In 1994 Northwick Park Hospital published a sheet containing dietary advice for people with a pouch which we have eproduced below. Not all the tips may be appropriate to you, but if you have a ‘problem’ pouch, it might be worth trying out some of them. Let us know how you get on, and please send in some tips of your own.

1. Try a high fibre diet to facilitate water absorption and aid regular bowel movement. You should include wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals, wholemeal biscuits, brown rice and wholemeal pasta. Aim to include one portion from this list at each meal.
2. Reduce your intake of sugar and sugary foods, especially those between meals.
3. Take fluids in between meals rather than with meals.
4. Take regular meals during the day, but experiment with the timing or amount of
   food or fluid taken prior to bedtime to help reduce the number of bowel movements
   at night.

Foods that may increase bowel movement

• Leafy green vegetables
• Broccoli
• Beans
• Spicy foods
• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Beer
• Caffeine beverages
• Chocolate
• Red wine
• Fizzy drinks

Foods that may cause anal irritation

• Corn
• Popcorn
• Oranges
• Apples
• Coleslaw
• Celery
• Other raw fruit and vegetables
• Nuts
• Coconut
• Food with seeds
• Spicy food