Colostomy Nutritional Advice
Food and Drink
Eating and drinking. They’re a big part of having a healthy bond with your life. But like everyone, at times you may experience constipation or diarrhea. Luckily, increasing your fluid and fiber intake can help prevent these problems. Here’s how:
- Drink 48-64 ounces (6-8 cups) of water and other beverages per day.
- For more fluid, fiber and a vitamin punch, eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. An easy way to do this is to fill half of your plate with fruits and/or vegetables at every meal.1
- Slowly increase your intake of high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, bread and cereals. As a daily goal, women need 25 grams of fiber; men need 38 grams of fiber.2
Odour-Causing Foods
- Eggs
- Certain spices, such as curry, cumin, and chili powder
- Garlic
- Fish
- Aspargus
- Alcohol
Note: Some foods may help decrease odour. These include cranberry juice, parsley, buttermilk and yogurt.3
Gas-producing Foods
- Beer/carbonated beverages
- Dairy products
- Onions
- Cucumbers
- Mushrooms
- Beans
- Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts
Medications
After ostomy surgery, the way your body digests and absorbs medications may be affected. Make sure to review all of your medications — both over-the-counter and prescription — with your doctor, ostomy nurse and pharmacist.
Medications you may need to adjust include:
- Antacids
- Antidiarrheals
- Anti-inflammatory agents, such as Tylenol®, Advil® or Aleve®
- Aspirin
- Laxatives
- Vitamins
Diarrhea
Diarrhea has many causes, including viruses and some medications. It can also be a sign of trouble digesting certain foods. In this case, you can reduce some fiber and bulk from your diet, cut back on certain foods, and eat other foods that thicken your stool.
Foods to avoid during episides of diarrhea:3
- High-fiber bread
- Whole grains
- Edible fruit and vegetable peels, such as apples
- Any food labeled “high fiber”
- Fried foods
- High-sugar foods
- Raisins, prunes, and other dried fruit
- Spicy foods
Foods that thicken stool include:
- Applesauce
- Bananas
- Cheese
- Pasta
- Rice
- Creamy peanut butter
- Potato (without skin)
- Tapioca
More in Living With An Ostomy
Lifestyle Support
Nutritional Advice
Eating well is part of living life on your own terms. An ostomy should not stand in the way of enjoying good food.
Read moreOstomy Types
Colostomy Surgery
A colostomy is created out of the end of the large intestine to divert waste from your digestive system.
Read moreOstomy Types
Ileostomy Surgery
Created out of the ileum (small intestine), and requires particular but simple attention to keep you comfortable and healthy.
Read moreOstomy Types
Urostomy Surgery
Type of surgery enabling urine to exit the body through a stoma after removal of a diseased or damaged portion of your urinary tract.
Read moreLifestyle Support
Physical Activities
Do you love to play tennis or golf, practice yoga or go for a swim? An ostomy shouldn't prevent you from staying fit.
Read moreLifestyle Support
Travel Tips
A little planning and understanding of security rules and your right to privacy can help you avoid problems in transit.
Read moreLifestyle Support
Intimacy
It’s normal to feel sensitive about the changes your body, but intimate encounters can still be part of your life.
Read moreLifestyle Support
Understanding Your Stoma
Just like you, each stoma is unique. Stomas vary in size and shape, or may protrude or stay flat against your skin.
Read moreLifestyle Support
Skin Care Tips
Peristomal skin complications are a common reason people living with a stoma seek medical attention.
Read moreLifestyle Support
me+ Recovery
The me+ Recovery series provides information on the importance of movement and physical activity after ostomy surgery.
Read moreLifestyle Support
Ileostomy Nutritional Advice
Following recovery, you can gradually resume eating what you like, unless your doctor prescribes a special diet.
Read moreLifestyle Support
Urostomy Nutritional Advice
Unless your healthcare team gives you specific instructions, people with a urostomy do not need a special diet.
Read more1. Why 5 A Day? NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/5-a-day/why-5-a-day/. Accessed November 17, 2022.
2.Health & Diet Guide. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/default.htm. Accessed November 17, 2022.
3. Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/in-depth/ostomy/art-20045825. Published July 28, 2022. Accessed November 17, 2022.
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