Why do I need to eat healthily with a stoma?
What can I eat after stoma surgery? That is a common question asked by people who are adapting to life with a colostomy or life with an ileostomy. You might think you have to eat differently, and this is true in the early post-surgery period but, in time, it is usually possible to move towards a varied diet without too many restrictions.
Download our free booklet for tips on what to eat after stoma surgery.
The benefits of eating healthily with a stoma
Eating nutritious food is essential for good health, and a good stoma diet should include all the nutrients your body needs.
With time, as you learn how your stoma reacts to different food, you should be able to get into healthy eating habits. Eating healthily has many benefits, from boosting the immune system and managing weight to lowering the risk of developing some illnesses and maintaining good mental health…
Download our free booklet for tips on what to eat after stoma surgery.
How to spot nutritional deficiencies
Getting enough nutrients after stoma surgery is vital. People with stomas can be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals, so it’s important to be able to spot the signs. If you often ask yourself ‘why am I so tired?’, ‘why do my muscles ache?’, ‘why do I keep catching colds?’, it might be a symptom of a deficiency.
Not all stomas are the same, and an ileostomy diet and a colostomy diet are likely to be different because of the amount of bowel that has been removed. Knowing the symptoms of a nutrient deficiency and what foods contain the nutrients you need should help you to get the balance right.
Download our free booklet for tips on what to eat after stoma surgery.
Our dedicated stoma support programme is free to join, and offers expert advice and lifestyle tips for everyone living with a stoma.