If you have a colostomy or ileostomy you can eat a
normal, well-balanced diet. However,
you may find that certain foods or drinks may upset you. Food that agrees with some does not always agree with others
- it is a very individual thing. The following information is only a rough guide.
Your own experience will be more valuable.
It is important to try everything (more than once to be certain).
What
can I eat after my operation?
You may find having small, frequent meals is easier
initially. Build up to three
regular meals and gradually introduce new foods in small portions.
Drink plenty of fluids such as water, juice or squash.
If any food causes a problem, temporarily remove it from your diet and
then try the food again after about two weeks. A common worry in people with a stoma is odour.
People with an ileostomy are less likely to have problems with odour.
Some people are more prone to wind than others and if you feel this is a
problem it might help to change your diet slightly.
What
changes do I need to make to my diet?
Many people with a stoma can eat whatever they
like. However, some people find
certain foods can alter their stoma output.
Finding out which foods affect you can be hit and miss at first, but the
list overleaf will give you some guidance.
People with an ileostomy can eat the majority of
foods but there are certain aspects of your diet, which need extra care.
Fluid
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Aim
for 8-10 tall glasses of fluid per day and extra during warm weather.
(Fluids
such as tea & coffee will increase ileostomy output and lead to
dehydration especially in hot weather, so keep these to a minimum).
Sports
drinks can be very useful as they replace essential salts & glucose
E.g.
Lucozade Sport or Isotar.
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Chewing
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Always
chew your food well, especially high fibre foods, as this will help
digestion and passage through the stoma.
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Some
people find certain foods can alter their stoma output. The following lists may give some guidance.
Foods that
may cause wind
-
Green vegetables (e.g.
broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower)
-
Beans and pulses
-
Onions
-
Carbonated drinks (e.g. coca
cola, lemonade, sparkling water)
-
Beer
Foods that may loosen stools
-
Raw vegetables
-
Spicy foods
-
Green leafy vegetables
-
Alcohol
-
Fresh fruits
-
Fried foods
-
Fruit Juice
You
should be aware of foods which are very high in fibre as they can stimulate the
gut and may give you diarrhoea, such as: cabbage, pineapple, bean sprouts,
tomato skins, nuts, coconuts, bamboo shoots, orange pith, lettuce or celery
Foods that
may help with diarrhoea
-
Bananas
-
Boiled
rice
-
Marshmallows
-
Toast
-
Yoghurt
-
Tapioca
-
Peanut butter
-
Apple sauce
-
Cheese
Remember if you are suffering from diarrhoea you need to
ensure you increase your fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
Foods that may help with constipation
Foods that may cause odour
-
Fish
-
Onions
-
Eggs
-
Some spices
-
Baked beans
-
Asparagus
-
Green vegetables
Foods that
may help control odour
-
Tomato juice
-
Yoghurt
-
Orange juice
-
Parsley
Poorly digested food (& most likely to cause
blockage)
If
you suspect that you have a blockage in your stoma, it may be worthwhile eating
the foods and drinks that normally cause you wind as this may dislodge any
particles. If this does not help,
then see your doctor.
Remember that everybody is different and you may be
unaffected by many of these foods. Try
foods in small amounts at first & then gradually build up your portion sizes
until you are eating normally.
Further
information can be obtained from
your Stoma Care Nurse or Dietitian
or
: -
The
Ileostomy Association
Amblehurst
House,
Black Scotch
Lane,
Mansfield,
Notts
NG18 4PF
Tel: 0800
0184724
The British
Colostomy Association (BCA)
15, Station
Road,
Reading,
Berkshire,
RG1 1LG
Tel: 0118
9391537
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