Essential Diet and Nutrition Tips for Ostomy Patients
Adjusting to life with an ostomy can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to food and nutrition.
The good news is that with the right dietary choices, you can support healing, manage your output, and maintain good overall health. In this article, we’ll cover some general guidelines followed by timeline-specific tips to help you navigate your dietary journey.
General Guidelines
1. No one-size-fits all solution.
Your nutrient goals and dietary needs will be specific to you, your digestive system, and your specific type of ostomy. While we’re sharing helpful insights, finding what works best for you may take some trial and error. Consulting with a healthcare provider or dietitian will help you get personalized guidance.
2. Hydration, hydration, hydration:
Most people could benefit from staying well-hydrated, and for ostomates, it’s no different.
Fluids help maintain regular output and may need extra attention if your ostomy modifies fluid retaining mechanisms in your digestive system. Additionally, water works with soluble fibres to move food through your digestive system.
3. Soluble fibres are your friend:
Fibre should always remain a part of a healthy diet. Soluble fibres provide an accessible solution to meeting your daily needs. FiberCel provides supplemental dietary fiber that is clinically proven to promote digestion while being ostomate friendly. Insoluble fibres, on the other hand, may increase the risk of blockages if not consumed carefully.
4. Chewing thoroughly:
For hard-to-digest foods, thorough mechanical digestion—such as chewing well—is helpful in reducing potential digestive issues. This would be your best way to consume your occasional insoluble fibre-rich foods.
5. Preparation is key:
When it comes to the accessibility of foods, preparation plays a key role. For example, fully cooking, thinly sliced and peeled vegetables cause much less issues than eating raw, whole vegetables.
Pre-Op: What should I eat before ostomy surgery?
Preparing your body nutritionally before surgery can help promote a smoother recovery.
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Laying the nutritional groundwork for recovery:
Increasing calories and protein intake before surgery can give you a head start on recovery post-op.
Post-Op: What should I eat to recover from ostomy surgery? What should I avoid?
After surgery, your digestive system needs time to adjust. Initially, your diet will be low fiber, low residue, and easy to digest.
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Stick to soft foods, smaller and more frequent meals:
After surgery, you may not have your full appetite. Instead, opt for smaller, more frequent meals that are easily digestible.
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Hydration is critical:
Your body may absorb less water, especially with an ileostomy. Don’t forget to include electrolytes in your diet, as they help with fluid absorption and balance.
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Proteins and Calories for maintenance and repair:
Calories and protein are essential for post-op healing and maintaining body functions.
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Avoid gas-producing foods:
Cruciferous vegetables, carbonated drinks, and beans may cause bloating and discomfort, especially during the adjustment period.
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Prioritizing micronutrients for recovery:
A speedy recovery is supported by essential micronutrients like Iron, vitamin C, and zinc.
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Targeted supplementation:
Supplementation during this short period of time can be essential for recovery. Products like PUSH 20+ Advanced Collagen Blend offer a handpicked blend of nutrients specifically tailored to post-op recovery. This includes proteins, calories, and recovery micronutrients like Iron, Zinc, and Vitamin C. All of this in an easily digestible, complete, and compact package.
Getting reacquainted with food (4 – 6 weeks post-op)
As you heal, feel free to slowly expand your diet while monitoring how your body reacts.
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Reintroduce foods gradually:
Start with small portions to assess how your bowel responds.
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Chew thoroughly:
This helps prevent blockages, especially with high-fiber foods like corn and mushrooms.
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Monitor hydration:
Urostomy and ileostomy patients are especially at risk for dehydration. Limit caffeine and alcohol, as they can increase fluid loss.
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Identify potential deficiencies:
Depending on your specific ostomy, you may be more at risk of certain nutritional deficiencies. For example, Ileostomates may be more susceptible to dehydration and Vitamin B12 deficiencies due to the bypass of parts of the small and large intestine.
A Quick List for Ostomy Patients
Foods to Reduce Output & Thicken Stool
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Bananas
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Applesauce
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Rice
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Cheese
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Creamy peanut butter
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Marshmallows (not recommended for diabetics)
Foods That Can Loosen Stool
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Fresh fruits & fruit juices
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Fried or greasy foods
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Spicy foods
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Alcohol & caffeine
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High-sugar foods
Foods That May Cause Blockages
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Popcorn
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Nuts & seeds
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Dried fruit
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Coconut
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Raw celery & coleslaw
Foods That May Cause Odor
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Fish
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Onions & garlic
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Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower)
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Eggs
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Beans
Additional tips for managing diet and nutrition with an Ostomy:
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Dietary factors for timing ostomy changes:
Proper meal timing and food choices allow for quiet times for your stoma. Since everyone has different food transit times, adjusting your meals can help create a more convenient pouch change window.
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The Marshmallow Trick:
Many Ostomates have anecdotally reported reduced ostomy output when eating marshmallows prior to a pouch change. A 2015 study by the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland concluded that eating marshmallows lead to a small but statistically significant reduction in output (Clarebrough et al, 2015).
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Join a support group:
Connecting with other ostomy patients, whether through a local in-person group or an online community, can provide valuable dietary insights and tips. Having a shared community of similar lived experiences can also help as a reminder that you are not alone in this journey.
McKin Health: Your Trusted Canadian Medical Nutrition Partner 🍁
At McKin Health, we understand the unique nutritional needs of ostomy patients. As a proudly Canadian company, we provide trusted medical nutrition solutions to help you manage your diet with confidence. From supplements and dietary solutions to pouches and supplies, our products support your health at every stage of your ostomy journey. Explore our full range of solutions at McKin Health and find the right products to meet your needs.