Renee documents her food shop and fajita making, chosing healthier options to suit her lifestyle with an ostomy.
- Eating: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Try eating new foods in small portions to see if you can handle them. Keep a journal on the foods that work for you and ones that don't. - Liquids: Don't Wait to Hydrate
Drink water and other liquids regularly—eight to ten glasses a day. Keep an eye out for the symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness or dry mouth, or if your urine is discolored. - Meals: More is More
Eating four to six smaller meals throughout the day may work better for you than the traditional three. Eat your largest meal around midday to decrease the amount of stool output at night. And be sure to include protein. - Go Easy on the Gas
Certain foods are notorious for causing gas and odor for people living with an ostomy. Broccoli, for example. Here are a few more that may surprise you.
-Chewing gum. You swallow air when chewing gum, which goes into your digestive tract and can cause gas.
-Drinking with a straw. You also swallow air when you drink through a straw.
-Soy milk. Sure, it’s healthy, but it can also be gassy. - Unpleasant Odors? Try These:
-Cranberry juice
-Yogurt
-Diamonds™ Gelling Sachets with ActiveOne™ Odor Control can help solidify liquid contents and eliminate excess gas.
"Foodie" Tips from People with an Ostomy
“I can count on certain foods to go through me more slowly and solid-like chicken. Bananas, too, and they’re a good source of potassium.”
Ted
Living with an ostomy since 2012
“I’m a grazer. I snack a little bit throughout the day and that works just fine for me.”
Stephanie
Living with an ostomy since 2010
1. Ostomy Diet & Nutrition. United Ostomy Associations of America. 2005-2023. Accessed May 13, 2024. https://www.ostomy.org/diet-nutrition/
2. Urine Colour Chart. NSW Health. January 29, 2024. Accessed March 5, 2024. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/Pages/urine-colour-chart.aspx
3. Water, drinks and hydration. NHS Live Well . May 17, 2023. Accessed March 5, 2024. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/
4. Food Reference Chart for people with an Ostomy. United Ostomy Associations of America. Accessed May 13, 2024. https://www.ostomy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Food_Reference_Chart_2022-02.pdf
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