A healthy diet is one of the best ways to prevent atherosclerosis, which can cause ischemic bowel disease. Important dietary measures include:

• Avoid fad diets:
• Eat a well-rounded diet instead.
• Eat enough dietary fiber:
• Whole grains are best.
• Eat quality fats:
• Use virgin olive oil and other unsaturated, low-cholesterol fats.
• Eat the right amount of fats, carbohydrates and protein:
• Limit your fat intake to 20 or 30 percent, but don't substitute simple carbohydrates for fat.
• Limit iron intake:
• Too much iron can increase atherosclerosis.

Ask your doctor about supplementing your diet with B vitamins. Some people may benefit from these supplements.