energy levels and abscence of any colds /disease in that time. The skin/hair is usually a good indication you are not deficient in anything.
Now with a J pouch I am beginning to include cooked vegetables on daily basis and some fruits.
I also believe that trying to achieve a proper alkaline/acid ratio of 80/20% is the best health insurance we can give ourselves.There were past posts on this topic if you are interested. It also helps with butt burn issue.

The body will adapt to maintain health. Even the cells in the pouch have been known to change to resemble those of the rectum in time. So I dont think malabsorbsion is a problem. I do however know that eating too much sugar feeds the bad bacteria in the intestines which interfere with the absorbsion process hence some peoeple take proborics to keep the good bacteria balance. It is the good bacteria that work for us : they manufacture some vitamins and help break up nutrients into absorbabale forms. We need to concentrate more on making sure this delcate balance is not disturbed by not eating suggary foods which interfere with this balance by feeding candida bacteria which release harmful toxins and taking spacial care to replenish the good bacteria after a course of antibiotics.

quote:

I saw on the diet list of this site that raw fruits and veggies result in more frequency. I already go 11+ times a day when I do not eat them so I am hesitant to include them in my diet.

I actually do better when I eat veggies. My stool is more formed and comes out much easier. Start slow, but there should be no reason why you can't eat veggies or fruit. Everyone is different of course so see how it goes. I like carrots and green beans, squash, romaine lettuce (vs. iceberg), and much more.

Excess sugar causes me gas, liquid stools, and in general, more time spent in the bathroom with the lotions and potions I put on my rear, suppositories at night......just an array of issues that I don't want to have to deal with.